Distributed Communication Controllers for Seamless Enterprise Mobility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users in enterprise facilities face challenges with uninterrupted communication due to gaps in access to communication networks and the need to carry bulky devices, as well as limitations in seamless integration of communication technologies and manual processes for conference calls.
Innovation Solution
A distributed communication controller system that detects and verifies user devices within proximity, providing enterprise communication services without requiring devices to have processing capabilities, allowing for mobile communication and seamless integration of communication technologies, including audio and video signals, across different areas within an enterprise facility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users carry personal devices with communication hardware and software, then communication functionality is provided, but device weight and bulk increase making it cumbersome to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the communication processing functionality from the user's personal device and places it on the enterprise network infrastructure. The wearable device becomes a simple interface that connects to distributed communication controllers, which handle all complex communication processing, authentication, and network management functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces distributed communication controllers as intermediary devices between the wearable user devices and the enterprise network. These controllers manage the communication infrastructure, handling authentication, call routing, and network policies, allowing users to have simple wearables while maintaining full communication capabilities through the intermediary controllers.
2Ease of operation
If mobile devices are used for enterprise communications, then user mobility is enabled, but gaps in network access occur in certain areas of the enterprise facility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the enterprise network into multiple zones with distributed communication controllers placed throughout the facility. Each controller serves a specific area, and when users move between zones, the system seamlessly transfers communication sessions between controllers, maintaining continuous network access regardless of location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic handoff mechanisms where distributed communication controllers continuously monitor user device locations and automatically transfer communication sessions as users move between coverage zones. This dynamic adaptation ensures uninterrupted network access and maintains reliability even as users move throughout the enterprise facility.
3Reliability
If policy restrictions are implemented to prevent unauthorized communications, then security is improved, but access to communication services is blocked in specific areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary authentication and authorization where users are verified before accessing communication services in restricted areas. The distributed communication controllers check user credentials and device permissions in advance, allowing legitimate communications while blocking unauthorized access, thus maintaining both security and appropriate access versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where distributed communication controllers continuously monitor communication attempts and adjust access based on real-time policy evaluation. The system provides feedback to users about whether their device is authorized for communication in the current area, dynamically enforcing security policies while allowing legitimate communications to proceed.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for enhancing communications mobility in an enterprise using distributed communication controllers. The distributed communication controllers provide overlapping communication ranges that are capable of passing off call responsibilities as a user and user device navigates an enterprise ensuring full call coverage throughout the enterprise. As the user device moves outside of the range of a first distributed communication controller into the range of a second distributed communication controller while on a call, the system of distributed communication controllers transfer the call responsibilities provided by the first distributed communication controller to the second distributed communication controller, seamlessly, allowing the user to continue the call without interruption.