IoT Router Terminal Management via Dynamic Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing network management systems for smart home devices, particularly in IoT environments, face challenges in maximizing resource utilization as they often require upgrading to more expensive access devices when the number of terminals exceeds the maximum allowed, typically 16-32, leading to inefficient use of existing networking equipment.

Innovation Solution

A network management method that broadcasts access information, provides access paths, and controls connections based on terminal types (permanent online, active reporting, and passive paging) to optimize resource utilization, allowing for a higher number of terminals to access the network without the need for immediate device upgrades.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the maximum number of Wi-Fi terminals is limited to 16-32 per access point, then the network management is simple, but the resource utilization is low and device upgrades are required when more terminals need access

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of terminals supportedVSAvoidnetwork management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the network management by introducing a master-slave access point architecture. The master access point handles complex management tasks including authentication, IP allocation, and terminal type classification, while slave access points focus on providing network access. This division allows the system to support more terminals (up to 320) without overwhelming any single device, resolving the contradiction between supporting more terminals and maintaining management simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a gateway device as an intermediary between terminals and the network. The gateway performs authentication, IP address allocation, and terminal type identification, then routes different terminal types to appropriate access points. This intermediary layer enables the system to manage a large number of diverse terminals without requiring complex configuration at each access point, thus supporting higher terminal capacity while keeping management manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If more terminals are allowed to access the network simultaneously, then the resource utilization increases, but the network performance and stability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidnetwork stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by classifying terminals into different types (permanent online, active reporting, passive paging) and providing differentiated connection management for each type. Permanent online terminals receive continuous connectivity, while active reporting terminals are managed with periodic wake-up intervals, and passive paging terminals are managed with event-triggered connections. This differentiated approach allows the network to support up to 320 terminals while maintaining stability by tailoring resource allocation and connection management to the specific needs of each terminal type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic connection management where the access point adjusts connection parameters based on terminal type and network conditions. The system dynamically allocates resources, adjusts connection intervals, and manages bandwidth allocation according to the specific requirements of different terminal types. This dynamic approach enables the network to handle a large number of terminals simultaneously while maintaining performance and stability through adaptive resource management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3637938B1Network management method, wireless access device, terminal and storage medium
Publication Date: 2024.06.12 ZTE CORP
  • EP3637938B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3637938B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3637938B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure discloses a network management method, including: broadcasting a message carrying access information; providing an access path to a wireless access device for a terminal which receives the message and sends an access request; acquiring a type of the terminal which accesses the wireless access device; and controlling connection between the terminal and a network according to the type of the terminal. The present disclosure further discloses a wireless access device, a terminal, a system and a storage medium.