LAN Access Node WAN Failover Gateway Redirection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computing devices within a local area network (LAN) may be unable to communicate with devices outside the network when the wide area network (WAN) connection is unavailable, as existing solutions like tethering have limited distance and reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
A LAN access node detects the WAN connection unavailability and updates network configuration data to redirect computing devices' gateways to a device with an alternative WAN connection, such as a cellular telephony network, ensuring continuous communication through load balancing algorithms or a moderator device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If computing devices tether to another computing device with alternative WAN connection, then network accessibility is maintained, but communication distance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network switch as an intermediary device that automatically redirects LAN devices to alternative WAN connections when the primary connection fails. The switch acts as a mediator between devices and the WAN, managing connection routing without requiring direct device-to-device tethering, thereby maintaining both reliability and extended communication distance.
2Device complexity
If computing devices rely on single WAN connection, then network configuration is simple, but communication reliability deteriorates when connection fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the network switch pre-configure alternative WAN connection paths and automatically activate them when the primary connection fails. The system prepares backup routing configurations in advance, enabling seamless failover without requiring complex manual reconfiguration, thus maintaining both simplicity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The network switch continuously monitors WAN connection status and provides feedback to dynamically adjust routing decisions. When connection failure is detected, the switch receives feedback about the degraded state and automatically redirects traffic to alternative connections, creating a closed-loop system that maintains reliability while keeping configuration simple through automated response.
3Reliability
If computing devices use wired or wireless tethering for alternative connection, then network accessibility is maintained, but connection stability deteriorates due to distance limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The network switch serves as a stable intermediary that manages alternative WAN connections independently of device proximity. By centralizing connection management at the switch level, the system achieves both network accessibility and connection stability, as the switch can establish and maintain reliable alternative connections without being constrained by the physical distance between tethering devices.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples relate to the configuration of network connections for computing devices. In some examples, a computing device determines that a network is inaccessible through a first network connection provided by a network access node. The computing device determines that the network is accessible through a first computing device that provides a second connection to the network. The computing device generates gateway configuration data for a second computing device based on an address for the first computing device. The computing device transmits the gateway configuration data to the second computing device to cause the second computing device to use the first computing device as a gateway.