Network Connectivity Manager for Mobile Device Policy Compliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile devices face challenges in managing connectivity across multiple network types due to limitations in range, throughput, and mobility, as well as complexities in detecting and switching between networks, especially when compliance with corporate policies and security measures is required.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for a mobile device that employs a network connectivity manager to access a repository of network connectivity information, policies, and user credentials, enabling autonomous detection and transfer of connectivity between different networks while ensuring compliance with predetermined policies and security requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple network connectivity options are provided (USB, Bluetooth, WLAN, WWAN), then connectivity versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal network connectivity manager that handles multiple network types (USB, Bluetooth, WLAN, WWAN) through a single integrated system. This manager provides multi-functional capability to discover, evaluate, and switch between different network connectivity options, allowing the device to adapt to various network environments without requiring separate management systems for each connectivity type.
Solution Approach 2:
The network connectivity manager is nested within the mobile device's operating system, containing multiple sub-managers for different network types. Each network type manager is nested within the parent connectivity manager, creating a hierarchical structure where the parent coordinator manages the overall connectivity strategy while child managers handle specific network protocols, reducing overall system complexity through organized nesting.
2Ease of operation
If automatic network switching is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of information increases due to potential connection drops
Solution Approach 1:
The network connectivity manager performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring and evaluating available network connections before switching occurs. It maintains a database of known network locations and their characteristics, pre-assessing network quality and compatibility. This preliminary evaluation ensures that network switching happens only when appropriate, minimizing connection drops and information loss while maintaining automatic operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the network connectivity manager continuously monitors connection quality, signal strength, and network performance metrics. Based on this feedback, it dynamically adjusts switching decisions to maintain optimal connectivity. The feedback loop ensures that automatic switching only occurs when network conditions warrant the change, preventing unnecessary disconnections and preserving information continuity.
3Speed
If network connectivity information is stored locally on the mobile device, then access speed is improved, but reliability decreases due to dated or inconclusive information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges local and remote storage approaches by implementing a hybrid architecture. The mobile device maintains a local cache of network connectivity information for rapid access, while simultaneously connecting to a centralized network information server that stores updated, authoritative network data. The system automatically synchronizes between local and remote storage, combining the speed benefits of local access with the reliability of centralized, continuously updated information.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual entry of network connectivity information is allowed, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time increases due to user input requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The network connectivity manager implements dynamic information entry that adapts to user needs. The system provides automated discovery and population of network information fields when available, reducing manual input requirements. However, it also allows users to manually enter custom network connectivity information when automated methods are insufficient. The interface dynamically adjusts between automated and manual modes based on the situation, maintaining adaptability while minimizing time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are disclosed for managing the connectivity of a mobile device to a plurality of network connectivity locations. A mobile device comprising a network connectivity manager accesses a repository of predetermined network connectivity management information stored on a network host. The network connectivity manager uses a first predetermined subset of the information to discover the presence of a first network and then manages connectivity between the mobile device and the first discovered network. A second predetermined subset of information is then used to discover the presence of a second network. The network connectivity manager then transfers the mobile device's connectivity from the first network to the second network. Transfer of connectivity is dependent upon successful submission and acceptance of predetermined user credentials and each network's compliance with predetermined connectivity policies.