Dual Modem Manager for Seamless Network Handover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions fail to maintain a continuous wireless connection between devices, such as UAVs, and servers, leading to potential data loss due to network connectivity issues.
Innovation Solution
A device with dual modems and a modem manager that actively monitors Quality of Service (QoS) to switch between networks, ensuring data paths are rerouted through the best available connection, maintaining a seamless wireless link without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single modem is used for wireless connection, then device complexity is reduced, but connection reliability deteriorates due to inability to switch networks
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the communication function into multiple independent modems (first modem and second modem), each capable of operating on different networks. This segmentation allows the device to maintain connection reliability by switching between modems while keeping each modem's design relatively simple and modular.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic switching between modems based on real-time QoS measurements. The modem manager continuously monitors network conditions and dynamically selects the optimal active modem, transforming a static single-modem configuration into a dynamic multi-modem system that adapts to changing network conditions.
2Reliability
If multiple modems are maintained active simultaneously, then connection reliability is improved through redundancy, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary QoS measurements on the inactive modem before switching occurs. By pre-measuring the QoS of the standby modem, the system ensures that switching to it will maintain or improve connection quality, eliminating the need for both modems to remain fully active and synchronized, thus reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The inactive modem performs self-service by autonomously measuring its own QoS parameters and reporting them to the modem manager. This self-measurement capability allows the modem to be kept in a low-power inactive state while still providing necessary information for switching decisions, reducing overall system energy consumption.
3Productivity
If network switching is implemented manually, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to loss of connection during switching
Solution Approach 1:
The modem manager implements continuous feedback by monitoring QoS parameters from both modems in real-time. This feedback mechanism enables automatic detection of network degradation and triggers switching operations without manual intervention, maintaining connection continuity while managing the complexity through automated control loops.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors changes in QoS parameters (such as signal strength, data rate, latency) and uses these parameter variations as triggers for modem switching. By automating the switching decision based on objective parameter thresholds, the system eliminates manual intervention while maintaining straightforward switching logic.
4Reliability
If QoS measurement is performed continuously on both modems, then connection reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inactive modem performs preliminary QoS measurements at intervals or on-demand rather than continuously. This preliminary measurement approach provides sufficient information for switching decisions while significantly reducing the energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring of both modems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic QoS measurement on the inactive modem rather than continuous measurement. The modem manager schedules measurements at appropriate intervals, maintaining connection reliability by periodically assessing the standby modem's readiness while minimizing energy consumption through reduced measurement frequency.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device (10) comprises a first (122) and a second (124) modem that, each, stores, one IMSI and has an active and an inactive mode. The modems are initially active and inactive respectively. The first modem is in a data path between a server and the device with a modem manager (200) that: - receives (210, 212), from the modems, a first measurement on a used IMSI1; and a second measurement indicative on a IMSI2; - only if the second measurement is the best one, - sends (216), to the second modem, a command for switching from inactive to active; - sends (218), to the server, currently and previously active IP addresses; - routes (220) data from the first to the second modem, the IMSI2 substituting the IMSI1 at the device; and - sends (222), to the first modem, a command for switching from active to inactive.