Gateway Virtual Access Point for Seamless Wi-Fi Roaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wi-Fi enabled devices are underutilized due to the need for manual configuration and security settings when accessing different Wi-Fi networks, including public hotspots and roaming networks, which can deter users and result in unused bandwidth.
Innovation Solution
A gateway system that supports both local and virtual access points, allowing seamless roaming by storing information about associated devices in a datastore, enabling automatic configuration and maintaining session connectivity across networks through tunneling and virtual private network connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration and security settings are required for each Wi-Fi network, then network security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates and devices become underutilized
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring security parameters and authentication credentials in the datastore before the device needs to access a network. When a device roams to a new access point, the security configuration is automatically retrieved and applied without requiring manual user input, thus maintaining security while improving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (the datastore and automated configuration system) that mediates between the device and the network security requirements. This intermediary automatically handles security parameter retrieval and application, eliminating the need for users to manually configure security settings while maintaining robust network security
2Reliability
If manual reconfiguration is required when moving between access points, then network security is maintained, but loss of time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Security parameters and authentication information are pre-configured and stored in the datastore before roaming occurs. When a device moves to a new access point, the system automatically retrieves and applies the stored configuration, eliminating the time-consuming manual reconfiguration process while maintaining network security
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous network connectivity and security protection during roaming transitions. By automatically retrieving and applying security parameters from the datastore during handoff between access points, the system ensures uninterrupted network access and continuous security enforcement without time loss
3Reliability
If Wi-Fi networks are secured with filters and encryption, then network security is improved, but adaptability deteriorates as devices cannot easily access different networks
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides universal adaptability by implementing a standardized automated configuration mechanism that works across multiple different Wi-Fi networks and access points. The datastore stores generic security parameters that can be automatically applied to various networks, enabling devices to adapt to different secured networks without manual configuration while maintaining security standards
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables itself to access different secured networks autonomously by automatically retrieving and applying security parameters from the datastore. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual configuration for each network, enhancing adaptability while maintaining network security through automated enforcement of security policies
4Reliability
If public Wi-Fi hot spots require registration and additional security steps, then network security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates and user adoption decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication and configuration actions by storing registration information and security parameters in the datastore before the user needs to access the public Wi-Fi network. When the device connects to a public hotspot, the automated system retrieves and applies the pre-configured parameters, eliminating the need for manual registration steps while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary automated configuration system that mediates between the user device and public Wi-Fi hotspot security requirements. This intermediary automatically handles registration and security parameter application, eliminating繁琐 manual steps while maintaining robust network security, thereby improving ease of operation and user adoption
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for Wi-Fi roaming. A gateway supports both a local access point (AP) and a virtual AP. The local AP is accessible only to an "owner" of the gateway. The virtual AP (VAP) is accessible to devices associated with the owner of the gateway and to roaming Wi-Fi devices. A datastore conveys information about the roaming Wi-Fi devices to the VAP to permit them to access the VAP without the need for manual configuration of the VAP. A roaming Wi-Fi device may communicate with a gateway via a tunnel to maintain session connectivity during roaming. A session may be initiated on one network, such as a Wi-Fi network or a cellular network, handed off to another network, such as a cellular network or a Wi-Fi network, and then returned to network on which the session was initiated.