Gateway Device Integrating Media Streaming and Network Routing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The installation and configuration of media streaming devices to work in network environments can be complex and time-consuming for users, especially those with limited network configuration skills, due to the need for detailed knowledge of network structures and multiple connectors.
Innovation Solution
A gateway device with media streaming functionality that provides communication between local and wide area networks, using a media interface to receive and process audio/visual signals, and a modem module to manage network addresses and connections, allowing it to function as a router or network device within the local area network and enable seamless media streaming to remote devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If media streaming devices are configured to communicate with client devices via networks with multiple connectors, then network communication capability is improved, but configuration complexity and user frustration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple network connectors (LAN and WAN) into a single integrated gateway device that automatically manages all network communications. The gateway consolidates what would otherwise require separate configuration of multiple discrete network components into one unified system with automatic connection management.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway device performs self-configuration by automatically detecting network environments, obtaining IP addresses, and establishing connections without requiring manual user input. The system monitors its own status and autonomously manages network connectivity, eliminating the need for users to configure multiple connectors manually.
2Reliability
If detailed network configuration knowledge is required for media streaming devices, then network communication reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway device autonomously performs all network configuration tasks including IP address acquisition, connection establishment, and status monitoring. The system serves itself by automatically detecting network conditions and configuring its own parameters, eliminating the need for users to possess detailed network configuration knowledge while maintaining reliable communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway continuously monitors its own network status and connection state, using this feedback to automatically adjust configurations and maintain reliable communication. The system receives status information from network components and autonomously responds to maintain optimal connectivity without user intervention.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple discrete connectors are used for network communication, then network adaptability is improved, but installation time and user frustration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple network connectors into a single gateway device that handles all network communications. This consolidation reduces the number of discrete components that need to be installed and configured, thereby reducing installation time while maintaining the adaptability to handle both LAN and WAN connections through the unified gateway.
Data Source
AI summary
Various methods and devices provide place shifting of a media stream to a remote device while also providing network functionality for a local area network (LAN) and/or a wide area network (WAN). The gateway includes a media interface for receiving audio/visual (A/V) signals from the media source, as well as interfaces to the LAN and/or the WAN. A media streaming module receives the A/V signals from the media interface and processes the received A/V signals to thereby create the media stream. A modem module receives the media stream from the media streaming module via a dedicated connection, network switch and/or other connection, and transmits the media stream to the remote device via at least one of the first and second network interfaces.