Hybrid LTE WLAN Network Interface with Unified IP Address
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network connectivity solutions, such as those using LTE and WLAN interfaces, often prioritize one interface over the other, leading to decreased continuity and simplicity in enterprise wireless networks, especially when switching between them, which can disrupt data sessions and impact Quality of Service (QoS).
Innovation Solution
Implementing a hybrid network that maintains a same IP address for both LTE and WLAN interfaces, allowing both to be active simultaneously and switch data transfer seamlessly without disconnecting either interface, using a modified operating system and connection manager to manage traffic routing and maintain session continuity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If one interface (WLAN or LTE) is prioritized over the other, then network performance on the prioritized interface is improved, but continuity of connectivity is degraded due to interface disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple network interfaces (WLAN and LTE) into a unified communication system where both interfaces remain active simultaneously. The system merges the capabilities of different access technologies under a single IP address, allowing seamless switching and maintaining continuous connectivity without disconnecting any interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication device is designed with multi-functionality to operate on multiple network interfaces concurrently. The single IP address can be routed through different interfaces based on network conditions, making the system universal in its ability to adapt to various network environments while maintaining continuous connectivity.
2Reliability
If a single IP address is assigned to multiple interfaces, then session continuity is improved, but traffic routing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a connection manager as an intermediary component that handles traffic routing between the single IP address and multiple network interfaces. This mediator abstracts the complexity of multi-interface routing, automatically selecting the appropriate interface for data transmission while maintaining session continuity, thereby reducing the perceived complexity for the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service mechanisms where the connection manager autonomously monitors network conditions and dynamically routes traffic through the most suitable interface without external intervention. The system automatically maintains the single IP address assignment across interfaces and handles switching decisions, reducing manual configuration complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
An example system can include a communication device to communicate with a network. The system can include a long-term evolution (LTE) interface to communicatively couple the communication device to the network. The system can include a wireless local area network (WLAN) interface to communicatively couple the communication device to the network. A session associated with each of the LTE interface and the WLAN interface can be maintained together and an identical IP address can be associated with the LTE interface and the WLAN interface.