Mobile Ephemeral Gateway for Faster Wireless Network Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless network configuration methods are slow and inefficient, particularly when configuring devices that are not in proximity to a stationary gateway, requiring multiple hops and additional reconfiguration when gateways are replaced.
Innovation Solution
A mobile configuration device provides an ephemeral gateway that configures wireless network devices in proximity, acting as a temporary gateway and sharing configuration information with other gateways, allowing faster and more reliable configuration without the need for reconfiguration when the ephemeral gateway is replaced.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a stationary gateway is used to configure wireless network devices, then network control is centralized, but configuration speed decreases and multiple hops are required for devices not in proximity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile configuration device that can dynamically change its physical location to be in proximity to different wireless network devices during configuration. This mobility transforms the static gateway model into a dynamic one, allowing the configuration device to directly configure devices throughout the network without being constrained by a fixed location, thereby eliminating multiple hops and accelerating configuration speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile configuration device acts as a temporary intermediary gateway during the configuration process. It establishes direct communication with wireless network devices in its proximity, configuring them without requiring communication through the stationary gateway. This intermediary role eliminates the need for multiple hops during configuration while the stationary gateway maintains centralized control for network management.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple hops are used to reach distant wireless network devices, then coverage is extended, but data traffic increases and configuration time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile configuration device moves to different locations within the network coverage area, establishing direct single-hop connections with wireless network devices in each location. This dynamic positioning eliminates the need for multi-hop communication during configuration, reducing data traffic overhead and energy consumption while maintaining comprehensive network coverage through systematic movement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a stationary gateway is replaced, then device mobility is enabled, but reconfiguration is required which slows down the process
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile configuration device configures wireless network devices autonomously during its movement through the network, without requiring intervention from the stationary gateway. This self-service configuration approach eliminates the need for reconfiguration when the stationary gateway is replaced or removed, as the mobile device has already established the necessary network connections and device configurations independently.
4Reliability
If configuration is performed through multiple hops, then distant devices can be reached, but security is reduced and direct communication is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile configuration device serves as a trusted intermediary that establishes direct, secure communication channels with wireless network devices during configuration. This direct communication eliminates the security vulnerabilities associated with multi-hop transmission, where data passes through multiple intermediate devices. The mobile device's temporary presence and direct connection model enhance security while maintaining communication reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to providing a mobile ephemeral gateway (12). The ephemeral gateway (12) is configured for configuring wireless network devices (40, 42, 44) of a wireless network (200) in its proximity, for acting as a gateway of the wireless network, and for making available for at least one other gateway (30) configuration information of the wireless network obtained during configuring the wireless network devices (40, 42, 44). The mobile ephemeral gateway (12) can be replaced or augmented by the at least one other gateway (30). The wireless network (200) can be controlled based on the configuration information made available by the ephemeral gateway (12). This may allow a more reliable and faster configuration of wireless networks with reduced data traffic during configuration as well as an improved operation of the wireless network as multiple GWs (12, 30) may perform functions in the wireless network sequentially or in parallel.