Home Network Micro-Domains for IoT Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional home network architectures are inadequate in managing the increasing complexity and diverse requirements of IoT devices and new technologies, leading to inflexible network configurations that hinder efficient service delivery and security.
Innovation Solution
Implementing micro-domains within home networks, where user devices are segmented into groups with similar performance requirements, using virtual LANs and isolated subnetworks, and managed through a service provider's network with software-defined isolation methods like containers and VNFs, to optimize bandwidth, security, and service level agreements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple routers or wireless extenders are added to extend network reach and add services, then network coverage and service capabilities are improved, but device complexity and network management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the home network into multiple virtual networks (guest network, IoT network, main network) that can coexist on a single router. Each virtual network is isolated and can be independently configured with specific service capabilities, eliminating the need to add physical routers while maintaining service versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables a single router to perform multiple functions by implementing virtual network segmentation with different service capabilities (guest access, IoT connectivity, main network) within one device, making the router universal and eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple routers are added to extend network reach, then wireless coverage is improved, but multiple layers of NAT are introduced hindering device communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates separate virtual networks (VLANs) for different device types (guest, IoT, main) that are isolated at layer 2, eliminating the need for multiple NAT layers. Devices within each virtual network can communicate freely, and inter-network communication is controlled through a gateway, preserving communication ease while extending logical network coverage.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional home network architecture is used, then initial setup is simple, but the network cannot adequately support increasing demands of new technology and diverse devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic virtual network configuration where the router can automatically create and manage multiple virtual networks (guest, IoT, main) based on device type and service requirements. This dynamic adaptation allows the network to support new technologies and diverse devices without requiring complex manual reconfiguration, maintaining setup simplicity while increasing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes network parameters by implementing virtual segmentation with different service parameters (QoS, security policies, bandwidth allocation) for each virtual network. This allows the same physical infrastructure to support diverse technology demands by adjusting virtual network parameters rather than adding hardware complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If service provider networks include various uniquely configured hardware devices, then service diversity is improved, but integration challenges and investment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal virtual network infrastructure that can accommodate various service types (guest access, IoT, main network) through software configuration rather than requiring uniquely configured hardware devices for each service. This universal platform reduces integration challenges and investment requirements while maintaining service diversity.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices are disclosed for controlling and managing a home network, and expediting service delivery on a communications service provider. The communications service provider may receive information identifying one or more service group selected by a subscriber of the communications service provider. The communications service provider may also identify pre-set configurations associated with each of the one or more selected service group, generate configuration instructions for a micro-domain corresponding to each of the one or more selected service group, and create the micro-domain in the home network for each of the one or more selected service group by applying the generated configuration instructions to network services of the communications service provider.