Host Device Network Bandwidth Sharing for Mobile Clients
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Small mobile devices often lack the power or hardware resources for network connectivity to existing wireless network infrastructure, and users may not always carry a network-connected device, making it challenging to manage communications in a multi-device environment.
Innovation Solution
A system where a host device with WAN functionality, such as a smartphone, provides network access to client devices without WAN functionality, like smart watches or music players, through LAN connectivity, with settings for bandwidth sharing and incentives for users, allowing seamless network access even when users are different.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If small mobile devices are designed without WAN functionality to reduce size and power consumption, then device portability and energy efficiency are improved, but network connectivity capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional system where mobile devices can operate in dual modes: as clients consuming network resources when portable, and as hosts providing network access when available. This universality allows the same device type to fulfill both resource consumer and resource provider roles, enabling small devices to maintain network connectivity without permanent WAN hardware by leveraging other devices' capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary authentication server that mediates between host devices and client devices. The server verifies credentials, manages authentication states, and coordinates the establishment of network sharing connections. This intermediary enables secure peer-to-peer network access without requiring direct WAN capability in client devices, resolving the contradiction between portability and connectivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If network bandwidth sharing is enabled between devices of different users to improve network access availability, then network connectivity is improved, but security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary authentication before network sharing is established. The authentication server verifies credentials in advance, establishes authentication states, and pre-authorizes connections. This preliminary action ensures that only verified devices can access shared networks, preventing unauthorized access and security breaches while maintaining high availability for legitimate users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the authentication server continuously monitors connection states, authentication validity, and network sharing status. The system provides real-time feedback to host and client devices about connection authorization, enabling dynamic security adjustments while maintaining open access for authenticated devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If automatic hand-offs between host devices are implemented to ensure continuous network connectivity, then network availability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication server acts as a central coordinator that simplifies the hand-off process. When a client device moves between host devices, the server manages the transition by verifying credentials with the new host, transferring authentication state, and establishing connections automatically. This intermediary approach reduces complexity compared to peer-to-peer negotiation by centralizing coordination logic in the server.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where client devices autonomously scan for available host devices, initiate connection requests, and automatically complete authentication based on pre-verified credentials. Host devices similarly autonomously respond to requests and establish connections without manual user intervention. This self-service capability enables seamless hand-offs while minimizing the complexity of manual configuration and management.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Client devices with wireless functionality, but without wide area network or cellular network functionality, can obtain network access via a host device, where the host device has network access. Such network access can be obtained when a client device of a user is in local range of a host device, e.g., of a different user. The host device may enable network bandwidth sharing with settings that specify a threshold of resource usage (e.g., battery or bandwidth limit). An authentication process can confirm that either one or both of a client device and a host device are registered for the network bandwidth sharing. A server can monitor the amount of resources shared by the host device, and manage incentives to the user of the host device.