Mobile Access Point Self-Initialization in Moving Things Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication networks are inadequate for supporting complex networks involving moving and static nodes, particularly in environments like the Internet of Moving Things, where they struggle to provide reliable connectivity and efficient data management.

Innovation Solution

A communication network platform that enables self-initialization and automated bootstrapping of mobile access points, utilizing a robust, scalable, and adaptable architecture to connect both mobile and static devices, with features like multi-network on-board units (OBUs) that can operate as Wi-Fi hotspots, and a cloud-based service-oriented architecture for real-time management and data processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual configuration and setup of mobile access points is used, then initial deployment time and human intervention are reduced, but network establishment speed and operational efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveself-initialization and automated bootstrappingVSAvoidnetwork establishment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile access points are equipped with self-initialization capabilities that allow them to automatically configure themselves when entering coverage areas, obtain network credentials, and establish connections without human intervention. The system performs automated bootstrapping by detecting available networks, selecting optimal connections, and configuring network parameters autonomously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-configures mobile access points with necessary network credentials and authentication information before deployment. Network controllers pre-establish configuration templates and credential repositories that mobile access points can automatically access and apply when entering coverage areas, eliminating the need for manual setup during operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If simple network architecture is used, then implementation complexity is reduced, but ability to support complex networks of moving things deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork architecture complexityVSAvoidsupport for networks of moving things

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The network architecture is segmented into distinct functional components: mobile access points for local wireless connectivity, network controllers for management and coordination, and cloud-based services for centralized control and data processing. This modular segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while supporting complex networks of moving things through coordinated interaction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Network controllers serve as intermediaries between mobile access points and cloud-based services, managing local network operations, authentication, and coordination while cloud services provide centralized management. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall architecture by abstracting complexity into manageable layers that can support diverse moving thing networks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Extent of automation

If traditional network management is used, then system robustness is reduced, but automated management capability is improved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated bootstrappingVSAvoidconnectivity reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements continuous feedback mechanisms where mobile access points report their status, location, and network conditions to network controllers and cloud services. Network controllers monitor connection quality and automatically trigger reconfiguration, handover, or failover actions based on real-time feedback, ensuring reliable connectivity while maintaining automated management

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-establishes backup network configurations and alternative connection paths before connectivity issues occur. Network controllers maintain credential repositories with multiple authentication options and pre-configured handover targets, so that when connectivity problems arise, automated fallback mechanisms are already in place to maintain reliable connections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS10264425B2Systems and methods for self-initialization and automated bootstrapping of mobile access points in a network of moving things

Publication Date: 2019.04.16 NEXAR LTD

AI summary

Systems and methods for self-initialization and automated bootstrapping of mobile access points in a network of moving things. A software application directs an automated system for the pre-initialization and provisioning of various elements of a network of moving things by gathering information about network element hardware components, accesses and installs on the network element the appropriate software components, a performs testing of the provisioned network element. Information identifying the hardware, software, and results of testing of the provisioned network element are made available on a cloud-based repository. This enables network personnel and management, and suppliers of the network elements components to track and manage provisioning, performance, and trouble information.