Ethernet Driver Reactivation for Seamless IP Address Transitions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices with wireless communication capabilities often experience communication failures when switching from tethering mode to bridge mode or when their IP addresses change, requiring users to physically reconnect devices to obtain new IP addresses, which is inconvenient.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with an interface module and processor that establishes Ethernet tethering connections, identifies IP address changes, deactivates and reactivates the Ethernet driver to manage mode transitions, and provides Internet services through allocated IP addresses, ensuring seamless communication without physical reconnection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the electronic device switches from tethering mode to bridge mode or when IP address changes occur, then the device can adapt to different network conditions and provide Internet service, but communication failures occur requiring physical reconnection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode transition capabilityVSAvoidcommunication continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of IP address changes and proactively manages driver reactivation before communication failures occur. The processor continuously monitors network status and preemptively handles mode transitions to prevent communication breakdown, rather than waiting for failures to occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the processor detects IP address changes and mode transitions, then automatically responds by deactivating and reactivating the Ethernet driver to maintain communication. This closed-loop control ensures communication continuity by using status feedback to trigger appropriate corrective actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the Ethernet driver remains active during IP address changes, then the connection is maintained, but the device cannot obtain new IP addresses and communication fails

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidIP address renewal capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs periodic driver deactivation and reactivation cycles in response to detected IP address changes. This periodic action allows the device to periodically renew its IP address allocation while maintaining connection stability, creating a rhythmic pattern of driver management that balances both requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system temporarily discards the active Ethernet driver state during IP address transitions, then recovers it after successful IP renewal. This discard-and-recover mechanism allows the device to shed old network configurations and acquire new IP addresses while ensuring driver functionality is restored for continued communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Adaptability or versatility

If the device requires physical reconnection to obtain new IP addresses, then IP address renewal is achieved, but user convenience is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIP address renewalVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs IP address renewal and driver management automatically without requiring user intervention or physical reconnection actions. The processor autonomously detects network status changes, manages driver deactivation/reactivation, and secures new IP addresses, allowing the device to serve itself during network transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the mechanical action of physical reconnection with an automated software-based driver management mechanism. Instead of requiring users to physically disconnect and reconnect cables, the system uses processor-controlled driver deactivation and reactivation to achieve the same IP address renewal function, eliminating the need for mechanical intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11595346B2Electronic device and method for wireless communications

Publication Date: 2023.02.28 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

Disclosed are an electronic device for wireless communication and a method thereof. The electronic device may include an interface module and a processor. The processor may be configured to establish a first Ethernet tethering connection with an external electronic device by using an Ethernet driver, provide an Internet service to the external electronic device using a first IP address allocated to the external electronic device, deactivate the Ethernet driver in response to identifying that the IP address of the electronic device is changed and the first Ethernet tethering connection is in the bridge mode, reactivate the deactivated Ethernet driver, establish a second Ethernet tethering connection with the external electronic device by using the reactivated Ethernet driver, and provide the Internet service to the external electronic device using a second IP address allocated to the external electronic device.