Dynamic ISP Switching for Multi-Tenant Network Gateways

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Solution Overview

Problem

Establishing internet service connections in multifamily and multi-tenant housing units is time-consuming and error-prone, often disrupting existing networks and requiring physical intervention by technicians, which can take days or weeks and involves complex coordination between tenants and building administrators.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic networking system that utilizes a provider switching device and resident gateways to establish layer 2 connections between Internet Service Providers and individual units, allowing users to select and configure connections through a portal, enabling virtual networks and authentication processes to facilitate seamless ISP integration without physical installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If physical connection methods are used to establish ISP connections, then connection reliability is improved, but installation time and operational complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical physical connection process with an automated software-based virtual connection system. The gateway device automatically establishes virtual connections to ISPs through software configuration, eliminating the need for physical technicians to run cables and connect hardware, thereby reducing installation time from days/weeks to minutes while maintaining connection reliability through automated verification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service connection establishment where the gateway device autonomously performs connection setup, configuration, and verification without requiring technician intervention. The automated system handles the entire connection process including virtual connection establishment and parameter configuration, allowing rapid deployment while maintaining reliability through built-in verification mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If technician visits are required for connection establishment, then connection accuracy is improved, but network disruption to other units increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection accuracyVSAvoidnetwork disruption

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical technician visit process with automated virtual connection establishment. The gateway device automatically configures and verifies connections through software, eliminating the need for physical presence and manual wiring that causes disruptions to other units. Accuracy is maintained through automated verification protocols that confirm correct connection parameters without physical interference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If manual configuration processes are used, then connection reliability is improved, but operational complexity and error rates increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidoperational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service automation where the gateway device autonomously performs connection configuration, parameter setup, and verification without manual intervention. The automated process includes built-in verification mechanisms that ensure correct configuration, eliminating the complexity and errors associated with manual setup while maintaining high reliability through systematic automated procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Stability of the object's composition

If physical connection methods are used, then connection stability is improved, but flexibility in ISP selection is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidISP selection flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic virtual connections that can be rapidly established, modified, or terminated through software configuration. The gateway device can dynamically switch between different ISPs based on availability, performance, or contractual requirements, providing flexibility in ISP selection while maintaining connection stability through automated verification and secure virtual connection protocols

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12634235B2Methods and systems for dynamic network interconnections

Publication Date: 2026.05.19 CHARLOTTE WI-FI INC A NORTH CAROLINA S CORP

AI summary

Methods and systems are provided for establishing dynamic connections between network devices and Internet Service Providers. A computing device may receive a registration request associated with a unit of a structure over a first communication channel. The computing device may configure a gateway and/or provider switching device of the structure to connect a service network to a local area network within the unit. The computing device may then receive a request to establish a network connection between the gateway and an Internet Service Provider over a second communication channel. The request may include an identification of a particular Internet Service Provider from a plurality of Internet Service Providers. The computing device may facilitate a connection between the gateway and the particular Internet Service Provider.