Generic Client Virtual Interfaces for Simultaneous Network Modes

Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems, such as those adhering to the IEEE 802.11 standard, are limited in that they can only operate in either infrastructure or ad-hoc modes simultaneously, preventing communication between clients operating in different modes or networks.

Innovation Solution

A Generic Client (GC) that operates multiple virtual network interfaces, enabling simultaneous communication with both infrastructure and ad-hoc networks by instantiating different virtual interfaces, allowing for point-to-point and point-to-multipoint communication modes, and supporting Wireless Distribution System (WDS) connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a client operates in infrastructure mode, then it can communicate with the wired network through an Access Point, but it cannot simultaneously communicate with other clients in ad-hoc mode

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork mode compatibilityVSAvoidmode switching requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The client device is divided into multiple virtual network interfaces, each capable of operating in a specific mode (infrastructure, ad-hoc, WDS). This segmentation allows simultaneous operation in multiple modes without requiring mode switching, as each virtual interface handles traffic for its designated mode independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The client device is designed with multi-functional capability to operate in infrastructure mode, ad-hoc mode, and WDS mode simultaneously through multiple virtual interfaces. This universal design eliminates the need for mode switching and enables the device to adapt to different network topologies and communication requirements concurrently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a client operates in ad-hoc mode, then it can communicate directly with other clients, but it cannot simultaneously communicate with the wired network through an Access Point

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication mode flexibilityVSAvoidsingle mode operation constraint

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The client device is divided into multiple virtual network interfaces, each capable of operating in a specific mode (infrastructure, ad-hoc, WDS). This segmentation allows simultaneous operation in multiple modes without requiring mode switching, as each virtual interface handles traffic for its designated mode independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The client device is designed with multi-functional capability to operate in infrastructure mode, ad-hoc mode, and WDS mode simultaneously through multiple virtual interfaces. This universal design eliminates the need for mode switching and enables the device to adapt to different network topologies and communication requirements concurrently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the system uses separate physical interfaces for infrastructure and ad-hoc modes, then simultaneous communication is possible, but hardware complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimultaneous multi-mode communicationVSAvoidhardware configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of adding another physical dimension (separate hardware interface), the patent introduces a virtual dimension by creating multiple virtual network interfaces on a single physical interface. This allows simultaneous multi-mode communication by differentiating traffic through virtualization layers rather than physical separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates virtual copies of network interface functionality through multiple virtual interfaces that operate on a single physical interface. These virtual interfaces replicate the capabilities of separate physical interfaces but are implemented in software, eliminating the need for additional hardware while maintaining simultaneous multi-mode communication capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS8744516B2Generic client for communication devices

Publication Date: 2014.06.03 SRI INTERNATIONAL

AI summary

A Generic Client (GC) operates multiple virtual network interfaces that communicate simultaneously to different networks. Each virtual interface is capable of independent communication over an associated network through the same physical interface. In one implementation, the GC provides simultaneous communication with both infrastructure and ad-hoc networks in compliance with the IEEE 802.11 protocol. The GC provides these dual modes of operation by instantiating different infrastructure and ad-hoc virtual interfaces.