Dual-Interface Access Point for Seamless Wi-Fi LTE Traffic Routing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication networks, such as Wi-Fi and mobile communication networks, operate separately and require users to disconnect from one network to connect to another, leading to network congestion and suboptimal user experience, with a need for seamless integration and reduced signaling between core elements.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a wireless access point with dual interfaces (LTE and Wi-Fi) associates identifiers and controls traffic between the two networks, allowing seamless communication and traffic routing without the need for extensive signaling, enabling dual-mode mobile stations to use a single interface for both networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If Wi-Fi and mobile networks operate separately, then network operations are simple, but user experience deteriorates due to required disconnection and network congestion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines Wi-Fi and mobile network interfaces into a single access point device, merging two separate network operations into one unified system. This allows the access point to handle both network types simultaneously, enabling seamless switching for mobile stations without requiring disconnection between networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The access point is designed with multi-functionality, supporting both Wi-Fi and mobile network interfaces within the same device. This universal design allows a single access point to serve multiple network purposes, providing integrated connectivity options while maintaining simple operation for end users.
2Reliability
If networks are integrated with seamless switching, then user experience improves, but signaling between core elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the network integration functionality from the core network elements and places it at the access point level. By handling identifier association and traffic routing locally at the access point, the system avoids extensive signaling between core network elements, reducing signaling overhead while maintaining seamless communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The access point acts as an intermediary between mobile stations and the core network, performing identifier association and traffic routing functions. This intermediary role allows the access point to manage network switching locally, ensuring reliable seamless communication while minimizing the need for complex signaling between core network elements.
3Productivity
If dual network connectivity is provided, then network utilization improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges Wi-Fi and mobile network interfaces into a single access point device, consolidating dual network connectivity functionality. This merging approach improves network utilization by allowing simultaneous access to both networks while managing device complexity through integrated design rather than separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The access point implements multi-functionality by supporting both Wi-Fi and mobile network interfaces within one device. This universal design improves network utilization by providing diverse connectivity options, while the integrated architecture manages complexity efficiently compared to separate network systems.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 4~9
AI summary
The disclosure concerns a method for providing communication with a mobile station (12) via a first wireless access point (10) as well as the access point. The mobile station (12) has a first identifier for use in a first communication network (14) and the wireless access point comprises a first wireless interface for a first type of wireless communication with mobile stations in relation to the first communication network (14), a second wireless interface for a second type of wireless communication with mobile stations in relation to a second communication network (16), a mapping unit associating the first type of wireless communication for the mobile station with the second type of wireless communication for the mobile station based on the first identifier and a traffic control unit transporting traffic of wireless communication of the second type for the mobile station through the first communication network (14) based on the association.