Multi-Network Gateway for Wireless Terminal Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile devices face challenges in supporting multiple wireless Internet access technologies due to bulkiness, increased power consumption, and high manufacturing costs, as well as limitations in accessing the Internet without coverage or subscription to specific networks.
Innovation Solution
A portable multi-network communication device with two interfaces: one for local wireless networks (WLAN/WPAN) and another for wireless Internet access networks, equipped with a subscription database for automatic selection of networks based on user preferences to minimize cost or optimize quality of service, supporting various communication protocols and technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile terminal supports multiple wireless Internet access technologies (2G/3G, WiFi, WiMax), then the terminal can access the Internet through various networks, but the terminal becomes bulkier, consumes more power, and costs more to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a separate gateway device that acts as an intermediary between the mobile terminal and the wireless Internet access networks. The gateway device contains the multi-technology access capabilities (2G/3G, WiFi, WiMax modules) and provides Internet access to the terminal through a simple wireless interface, thereby avoiding the need to integrate all these complex technologies directly into the terminal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the network access function into separate components: the gateway device handles the complex network selection and multiple access technologies, while the terminal only needs basic wireless connectivity. This segmentation separates the complexity of network access from the simplicity of the terminal device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile terminal supports multiple wireless Internet access technologies, then the terminal can access the Internet through various networks, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway device serves as a dedicated access point that contains all the expensive multi-technology modules. This allows terminals to be manufactured with simpler, cheaper components while still providing versatile network access capability through the shared gateway infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway device is designed as a universal access point that can connect to multiple network types (2G/3G, WiFi, WiMax) and serve multiple terminals simultaneously. This multi-functionality consolidates the cost of supporting multiple technologies into a single shared device rather than requiring each terminal to independently support all technologies.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile terminal supports multiple wireless Internet access technologies, then the terminal can access the Internet through various networks, but the electricity consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway device acts as an energy-efficient intermediary that manages network connections and data transmission. By centralizing the complex network access functions in the gateway, the terminal only needs to maintain a simple wireless connection, significantly reducing the power consumption required for network access operations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the terminal requires user intervention to select networks and provide connection information, then the terminal can connect to various networks, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway device implements automatic network selection and authentication functions. It autonomously detects available networks, selects appropriate access technologies, and manages connection parameters without requiring user intervention. The terminal simply needs to connect to the gateway's wireless network, and the gateway handles all the complex network access tasks automatically.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a portable device (100) for multi-network communication including at least two interfaces (117, 118), a first interface (118) enabling data exchange between at least one terminal (106, 107, 108, 109) and said device, said terminals being connected to the device by means of at least one wireless network, such as a WLAN or a WPAN, a second interface (117) enabling data to be exchanged between the device and at least one wireless Internet access network (112, 114, 116). The device comprises a means for storing the identification and authentication information required to connect to at least one wireless Internet access network (112, 114, 116) as well as communication pricing information in a subscription database. The device is capable of detecting the presence of wireless Internet access networks in the proximity of the device (112, 114, 116) and of automatically selecting (103) at least one of said networks according to the preferences of at least one user of the device. The device also comprises a means for establishing communication between at least one terminal (106, 107, 108, 109) and at least one of the selected wireless Internet access networks (112, 114, 116).