Dual Network Interface Apparatus for Seamless Connection Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modem technologies fail to maintain a constant connection between electronic devices and telecommunication networks, particularly when the fixed telecommunication network experiences malfunctions or failures, leading to interruptions in data and voice communication.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus with connecting means for both fixed and mobile telecommunication networks, featuring a connection manager that switches between interfaces based on the operational status of the fixed network, ensuring continuous data/voice exchange by routing services through the mobile network in case of failures, while maintaining connections for other services through the fixed network.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If only fixed telecommunication network connection is used, then broadband bandwidth and high speed data transfer are achieved, but connection reliability deteriorates when fixed network malfunctions or fails

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidapparatus complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines fixed network interface and mobile network interface into a single apparatus, merging two different communication technologies to work together. The connection manager integrates both interfaces and automatically switches between them based on network status, achieving reliable connection while maintaining reasonable device complexity through unified management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both fixed network connection capability and mobile network connection capability in a single device. The connection manager provides universal interface management that handles both network types, allowing the apparatus to adapt to different network conditions and maintain connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If fixed network connection is used for all services, then device complexity is minimized, but connection continuity deteriorates during fixed network failures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection continuityVSAvoidinterface management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection manager implements dynamic interface selection by continuously monitoring fixed network status and automatically switching to mobile network when failure is detected. This dynamic adaptation ensures connection continuity while managing interface complexity through automated control rather than static configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms where the connection manager continuously checks fixed network operational status and adjusts interface selection based on this feedback. When network failure is detected, the feedback triggers automatic switching to mobile network, ensuring connection continuity while managing complexity through closed-loop control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If mobile network is used as backup, then connection reliability improves during fixed network failures, but data transfer speed deteriorates compared to fixed network

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection availabilityVSAvoiddata transfer speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus prepares for potential fixed network failures by having mobile network interface ready as a pre-configured backup. The connection manager maintains mobile network capability in advance, so when fixed network fails, switching can occur immediately without interruption, ensuring connection availability while accepting reduced speed as a necessary trade-off for reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP2272212B1Apparatus and method for connecting an electronic device to a telecommunication network using fixed and mobile access networks
Publication Date: 2019.06.12 VODAFONE GRP PLC
  • EP2272212B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2272212B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2272212B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to an apparatus (100) for the connection of at least one electronic device (30) to a telecommunication network comprising a fixed telecommunication network (40) and a mobile telecommunication network (41). The apparatus (100) comprises connecting means (20) for connecting said at least one electronic device (30) and a first interface (21) able to exchange data/voice with a fixed telecommunication network (40). The apparatus (100) further comprises a second interface (22) able to exchange data/voice with a mobile telecommunication network (41), a connection manager (60) for establishing a communication between said connecting means (20) with said first interface (21) and/or said second interface (22), and control means (61) in signal communication with said connection manager (60) and able to generate a control signal to control said connection manager (61), so as to determine the exchange of data/voice between the electronic device (30) connected to the connecting means (20) and the fixed telecommunication network (40) and/or the mobile telecommunication network (41).