Hybrid LAN-PAN Access Point Architecture for Network Complexity Reduction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The deployment of multiple parallel local area networks (LANs) and personal area networks (PANs) in enterprise settings leads to inefficiencies and conflicts due to suboptimal network architectures, such as limitations in device roaming, increased over-the-air traffic, and interference issues.

Innovation Solution

Integration of PAN radios into LAN hardware, with architectures that embed PAN functionality within LAN components, utilizing a hybrid network stack that replaces traditional PAN protocols with TCP/IP for coordinator-router links and allows channel selection based on local conditions, enabling virtual PANs with different security levels and improved failover capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple parallel networks (LANs and PANs) are deployed to support different device types, then device compatibility and coverage are improved, but network complexity and interference increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidnetwork complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines LAN and PAN functionalities into a single hybrid network infrastructure by integrating PAN radios into LAN access points. This merging eliminates the need for separate parallel networks while maintaining support for both high-power LAN devices and low-power PAN devices, thereby reducing network complexity while preserving device compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hybrid access point is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it operates as both a LAN access point and a PAN coordinator/router. This multi-functionality allows a single device to serve both enterprise LAN devices and low-power PAN devices, improving versatility without requiring separate dedicated networks for each device type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Use of energy by moving object

If traditional PAN protocols are used for device communication, then low-power device support is improved, but over-the-air traffic and interference increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelow-power device supportVSAvoidover-the-air traffic

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a wired backhaul connection as an intermediary between PAN routers and the PAN coordinator. Low-power PAN devices communicate wirelessly with PAN routers, but traffic is then transmitted over wired connections to the coordinator, eliminating unnecessary over-the-air traffic while preserving support for low-power devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces wireless PAN protocol communication with TCP/IP-based wired communication for coordinator-router links. This substitution eliminates over-the-air traffic generated by traditional PAN protocols while maintaining low-power device support through the wireless PAN interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If separate PAN networks are deployed for different functions, then device-specific network optimization is improved, but security management and access control become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice-specific network optimizationVSAvoidsecurity management

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hybrid access point provides multiple virtual PANs with different security levels through a single unified device. This allows devices to be optimized for their specific networks while security is managed centrally through the hybrid AP's authentication and authorization mechanisms, simplifying security management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the network into multiple virtual PANs with different security configurations within a single hybrid infrastructure. Each virtual PAN can be optimized for specific device types or functions while maintaining centralized security management through the hybrid access point's control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11457099B2Integrated local area networks (LANs) and personal area networks (PANs)

Publication Date: 2022.09.27 HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEV LP

AI summary

Architectures and techniques for hybrid network communications. Data is received from a remote end device via a first wireless interface and according to a first communications protocol. Data is received from a remote client device via a second wireless interface and according to a second communications protocol. At least a portion of the data from the remote end device is translated to a data format according to a first network protocol. Transmitting the translated data to a network coordinator entity via a wired interface and according to the second communications protocol.