Dynamic Wireless Network Footprint Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network access technologies are expensive and limited in geographic reach, particularly on the open ocean, where satellite-based systems are costly and have restricted footprints, making low-cost, reliable internet access challenging.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic wireless network system that leverages end-user devices as nodes to expand network footprints, using a gateway device to facilitate low-cost, low-power, adaptive, and scalable access to established networks, allowing mobile devices to dynamically establish and optimize connections based on telemetry data for optimal communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If satellite-based systems are used for internet access on the open ocean, then network coverage is provided, but the cost of hardware and service becomes excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into multiple mobile wireless-network-enabled devices that function as independent nodes, each capable of providing network access. Instead of relying on a single satellite system, the network is divided into numerous small devices that can collectively provide coverage, reducing the cost burden on any single device while maintaining reliable network access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces mobile wireless-network-enabled devices as intermediary nodes between end users and the established network. These devices act as mediators that can relay communications, enabling internet access in remote ocean areas without requiring direct satellite connections for every user, thereby reducing hardware and service costs while maintaining coverage.
2Reliability
If satellite-based systems are used for internet access, then network access is provided, but the geographic footprint is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic mobile devices that can move and reposition themselves to extend network coverage. These wireless-network-enabled devices are not fixed in location but can dynamically adjust their positions to cover new geographic areas, allowing the network footprint to expand organically as devices move to new locations on the ocean.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional satellite footprint to a three-dimensional mesh network of mobile devices. By adding the vertical dimension of mobile device deployment and the ability of devices to move in multiple directions, the network footprint expands beyond the limited satellite coverage area to encompass much larger geographic regions.
3Area of stationary object
If end-user devices are used as network nodes, then network footprint is expanded, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs mobile wireless-network-enabled devices with multi-functionality, allowing them to serve as both end-user devices and network nodes simultaneously. These universal devices can perform standard consumer functions while also providing network access, relaying communications, and extending coverage, thereby expanding the network footprint without requiring separate specialized infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service capabilities where mobile devices automatically perform network formation, node discovery, and connection management without requiring complex centralized control. Each device independently manages its own network functions, reducing the overall system complexity while still achieving extensive network coverage through the collective behavior of multiple devices.
4Adaptability or versatility
If mobile devices dynamically establish connections, then network adaptability is improved, but connection management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where mobile devices continuously exchange telemetry data and network status information. This feedback enables devices to dynamically adjust their connections based on real-time conditions such as device location, network load, and signal quality, improving network adaptability while the automated feedback loops reduce the perceived complexity of connection management for users.
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary dynamic wireless network apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed. An exemplary system includes a plurality of wireless-network-enabled devices configured to communicate with one another when within wireless transmission range of one another, one of the wireless-network-enabled devices including a gateway to an established network. A wireless-network-enabled device within the wireless-network-enabled devices is configured to exchange telemetry data with one or more of the other wireless-network-enabled devices when located within the wireless transmission range of the one or more of the other wireless-network-enabled devices, and selectively and dynamically perform, based on the exchanged telemetry data, one or more connectivity operations to form a dynamic wireless network configuration. For example, the device may selectively and dynamically establish an upstream connection to one of the one or more of the other wireless-network-enabled devices, based on the exchanged telemetry data, to form a data transmission path between the device and the gateway.