Indirect Wireless Internet Connect System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless devices with 'personal hotspot' features or MiFi devices require a valid SIM and data credits to access the Internet, especially when roaming, leading to high data costs and limited access when no credits are available, and existing solutions like FON or Burcham's system are either ineffective or require additional hardware and user interaction.
Innovation Solution
A software module is downloaded onto Internet-enabled wireless devices, allowing them to automatically connect to nearby devices with direct Internet access through any available radio transceiver, without the need for a valid SIM, data credits, or server authentication, forming a network for indirect Internet access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If personal hotspot or MiFi devices are used to provide Internet access, then wireless devices can connect to the Internet through mobile networks, but additional hardware devices and valid SIM cards with data credits are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the personal hotspot functionality from dedicated hardware devices (MiFi devices) and integrates it directly into the smartphone's operating system. This eliminates the need for separate hardware devices while maintaining the Internet sharing capability, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables smartphones to serve multiple functions: they act as both the primary Internet-connected device and the sharing device for other wireless devices. The smartphone's existing hardware (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular radio) is utilized for both personal Internet access and for providing Internet access to other devices, eliminating the need for dedicated hotspot hardware.
2Ease of operation
If personal hotspot feature is activated to share Internet connection, then other wireless devices can connect through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, but the host device consumes data credits from its mobile network subscription
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a system where connected wireless devices contribute to the data sharing by providing their own mobile network connections when available. Each device uses its own cellular data subscription to provide Internet access to others, eliminating the need for a single host device to consume all data credits. The system automatically manages data sourcing from multiple devices based on their available connections.
3Ease of operation
If FON or Burcham's system is used for wireless Internet sharing, then Internet access can be shared between devices, but additional hardware devices or server authentication is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the requirement for external server authentication and dedicated sharing hardware by implementing the Internet sharing functionality directly within the smartphone's operating system. The authentication and connection management are handled locally between devices using existing wireless protocols, eliminating dependence on external infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses existing wireless communication protocols (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular) as intermediaries to establish direct peer-to-peer connections between devices. These protocols serve as the mediation layer that enables Internet sharing without requiring additional dedicated hardware or centralized server infrastructure, utilizing already-present communication channels in smartphones.
4Reliability
If manual configuration or user interaction is required for Internet sharing, then connection security can be maintained, but ease of operation decreases due to user intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic connection establishment where the system autonomously manages the Internet sharing process. When a wireless device needs Internet access, the system automatically discovers available connected devices, selects an appropriate device to share connection, and establishes the connection without user intervention. Security is maintained through automatic authentication using existing device credentials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements automatic feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors the Internet connection status of connected devices and dynamically adjusts the connection sharing based on real-time conditions. If the host device's data connection becomes unavailable or slow, the system automatically switches to using another connected device's connection, maintaining service reliability without requiring user awareness or action.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method of operating a communications system to extend the Internet access globally to all wireless devices adapted as per this invention. Aspects of the disclosures relate in particular to a system and method of enabling a wireless device adapted as per this invention that has no directly accessible wireless Internet connection at a given location to make a data connection through a neighbouring different wireless device adapted as per this invention that does have directly accessible wireless Internet connection, to connect to the Internet. Specifically such indirect Internet connection of this invention not requiring any authorization from any such other device, such as a server, other than between both wireless devices adapted as per this invention and additionally the wireless device adapted as per this invention that has no directly accessible wireless Internet connection does not requiring any credits from the wireless network to which the wireless device adapted as per this invention that does have directly accessible wireless Internet connection is connected to.