Wireless Modem Link Layer Identifier Translation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In communication systems, particularly with 3GPP networks, issues arise when a host terminal generates its own link layer identifier instead of using the one allocated by the network, leading to potential routing table updates that violate network recommendations and connectivity issues, especially with operating systems like Windows XP, Vista, Linux, and Mac that do not allow forced allocation of Link Local Identifiers.

Innovation Solution

A wireless cellular modem unit intercepts messages with self-generated link layer identifiers, translates them into network-provided identifiers, and retransmits them, ensuring compatibility and transparency in address configuration, even when the host terminal does not accept the network's allocated identifier.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the host terminal generates its own link layer identifier, then the terminal can operate with existing operating systems that do not allow forced allocation, but this violates network recommendations and causes routing table update issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with existing operating systemsVSAvoidnetwork protocol compliance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The modem acts as an intermediary between the host terminal and the network. It intercepts messages containing the terminal's self-generated link layer identifier, translates them into the network-provided identifier, and retransmits them to the gateway. This mediator approach allows the terminal to use its own identifier while ensuring network compliance through the modem's translation function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/operational constraint of forcing identifier allocation on the terminal with a software-based translation mechanism in the modem. Instead of modifying the terminal's behavior or forcing it to accept network-provided identifiers, the system substitutes a translation layer that automatically converts identifiers at the modem level, bypassing the terminal's operating system constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the network allocates link layer identifiers to the terminal, then network protocol compliance is maintained, but existing operating systems cannot be forced to accept these allocated identifiers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork protocol complianceVSAvoidterminal configuration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The modem serves as an intermediary that receives the network-provided link layer identifier and the terminal's self-generated identifier, then translates between them. This allows the network to maintain protocol compliance while the terminal retains its configuration flexibility and operational autonomy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of forcing the terminal to use network-provided identifiers through operational constraints, the system substitutes a translation mechanism that operates at the modem level. This replacement allows the terminal to continue using its preferred identifier generation method while automatically complying with network protocols through the modem's translation function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If the terminal uses self-generated link layer identifiers, then terminal autonomy is maintained, but routing table updates may violate 3GPP recommendations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterminal autonomyVSAvoidrouting table violation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The modem acts as a mediator that intercepts messages containing the terminal's autonomous self-generated identifier before they reach the gateway. It translates these identifiers into network-compliant forms, thereby preserving terminal autonomy while preventing harmful routing table violations that would occur if the terminal's identifier choices were directly applied to the network.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system substitutes the terminal's direct identifier usage with a modem-based translation mechanism. This replacement maintains the terminal's autonomy in identifier generation while replacing the harmful direct network integration with a compliant translation layer that prevents routing table violations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8923311B2Communication system and method

Publication Date: 2014.12.30 NVIDIA CORP

AI summary

A unit for use at a terminal as an external wireless modem. In one embodiment, the unit includes: a wireless transceiver for connecting to a gateway between the wireless cellular network and a further, packet-based network; second interface apparatus for connecting to the terminal. The unit further includes processing apparatus arranged to receive a first link layer identifier from the wireless cellular network, gateway or further network, intended for use by the terminal as a source identifier when accessing the further network via the wireless cellular network and gateway. The processing apparatus is configured to intercept at least one message being conveyed from the terminal to the gateway comprising a second link layer identifier generated by the terminal as a source identifier, translate the second identifier into the first link layer identifier and retransmit the message to the gateway with the first link layer identifier as the source identifier.