Mobile Device Data Retrieval via Local Wireless Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication devices face inefficiencies in downloading data files due to slower bandwidth in cellular data networks compared to wireless local area networks, leading to significant bandwidth occupation and user experience issues.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where a wireless communication device can search for and retrieve data files from nearby devices via local wireless links, such as peer-to-peer connections, if the file is already stored on another device, thereby utilizing faster local connections and reducing reliance on cellular data networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If data files are downloaded over cellular data networks, then devices can access files from remote servers, but download speeds are slow and bandwidth is significantly occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple wireless network types (cellular data network and wireless local area network) into a unified file access system. The device automatically selects the appropriate network based on availability and efficiency, merging the capabilities of both networks to achieve fast local transfers when possible while maintaining remote access capability when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the local wireless network) between the requesting device and the file source. Instead of directly downloading from remote servers over cellular networks, devices can intermediate through local wireless connections to nearby devices that have cached copies of files, reducing cellular bandwidth occupation while maintaining access to file content.
2Productivity
If devices use local wireless links to retrieve files from nearby devices, then download speeds are enhanced and cellular bandwidth is conserved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal file access system where devices can operate in multiple modes: acting as file servers, file clients, or both simultaneously. The same wireless communication infrastructure and protocol stack support both traditional cellular data downloads and peer-to-peer local transfers, allowing existing hardware to perform multiple functions without adding significant complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic network selection and role assignment mechanisms. Devices dynamically switch between accessing files locally versus remotely based on real-time conditions such as proximity of other devices, availability of cached files, and network conditions. This dynamic behavior optimizes file retrieval efficiency while adapting to changing system states without requiring complex static configurations.
3Loss of energy
If distributed storage is implemented across multiple devices, then local file sharing is enabled and cellular network load is reduced, but network discovery and file location become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary caching of files on multiple devices before they are needed for local sharing. Devices proactively download and store copies of frequently accessed files in their local storage, creating a distributed cache network. This preliminary action ensures that when a device needs a file, cached copies are already available on nearby devices, eliminating the need for real-time network discovery and reducing cellular bandwidth consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to systems and method to facilitate downloading a data file. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving at a first wireless communication device a request to download a requested data file. A determination is made at the first wireless communication device whether the requested data file is stored at a second wireless communication device with which the first wireless communication device communicates via a local wireless link. If the requested data file is determined to be stored at the second wireless communication device, the first wireless communication device retrieving the requested data file from second wireless communication device via the local wireless link.