Mobile Router Auto Network Mode Detection and Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mobile routers require users to manually change network connection settings when moving between different networking environments, making them user-unfriendly and inconvenient, especially for those unfamiliar with networking technology.

Innovation Solution

A mobile router equipped with an Ethernet cable connection port, USB connection port, detection unit, communication unit, protocol confirmation unit, storage unit, and control unit that automatically detects the network connection mode and applies stored or manually input settings to establish a connection, allowing seamless switching between wired Ethernet, wireless LAN, and wireless WAN modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual network connection setting is used, then users can control network configuration, but users unfamiliar with networking technology find it difficult and complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of network connection settingVSAvoidcomplexity of network connection mode

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile router automatically detects the current network environment and self-configures connection settings without user intervention. The control unit detects connection states of Ethernet cable and wireless network interface card, automatically determines applicable network connection modes, and applies stored profiles or manually input settings, enabling the device to serve itself rather than requiring user expertise

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-stores multiple network connection profiles in the storage unit, each containing settings for different network connection modes. When a connection is needed, the control unit retrieves and applies the appropriate pre-configured profile, eliminating the need for users to configure settings from scratch each time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If network connection settings are changed manually for each networking environment, then the mobile router can adapt to different environments, but users have to spend a lot of time and effort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different networking environmentsVSAvoidtime to change network settings

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts to different networking environments by automatically detecting the current connection state and selecting the appropriate network connection mode. The control unit monitors connection states and automatically switches between wired Ethernet, wireless LAN, and wireless WAN modes based on detected conditions, making the adaptation process automatic rather than manual

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit continuously monitors the connection states of the Ethernet cable connection port and USB connection port, using this feedback information to automatically determine which network connection mode is applicable and to select the appropriate profile, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to environmental changes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple network connection modes are supported, then the mobile router can work in various environments, but the settings are not good for all networking environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for multiple network connection modesVSAvoiddifficulty of selecting correct settings

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments network connection configurations into distinct profiles, each optimized for specific network connection modes (wired Ethernet with PPPoE or DHCP, wireless LAN, wireless WAN). The control unit detects the current mode and selects only the relevant profile, preventing users from being overwhelmed by all possible settings simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8879531B2Mobile router capable of automatically detecting network connection mode and performing network connection setting, and method thereof

Publication Date: 2014.11.04 D-LINK CORP

AI summary

The present invention is to provide a mobile router, which can connect with a network transmission device capable of wired or wireless networking (e.g., a modem provided by a network service provider, a wireless LAN access point, or a mobile communication access point) in a corresponding one of at least three network connection modes based on a wired Ethernet, a wireless Local Area Network and a wireless Wide Area Network, so as to transmit a network packet from a terminal device (e.g., a desktop computer, a laptop computer, or a mobile phone) to the Internet or vice versa through the network transmission device. The mobile router can automatically detect an applicable network connection mode and automatically apply network connection settings stored in a corresponding profile. If no such corresponding profile exists, the mobile router can automatically store the network connection settings manually input by the user as a profile.