Modem Link-Addition Mode for Resilient Telecommunications Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Connected objects experience degraded or lost network access due to radio coverage issues, such as technical defects or incomplete territorial coverage, particularly in mobile or movable scenarios, necessitating improved resilience in communication connections.

Innovation Solution

A method for managing access to telecommunications infrastructure, where a modem switches between two operating modes based on criteria like service quality, movement amplitude, position, and configuration parameters to establish and utilize one or multiple network links, ensuring optimal connectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single link is used for network connection, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of connection deteriorates due to radio coverage issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodem configuration complexityVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The modem dynamically switches between single-link and multi-link operating modes based on real-time radio coverage conditions and quality of service requirements. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain connection reliability in challenging environments while avoiding unnecessary complexity when single-link operation suffices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operating parameter of link quantity from one to multiple based on detected radio coverage conditions. When coverage degradation is detected, the modem transitions to multi-link mode to maintain reliable connection, thereby resolving the contradiction between simplicity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If multiple links are established with networks, then connection resilience is improved, but device complexity and configuration management increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection resilienceVSAvoidlink management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The modem autonomously manages multiple links by automatically detecting radio coverage conditions, selecting appropriate operating modes, and switching between single-link and multi-link configurations without requiring complex manual configuration or intervention, thereby managing complexity internally while providing resilience externally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors radio coverage conditions and quality of service metrics, using this feedback to automatically adjust link configuration. This closed-loop control enables the modem to maintain optimal connection resilience while adapting to changing conditions without increasing operational complexity for the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If modem switches operating modes frequently, then connection availability is improved, but loss of time for mode switching increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection availabilityVSAvoidmode switching time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The modem performs preliminary assessments of radio coverage conditions and predicts when mode switching will be beneficial, avoiding unnecessary switching operations. By evaluating switching criteria before actual mode changes, the system maintains connection availability while minimizing time loss associated with frequent switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3562216A1Method for managing access to a communication infrastructure with a link-addition mode and associated devices
Publication Date: 2019.10.30 THALES SA
  • EP3562216A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3562216A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3562216A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for managing access to a telecommunications infrastructure (10) comprising telecommunications networks suitable for providing services and a modem (13) suitable for connecting to the networks according to a first operating mode in which the modem (13) uses a single link to a network or according to a second operating mode in which the modem (13) uses at least two links. The method includes a step for deciding whether to connect the modem (13) to the networks in an operating mode different from the current operating mode, the decision being based on at least one criterion.