MulteFire Dual-Mode Wireless Device for Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless LAN services face challenges in being economically viable for indoor areas with poor cellular coverage, as users may be charged for data transmitted over unlicensed frequencies, and existing solutions like femto cells and small cells are complex to install and manage, making it difficult to provide free or low-cost connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication device and system that allows users to selectively connect to either PLMN access mode or NHN access mode in MulteFire, prioritizing the NHN access mode for cost-effective and seamless connectivity, enabling free or low-cost wireless LAN-like services by using a single communication module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless LAN is used to provide connectivity in indoor areas with poor cellular coverage, then connectivity is improved, but operational costs increase due to backhaul line maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines cellular communication and wireless LAN functionalities into a single MulteFire communication module that operates in unlicensed frequency bands. This integration eliminates the need for separate wireless LAN infrastructure and backhaul lines, reducing operational costs while maintaining connectivity in indoor areas with poor cellular coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The MulteFire communication module provides universal functionality by supporting both cellular service operations (PLMN access mode) and wireless LAN-like operations (NHN access mode) within a single system. This multi-functionality allows the module to adapt to different operational requirements without requiring separate hardware or infrastructure
2Reliability
If femto cells or small cells are deployed to improve indoor connectivity, then connectivity is improved, but installation and management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the core functionality of femto cells and small cells (providing localized connectivity in unlicensed bands) and integrates it into a standardized MulteFire communication module. This eliminates the need for complex site negotiations, custom installations, and specialized management procedures associated with traditional femto cell deployments
Solution Approach 2:
The MulteFire communication module enables automatic network selection and connection management through its dual operation modes. The module autonomously selects between PLMN access mode and NHN access mode based on available networks, reducing the need for manual configuration and ongoing management intervention
3Reliability
If PLMN access mode is used in MulteFire, then network connectivity is improved, but user cost increases due to data charging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation modes that allow the MulteFire communication module to switch between PLMN access mode and NHN access mode based on network availability and service requirements. This dynamic adaptability enables users to connect to free NHN networks when available, reducing data costs while maintaining connectivity
Data Source
AI summary
Selection of a connection system is facilitated in MulteFire that simultaneously supports two types of modes, which are a PLMN access mode and an NHN access mode. A first wireless base station operates in a licensed frequency band and connects to a first network. A second wireless base station operates in an unlicensed frequency band and selects and connects to any of the first network and a second network. A wireless communication unit of a wireless communication device can communicate with each of the first and second wireless base stations. A connection-destination control unit notifies the second wireless base station to connect to the second network with priority over the first network within a range of the second wireless base station.