Modular Router Extensions for Upgradeable WiFi and Switching

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing networking devices, such as gateway routers, face difficulties in upgrading or replacing individual modules like WiFi from WiFi 6 to WiFi 7 without replacing the entire system, leading to inefficiency and waste.

Innovation Solution

A detachable switch extension with multi-port switching capability and modular communication components, including a modem and WiFi module, that can be easily added or upgraded without replacing the entire networking device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the entire networking device is replaced to upgrade from WiFi 6 to WiFi 7, then the WiFi performance is improved, but the cost and waste increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveWiFi performanceVSAvoidwaste

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The networking device is divided into modular components (WiFi module, modem module, router module) that can be independently upgraded. The WiFi module can be replaced from WiFi 6 to WiFi 7 without replacing the entire device, reducing waste and cost while maintaining improved performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static integrated design to a dynamic modular architecture where components can be easily swapped. The detachable modules with standardized interfaces enable flexible upgrades without requiring complete system replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the entire networking device is replaced to upgrade from WiFi 6 to WiFi 7, then the WiFi performance is improved, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveWiFi performanceVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The networking device is divided into modular components (WiFi module, modem module, router module) that can be independently upgraded. The WiFi module can be replaced from WiFi 6 to WiFi 7 without replacing the entire device, reducing waste and cost while maintaining improved performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of discarding the entire device during upgrade, only the obsolete WiFi module is replaced while the rest of the device (housing, power supply, other modules) is retained and recovered, significantly reducing upgrade cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Adaptability or versatility

If integrated communication modules are used in networking devices, then the device functionality is improved, but the ease of repair and upgrade deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidease of upgrade

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The networking device is divided into modular components (WiFi module, modem module, router module) that can be independently upgraded. The WiFi module can be replaced from WiFi 6 to WiFi 7 without replacing the entire device, reducing waste and cost while maintaining improved performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static integrated design to a dynamic modular architecture where components can be easily swapped. The detachable modules with standardized interfaces enable flexible upgrades without requiring complete system replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20260081878A1Modular communication systems

Publication Date: 2026.03.19 CENTURYLINK INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LLC

AI summary

Systems described herein include a switch extension that provides additional switching functionality to an existing networking device without the need to remove or replace the networking device. The switch extension includes a multi-port switch that can be attached to an existing networking device having one or more network interface connectors. In addition, modular communication components, such as a modular modem component and a modular WiFi component, may each have a similar or identical housing, along with power input and power output connectors that permit them to be stacked and interconnected to form an easily upgradable modular networking device.