Mobile Device UPnP Communication via Base Station Mediation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for a mobile device to access UPnP devices within a femto cell's service area result in resource clogging of the core network, as local access is enabled through it.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allow a mobile device to communicate with UPnP devices by publishing a public land mobile network identifier to indicate support for local UPnP communication, receiving data communication requests, and establishing a bearer between the base station and an UPnP router for direct data communication between the mobile device and UPnP devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If local access to UPnP devices is enabled through the core network, then mobile devices can communicate with UPnP devices, but core network resources become clogged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a UPnP router as an intermediary device between the mobile device and UPnP devices. The base station forwards UPnP discovery requests to this router, which handles the communication locally without involving the core network for routine UPnP device access, thus resolving the resource clogging issue while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the communication path by separating UPnP device access from the core network. By establishing a dedicated path through the base station and UPnP router for local UPnP communication, the system divides the network traffic into core network-dependent and locally-handled segments, preventing core network resources from being clogged by UPnP discovery traffic
2Productivity
If a bearer is established between base station and UPnP router for direct communication, then network performance improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base station serves multiple functions: it acts as a radio access point for mobile devices, a gateway for UPnP communication, and a bearer establishment point for direct data communication. By making the base station multi-functional, the patent achieves improved network performance without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the base station already exists in the network architecture
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides methods and devices for enabling communication between a mobile device and Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) devices. In one embodiment, a communication gateway includes a home base station for receiving a data communication request from a mobile device associated with a radio network, where the data communication request indicates type of communication. The communication gateway also includes a mediation entity for signalling an UPnP router that the data communication request is associated with an UPnP type communication. Moreover, the communication gateway includes an UPnP router for providing data communication from the mobile device to one or more UPnP devices connected to the UPnP router.