Gateway Module Routing Public and Private Radio Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Private Mobile Radio (PMR) systems, such as TETRA, face challenges in coverage gaps due to terrain and structures, and have lower data bandwidth compared to public mobile networks, necessitating a solution for improved communication reliability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A communications assembly comprising a public mobile radio network device, a private mobile radio network device, and a communications interface module that provides a secure conduit between them, allowing collaboration and network selection based on signal quality, bandwidth, and geographic location, enabling seamless switching between networks for optimal communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If PMR systems use a single main site for radio communications, then security and reliability of communications is improved, but coverage gaps occur due to terrain and intervening structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway device as an intermediary between PMR and public mobile networks. This gateway enables communications to route through alternative paths (public network infrastructure) when direct PMR coverage is blocked by terrain or structures, thereby maintaining communication reliability without expanding PMR infrastructure exposure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If PMR systems operate at lower frequencies with narrower channels, then rural coverage is improved, but data bandwidth is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges PMR and public mobile networks through a gateway device that enables seamless interoperability. This allows the system to combine the coverage advantages of PMR with the high bandwidth capabilities of public mobile networks, achieving both extensive rural coverage and high data throughput simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway device dynamically selects between PMR and public network pathways based on real-time conditions such as signal quality, bandwidth requirements, and network congestion. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize for coverage when using PMR and switch to high-bandwidth public networks when data throughput is critical.
3Device complexity
If standard PMR devices are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but collaboration with smartphones and access to superior Man Machine Interface capabilities is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway device serves as an intermediary that enables smartphones to access PMR network services without modifying standard PMR terminals. The gateway handles protocol translation and interface adaptation, allowing users to leverage smartphone superior Man Machine Interface capabilities while maintaining the simplicity of existing PMR devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway device provides universal access points that support both traditional PMR devices and modern smartphones with their advanced interfaces. This multi-functionality allows the system to accommodate diverse device types without requiring modifications to standard PMR terminals, thereby preserving device simplicity while enabling access to superior user interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A communications assembly, comprising a first device (130) operable for a public mobile radio network (168) such as a cellular telephony network, a second device (102) operable for a private mobile radio network (166) such as a TETRA network and a communications interface module (170) configured to provide a communications conduit between said first (130) and second (102) devices over a local communications medium is disclosed. The communications interface module (170) is configured to route a communication originating at said first device (130) through said communications interface module (170) to said second device (130) for transmission over said private mobile radio network (166). Optionally or additionally a communication initiated at said communications interface module (170) is routed to said first device (130) for transmission over said public mobile radio network (168). The communications interface module (170) may be further configured to provide a communications conduit between said first (130) and second (102) devices over the local communications medium for routing a communication received at said first device (130) from said public mobile radio network (166) through said communications interface module to said second device. Further optionally or additionally a communication received at said second device (102) from said private mobile radio network (168) may be routed through said communications interface module (170) to said first device (130).