Mobile Router Device Maintaining WAN Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless local area networks (WLANs) configured devices, such as laptops, struggle to maintain continuous access to Wide Area Networks (WANs) when moving out of their coverage areas, as they lack convenient access to cellular or satellite networks, limiting their ability to perform routine computer tasks in areas without network access.
Innovation Solution
A mobile router device equipped with a network controller and multiple wireless interface devices, capable of interfacing with cellular, WLAN, PAN, and satellite networks, allowing it to exchange signals between different network configurations and direct traffic between these networks to maintain continuous WAN access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If WLAN-configured devices are used, then network access is available within WLAN coverage areas, but continuous WAN access is lost when moving out of WLAN coverage zones
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile router is designed with multiple wireless network interface cards supporting different protocols (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular) to perform multiple network access functions. This multi-functionality allows the device to adapt to various network environments and maintain continuous WAN connectivity regardless of location, resolving the contradiction between reliable continuous access and adaptability to different networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile router acts as an intermediary device between WLAN-configured client devices and cellular networks. It receives wireless signals from clients, processes them through its multiple network interfaces, and forwards them to the appropriate network, enabling clients without cellular capability to access WAN continuously through the router's mediation.
2Reliability
If cell phones and PDA's are equipped with cellular network access, then WAN access is available over cellular networks, but they cannot perform routine computer tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into two functional components: the mobile router handles cellular network connectivity and basic networking functions, while client devices (laptops, desktops) handle complex computer tasks. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific purpose, with the router providing continuous WAN access and more powerful devices performing computationally intensive tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile router combines cellular network interface capabilities with wireless access point functionality and routing capabilities in a single device. By merging these functions, it provides both continuous cellular WAN access and the ability to host multiple client devices, bridging the gap between simple cellular devices and complex computers.
3Ease of operation
If portable computers are used, then routine computer tasks can be performed, but they lack cellular network interfacing capability
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile router serves as an intermediary that connects portable computers to cellular networks. The router's cellular network interface cards establish the cellular connection, while its wireless access point functionality provides connectivity to the portable computer, mediating between the two different network interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile router is designed with universal multi-functionality, supporting multiple wireless protocols (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) in addition to cellular networks. This allows it to interface with various types of portable computers and devices, providing them with cellular network access without requiring each device to have built-in cellular capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless mobile router (140) includes wireless network interfaces (202) and (218) attached to a network controller (142). The wireless network interface (202) communicates with a cellular network (110) to access cellular network services. The wireless network interface (218) and the network controller (142) comprise a WLAN (170) or PAN (180) and a network router hosting a plurality of client devices. Each client device may access a wide area network, WAN over the cellular network. The wireless mobile router (140) is configured to exchange various cellular network signals with various WLAN and PAN networks. The wireless mobile router (140) is particularly suitable for use in a vehicle or at locations where WAN access is not readily available.