Handheld Device Concurrent Network Access via Flow Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handheld devices providing data tethering services cannot be used by users to access the same network they are providing access to, limiting concurrent user access and service functionality.
Innovation Solution
A handheld device capable of supporting multiple data flows between a tethering machine and a remote network, while also allowing user access to the same network, by processing packets with address modifications and maintaining routing and translation tables to manage concurrent network services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a handheld device provides data tethering services to a tethering machine, then the tethering machine gains network access, but the handheld device cannot concurrently access the same network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network traffic into distinct data flows, separating tethering machine traffic from handheld device traffic. The networking stack creates independent flow contexts that allow simultaneous network access for both the tethering machine and the handheld device user without interference
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a flow manager as an intermediary component that mediates between the tethering machine and the network. This flow manager maintains routing and translation tables to properly direct traffic flows, enabling concurrent access while maintaining proper address translation and flow management
2Adaptability or versatility
If a handheld device acts as a gateway for tethering machines, then network access is provided to tethering machines, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal networking stack that handles multiple functions including tethering services, voice mail, messaging, and telephony through a single integrated system. The flow manager and address translation mechanisms provide universal support for various network services without requiring separate specialized components
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld device's networking stack automatically manages flow routing and address translation through self-service mechanisms. The flow manager autonomously maintains routing tables and performs address modifications without requiring manual configuration or external intervention, reducing the perceived complexity for users
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include an apparatus and method for a handheld device that accesses a remote network, and also provides a tethered device with access to the same remote network. The handheld device may support multiple data flows between the tethering machine and the remote network, while the handheld device is capable of being used by a user to “surf” or otherwise access the same remote network. For example, if the remote network is the Internet and the handheld device is a “smart phone”, a user of the smart phone can access the Internet concurrently while one or more applications on the tethering machine also accesses the Internet. Moreover, the smart phone may concurrently support other networked services that the smart phone is designed to provide such as voicemail services, messaging services, and telephony (cell phone) services.