Emulation Module for Legacy Wireless Network Interconnectivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Legacy applications developed for proprietary wireless transmission systems cannot seamlessly communicate with open systems, hindering network interconnectivity and requiring separate maintenance for existing and new applications, which is financially unsustainable, especially in dispatch networks like those used by police forces.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method and system that uses local and remote emulation modules to emulate wireless connections between legacy applications and IP applications, allowing data transfer and multiplexing between different network architectures, enabling compatibility with both closed and open systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If legacy applications are maintained in closed proprietary systems, then application compatibility and reliability are preserved, but network interconnectivity and ability to use new applications are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork interconnectivityVSAvoidapplication compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an emulation module as an intermediary component that sits between legacy applications and the open IP network. This module emulates the proprietary wireless network interface, allowing legacy applications to communicate over IP infrastructure without modification. The emulation module translates proprietary protocols to IP protocols, resolving the contradiction by enabling both legacy compatibility and network interconnectivity simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the proprietary wireless network interface through the emulation module. Instead of modifying legacy applications or replacing them entirely, the system creates an emulated version of the closed network environment that co-exists with the open IP network. This copying approach preserves application compatibility while enabling connectivity to the broader network.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If both legacy and new application infrastructures are maintained, then application compatibility is preserved, but system complexity and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication compatibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The emulation module serves multiple functions: it emulates the proprietary wireless interface, handles protocol translation, manages connection establishment, and enables both legacy and new applications to coexist. By consolidating these functions into a single universal component, the system reduces overall complexity compared to maintaining separate infrastructures for legacy and new applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the legacy wireless network functionality with the IP network infrastructure through the emulation module. Instead of maintaining separate closed and open network infrastructures, the system combines them by embedding the legacy emulation within the IP network framework, thereby reducing system complexity while preserving compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If legacy applications are ported to open systems, then network interconnectivity is improved, but application functionality and reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork interconnectivityVSAvoidapplication functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The emulation module acts as a mediator that preserves the original legacy application functionality while enabling it to communicate over the IP network. Instead of requiring applications to be rewritten or adapted, the module intercepts and translates their proprietary protocol calls, ensuring that application functionality remains intact while achieving network interconnectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If proprietary hardware and software infrastructure is used, then application performance is optimized, but ability to interconnect with other networks and use third party equipment is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork interconnectivityVSAvoidapplication performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The emulation module creates a virtual copy of the proprietary hardware interface, allowing legacy applications to maintain their optimized performance characteristics while communicating over the IP network. The emulation preserves the performance benefits of proprietary infrastructure by replicating its interface behavior, while enabling connectivity to external networks and third-party equipment that would be inaccessible in a closed system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS7483405B2Method and system for emulating a wireless network

Publication Date: 2009.01.27 RADIO IP SOFTWARE INC

AI summary

A method and system for supporting data transfers between legacy application pairs and IP application pairs. An emulation module emulates a wireless connection such that a legacy application believes it is communicating directly with the wireless network. Data from one or more legacy applications and one or more IP applications can be multiplexed and data from the legacy applications and the IP applications encrypted and/or compressed prior to transfer between the application pairs.