Modem Apparatus Modular Subsystems Multi-Standard Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a modem apparatus that can provide wireless network access services to a client in a modular and flexible manner, capable of supporting multiple wireless communications standards and allowing for efficient deployment as a stand-alone device or co-located with internal clients, while minimizing user interface and multimedia capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A modem apparatus is designed with a hardware subsystem supporting baseband processing and Radio Frequency components, a layered software subsystem with vertical software stacks for network access and operational services, and an interface subsystem providing standardized physical interfaces for modem services to clients, enabling modular deployment and inter-module communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a modem apparatus supports multiple wireless communications standards and provides comprehensive modem services, then the adaptability and versatility are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modem apparatus is segmented into distinct functional modules: a hardware sub-system for radio frequency and baseband processing, a layered software sub-system with separate vertical stacks for different wireless standards, and an interface sub-system for client communication. This segmentation allows each module to be independently developed, tested, and maintained while supporting multiple standards through the modular software architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The hardware sub-system is designed with universal radio frequency and baseband processing capabilities that can handle multiple wireless communications standards. The layered software sub-system provides a universal framework where different vertical software stacks (GSM, UMTS, LTE, etc.) can be selectively activated based on the required standard, allowing the same hardware platform to serve multiple functions across different wireless technologies.
2Reliability
If the modem apparatus is designed as a stand-alone device with full functionality, then the reliability and independence are improved, but the ease of manufacture and deployment are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The modem apparatus is designed with dynamic configurability, allowing it to adapt its operational mode based on deployment requirements. It can function as a complete stand-alone device with all necessary components integrated, or it can be selectively integrated into larger systems where certain functions are provided by external components. This dynamic design enables flexible manufacturing and deployment strategies.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface sub-system acts as an intermediary layer between the modem's internal hardware/software subsystems and external clients or host systems. This standardized interface enables the modem to operate independently as a stand-alone device while also facilitating seamless integration into larger systems through well-defined communication protocols, reducing both integration effort and manufacturing complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the modem apparatus includes comprehensive user interface and multimedia capabilities, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and integration effort are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
User interface and multimedia capabilities are extracted as separate, optional functional components rather than being tightly integrated into the core modem functionality. These capabilities can be selectively included or excluded based on the specific application requirements, allowing the modem to provide comprehensive service capabilities when needed while maintaining a simpler, more manageable architecture when these features are not required.
4Manufacturing precision
If the modem apparatus uses proprietary interfaces for internal communication, then the manufacturing precision and control are improved, but the ease of operation and re-usability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The interface sub-system is designed with universal, standardized communication protocols that enable the modem to interact with clients and host systems through well-defined interfaces. This universal interface design maintains manufacturing precision through controlled protocol implementation while significantly improving ease of operation, integration flexibility, and re-usability across different applications and platforms.
Data Source
AI summary
A modem apparatus for a modular wireless communications system is presented. The modem apparatus is configured to provide wireless network access in accordance with a wireless communications standard such as LTE or UMTS. The modem apparatus comprises a hardware sub-system, a layered software sub-system as well as an interface sub-system.