Gateway Bandwidth Control for Wireless Tethering Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional techniques struggle to detect and control wireless tethering by communication devices in a wireless network environment, making it difficult for service providers to manage bandwidth and access to remote networks.

Innovation Solution

A gateway establishes a wireless communication link with a first communication device, monitors its operation, and adjusts bandwidth rates in response to detecting the implementation of a tethering mode, thereby controlling access to remote networks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the gateway provides high bandwidth rates to communication devices, then network access speed is improved, but network resource consumption increases when tethering is active

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork access speedVSAvoidnetwork resource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The gateway dynamically adjusts bandwidth allocation based on real-time detection of tethering activity. When tethering is detected through monitoring wireless interface advertisements and connected device counts, the gateway modifies data rate parameters to optimize network resource utilization while maintaining acceptable performance levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the gateway continuously monitors communication devices for tethering indicators (such as wireless interface advertisements and connected device counts). Based on this feedback, the gateway automatically adjusts bandwidth allocation, creating a closed-loop control system that responds to actual network conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Extent of automation

If the gateway monitors and controls tethering activity, then network management capability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork management capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Communication devices automatically advertise their tethering status through wireless interface broadcasts, eliminating the need for explicit reporting mechanisms. The gateway passively monitors these advertisements and automatically responds with appropriate bandwidth adjustments, allowing the system to self-manage without complex control interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The gateway acts as an intermediary that translates wireless interface advertisements into bandwidth allocation decisions. By monitoring standard wireless protocol exchanges and connected device counts, the gateway mediates between device autonomy and network control, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining management capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the gateway allows concurrent Wi-Fi connections for tethering, then device connectivity is improved, but network bandwidth availability for other devices decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice connectivityVSAvoidnetwork bandwidth availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The gateway applies different bandwidth quality levels to different communication devices based on their tethering status. Devices engaged in tethering receive differentiated bandwidth allocation compared to non-tethering devices, allowing the system to optimize network resource distribution according to local device conditions and usage patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The gateway allows tethering connections to be established (partial action) while applying bandwidth limiting measures to prevent excessive resource consumption. This approach permits device connectivity functionality while controlling the extent of bandwidth utilization, balancing accessibility with resource conservation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS12238642B2System and method to detect and manage wireless tethering

Publication Date: 2025.02.25 CHARTER COMM OPERATING LLC

AI summary

According to one configuration, a gateway establishes a wireless communication link with a first communication device. The first communication device has access to a remote network via a path including the wireless communication link and a communication link though the gateway. The communication management hardware receives a notification indicating attributes of a wireless interface of the first communication device. The gateway or other suitable entity monitors for presence of wireless communications from the wireless interface advertising availability of a wireless service provided by the first communication device. In response to detecting the availability of or actual use of the wireless service as advertised by a wireless communication transmitted from the first communication device, the gateway controls a bandwidth provided to the first communication device to access the first communication device.