Mobile Hotspot Network Integration and Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless service providers face challenges in extending their network reach and incentivizing data usage, as mobile devices with hotspot functionality do not effectively leverage subscribers' devices to provide internet access to other devices within wireless range, leading to underutilization of network resources and revenue opportunities.

Innovation Solution

Integrating mobile hotspot devices into the service provider network by configuring them with a predetermined SSID, allowing client devices to automatically connect and authenticate, while prioritizing data requests and managing data usage to ensure fair bandwidth allocation and revenue generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If mobile devices with hotspot functionality are deployed, then network reach is extended to locations where service provider infrastructure is not present, but network resources are underutilized and revenue opportunities are lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork reachVSAvoiddata usage

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile device automatically performs hotspot configuration and network authentication without requiring manual user setup. The device self-provisions by detecting available service provider networks, generating appropriate SSIDs, and handling credential verification, thereby enabling autonomous extension of network reach while ensuring proper resource utilization accounting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-configures the mobile device with hotspot capabilities and authentication credentials before the device needs to provide internet access. Service provider networks are pre-identified and stored in the device, allowing immediate connection establishment when the hotspot function is activated, thus extending network reach without delay.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If automatic hotspot configuration is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to automated provisioning and authentication processes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehotspot setupVSAvoidprovisioning process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile device autonomously configures hotspot parameters including SSID generation, network selection, and authentication credential management without user intervention. The device automatically detects service provider networks, selects appropriate networks based on stored preferences, and handles the entire provisioning process, thereby simplifying operation while managing complexity internally through automated routines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple functions into the mobile device itself: cellular communication, Wi-Fi hotspot routing, automatic network detection, and authentication. By merging these previously separate infrastructure functions into a single device, the system achieves ease of operation while consolidating complexity management within the device's integrated software rather than requiring complex external infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If subscriber devices are incentivized to provide hotspot access, then network reach and data usage increase, but fair bandwidth allocation and revenue management become more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata usageVSAvoidbandwidth management

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements automated feedback loops where the mobile device continuously monitors network usage, authentication status, and data transfer volumes. This feedback enables real-time adjustment of bandwidth allocation, tracking of data consumption against subscription limits, and dynamic management of multiple connected client devices, thereby facilitating fair bandwidth allocation and revenue management without requiring complex manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile device acts as an intermediary between service provider networks and client devices seeking internet access. It mediates authentication by verifying client credentials against stored service provider credentials, mediates bandwidth allocation by managing data rates for multiple clients, and mediates accounting by tracking usage for billing purposes. This intermediary role simplifies bandwidth management complexity by centralizing control functions within the hotspot device rather than requiring complex coordination between multiple network entities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9161377B2Integrating a mobile hotspot into a larger network environment

Publication Date: 2015.10.13 SPECTRUM SUNSHINE STATE LLC

AI summary

Integration of a mobile hotspot into a service provider network is disclosed. A network node establishes a first wireless communication link with a mobile hotspot device. The mobile hotspot device is configured to establish a second wireless communications link with at least one client device. The network node receives an access request message from the mobile hotspot device which comprises credentials provided by the at least one client device. The network node determines that the at least one client device is authorized to access the service provider network through the mobile hotspot device based on the credentials and indicates to the mobile hotspot device that the at least one client device is authorized to access the service provider network through the mobile hotspot device.