Mobile Router Server Failover for Vehicle Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices in vehicles face limited mobility due to the need to stay within wireless communication range of access points, and most devices lack cellular network interfaces, restricting their connectivity when in motion.
Innovation Solution
A networked mobile router system with an interface to a wireless communications link, memory for configuration and server information, and a communications agent that establishes connections with a main server and group servers, allowing for dynamic server selection and failover to maintain connectivity while in motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mobile devices use wireless LAN access points for connectivity, then devices can access the network, but mobility is constrained because devices must stay within wireless communication range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile router as an intermediary device that bridges wireless LAN and cellular networks. The mobile router receives data from cellular networks and forwards it to wireless devices, enabling devices to maintain network connectivity while moving beyond the range of fixed access points. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by extending network availability to mobile locations without requiring devices to remain within fixed wireless infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mobile devices lack cellular network interfaces, then devices can use wireless LAN, but connectivity is lost when moving outside wireless range
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile router serves multiple functions: it acts as a wireless access point for devices without cellular interfaces, simultaneously connects to cellular networks for data transmission, and provides network routing between the two interfaces. This multi-functional design enables universal connectivity for diverse device types while maintaining reliable network access even when devices are outside fixed wireless infrastructure range.
3Device complexity
If a single server is used for mobile router communication, then system complexity is reduced, but system reliability decreases when the primary server fails
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile router stores multiple group server addresses in advance within its memory, including backup servers that are pre-configured but not actively used. When the primary server becomes unavailable, the router can immediately switch to a pre-stored backup server address without needing to search for or configure new servers dynamically. This preliminary preparation of multiple server addresses resolves the contradiction by providing high availability while keeping the active server configuration simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates redundant backup servers as a cushion against primary server failure. The mobile router is configured with multiple group server addresses in advance, creating a buffer that absorbs the impact of server failures. This beforehand cushioning ensures continuous service by having pre-prepared alternative servers that can take over immediately when the primary server becomes unavailable, without increasing the complexity of active server management.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a wireless mobile router comprises the steps of storing information comprising configuration information and main server information utilizable to identify a main network server; establishing initial communication via a wireless link to a network comprising a main server and a plurality of group servers; directing the initial communication to the main server; uploading the configuration information to the main server via said network; establishing a second communication to the main server; receiving group server identification information from said main server during the second communication; storing the group server identification information comprising information identifying one or more servers corresponding with a predetermined group assigned by the main server; and utilizing the group server identification information for subsequent communication via the network.