Modular LTE Retrofit for IP Phones With Seamless Network Handoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Businesses face challenges in integrating LTE connectivity with existing IP phone systems, particularly in older buildings with substantial concrete structures, requiring new hardware investments and lacking flexibility, while maintaining seamless mobile connectivity and addressing signal strength issues.
Innovation Solution
A dual-functional modular system that retrofits existing IP phones with LTE modules, enabling seamless handoffs between public cellular and private business networks, preserving existing infrastructure and adding business-specific features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated desk phones with LTE connectivity are deployed, then LTE capability is achieved, but hardware replacement costs increase and flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing IP phone system is enhanced to perform multiple functions - maintaining traditional VoIP capabilities while adding LTE wireless connectivity through modular adapters. This allows the same phone infrastructure to serve both wired and wireless communication needs without requiring dedicated LTE phones for each user.
Solution Approach 2:
LTE communication modules are nested within the existing IP phone system architecture. The modular adapters integrate into the current phone infrastructure, allowing LTE functionality to be embedded within the existing system rather than replacing it entirely with separate dedicated devices.
2Ease of manufacture
If existing IP phone system is preserved, then infrastructure costs are reduced, but LTE integration capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The LTE integration is segmented into separate modular adapters that can be independently deployed and configured. This allows the existing IP phone system to be preserved while adding LTE capability through discrete, plug-and-play modules that integrate seamlessly without requiring system-wide redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
Modular adapters serve as intermediaries between the existing IP phone system and LTE network infrastructure. These adapters translate and bridge communication protocols, enabling LTE integration while preserving the original phone system architecture and avoiding direct modification of core infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If LTE modules are integrated into existing phones, then flexibility is improved, but signal strength deteriorates in buildings with concrete structures
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple LTE modules are merged into a distributed network where phones can act as both endpoints and relay nodes. This mesh networking approach combines the capabilities of individual devices to create collective signal strength that overcomes physical barriers like concrete structures, allowing signals to be routed through multiple paths.
4Reliability
If seamless handoff between public and private networks is enabled, then connectivity reliability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback mechanisms that monitor signal strength, network quality, and connectivity status in real-time. This feedback enables automatic handoff decisions between public and private networks based on current conditions, with the system continuously adjusting its behavior to maintain optimal connectivity without requiring complex manual configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for a dual-functional modular system for providing Internet Protocol (IP) phones with wireless broadband capabilities and a handoff from public cellular networks to a private business system. The method may include providing a plurality of IP phones with one or more modular Long-Term Evolution (LTE) upgrade units, wherein the plurality of IP phones gain LTE endpoint features; configuring the one or more units to connect to a private IP network; continuously monitoring signal strength of a public LTE network and the private IP network; detecting a mobile device with an active call; when the private IP network provides a more stable connection, initiating a handoff from the public LTE network to the IP network; transferring the active call data to an available LTE-equipped IP phone; monitoring the IP network; and when the IP network becomes unstable, reverting service of the active call to the public LTE network.