Multi-Network Router Scoring for Vehicular Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicular network technologies do not provide optimal mechanisms for multiple network contexts, leading to suboptimal performance in vehicular communication infrastructure, particularly in terms of Quality of Service (QoS), load balancing, and contention/buffer overflow minimization.
Innovation Solution
A multi-technology network device that seamlessly switches between DSRC 5.9 GHz, Wi-Fi, and cellular networks based on signal strength, node density, expected contact time, and user preferences, using a connection manager to form a mesh network of vehicles connected to infrastructure, with a scoring system to select the best network for optimal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If vehicles use multiple network interfaces (DSRC, Wi-Fi, cellular) for Internet access, then network coverage and connectivity options are improved, but device complexity and network management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional network device that integrates DSRC, Wi-Fi, and cellular network interfaces into a single system. The connection manager module handles all network operations uniformly, allowing the vehicle to access Internet through any available technology without requiring separate management systems for each interface type.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection manager module serves as an intermediary between the multiple network interfaces and the applications. It centralizes network selection, switching, and management functions, shielding applications from the complexity of multiple network technologies while enabling seamless transitions between different network types based on availability and quality.
2Reliability
If vehicles dynamically switch between different network technologies, then QoS and connectivity reliability are improved, but handover delays and switching complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection manager continuously monitors the quality metrics of all available networks and pre-evaluates potential handover targets. When a handover becomes necessary, the system already has assessment data ready about alternative networks, enabling faster switching decisions and reducing handover delays by avoiding reactive search processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where network quality metrics (signal strength, throughput, latency) are constantly measured and fed back to the connection manager. This real-time monitoring enables dynamic adaptation to changing network conditions, allowing the system to switch between technologies based on actual performance rather than static configurations.
3Productivity
If existing QoS solutions are adapted to vehicular networks, then some load balancing is achieved, but they fail to provide optimal performance for vehicular-specific requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by tailoring QoS parameters and network selection criteria to specific vehicular scenarios. Different weightings and evaluation metrics are applied based on vehicle speed, location, and network type, allowing the system to optimize for local conditions (e.g., prioritizing low latency for autonomous driving communications vs. bandwidth for video streaming) rather than using generic QoS solutions.
Data Source
AI summary
Wireless network data router for a vehicle, and operating method thereof, comprising: a multi-connection interface for wireless access in vehicular environments, herewith WAVE; a wireless local area network, herewith Wi-Fi, interface; a mobile network data interface; a downlink data connection for the vehicle and/or users in the vehicle and its vicinity; a data processing unit for routing data between said interfaces; wherein the data processing unit is configured to: calculate a score for each reachable network on the WAVE, Wi-Fi and mobile network interfaces; switch the uplink connection of the wireless network data router to the reachable network with the best score. Also a wireless network data router for vehicles for connecting vehicles to the Internet through a multi-network device, said router being a mobile router suitable to form a mesh network of connected vehicles, wherein the router is arranged for using parked cars for redistributing Wi-Fi signal from fixed hotspots.