Dual-Protocol Router Gateway for Smart Device Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smart home systems face challenges with proprietary gateway devices that are expensive, unreliable, and require multiple devices for large areas, leading to connectivity issues and increased costs and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a first device capable of communicating via both short-range wireless and native internet protocols, acting as a gateway for second devices that only communicate via short-range protocols, allowing data transmission through the native protocol, and a network management system that designates and assesses connectivity among devices to promote optimal gateway functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a specialized gateway device is used to connect smart devices to the home network, then connectivity is established, but the device cost increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing router devices perform multiple functions by enabling them to act as gateways for smart devices through software updates or configuration changes. This eliminates the need for specialized gateway hardware, reducing device complexity while maintaining connectivity reliability through the router's existing robust network infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables routers to automatically discover and register smart devices, and to self-configure gateway functions without requiring specialized hardware or complex manual setup. The router uses its existing network capabilities to serve itself as a gateway, reducing the need for additional dedicated devices
2Area of stationary object
If multiple specialized gateway devices are deployed to cover large areas, then coverage is improved, but system cost and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the gateway function with existing router devices that are already deployed in the home network. By merging multiple functions (routing, wireless access, and smart device gateway) into a single existing device, the system avoids deploying multiple separate gateway devices, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining wide coverage through the router's existing wireless infrastructure
3Adaptability or versatility
If proprietary gateway devices are used, then smart devices can connect to the network, but the system becomes expensive and less adaptable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables standard router devices to perform gateway functions for multiple different smart device protocols through software configuration. This universal approach allows a single generic router to adapt to various smart device communication standards, greatly improving protocol compatibility and adaptability while eliminating the need for proprietary gateway devices for each device type
Data Source
AI summary
A system including a first device having a first communication interface structured to communicate via a first communication protocol and a second communication interface structured to communicate via a second communication protocol, and a second device having a first communication interface structured to communicate via the first communication protocol. The first communication protocol is a short range wireless communication protocol and the second communication protocol is a native internet protocol. The first device is structured to receive data from the second device via the first communication protocol and to transmit the received data via the second communication protocol.