Network Device with Virtual Access Points for Localized Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users in physical proximity to a physical store of an entity often require internet connectivity to connect with the entity for actions like placing orders or accessing information, which can be time-consuming and data-intensive, especially in areas with poor internet connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A network device associated with an entity that facilitates geographically localized communication by providing a local area network (LAN) and virtual access points, allowing user devices to connect directly without relying on internet connectivity, and providing custom applications for communication and interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users connect to entities via internet URLs and applications, then users can access entity services remotely, but communication becomes time-consuming and data-intensive especially in areas with poor internet connectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments communication into two modes: internet-based communication for remote access and localized Wi-Fi Direct communication for proximity-based interaction. This segmentation allows users to switch between communication channels based on their physical location and connectivity needs, reducing time delays in areas with poor internet connectivity
Solution Approach 2:
The entity's network device acts as an intermediary by establishing a localized Wi-Fi network that enables direct communication between user devices and the entity. This intermediary network serves as an alternative communication path that bypasses internet infrastructure, thereby reducing communication time and data usage for users in proximity to the physical store
2Ease of operation
If users connect via internet URLs and applications, then users can access entity services, but significant internet data bandwidth is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is segmented into internet-based and localized Wi-Fi Direct modes. By segmenting the communication path, the system allows users to switch to the localized mode that consumes minimal data bandwidth, thereby reducing the loss of energy in the form of internet data consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The entity's network device establishes a localized Wi-Fi network that serves as an intermediary communication channel. This intermediary network enables direct peer-to-peer communication between user devices and the entity, bypassing the need for internet data transmission and thereby reducing internet data bandwidth consumption
3Ease of operation
If user tracking and location tracking technologies are used for communication, then entities can communicate with users in physical proximity, but significant power and internet data bandwidth are required
Solution Approach 1:
User devices automatically perform device-to-device discovery and connection establishment through Wi-Fi Direct technology without requiring continuous location tracking or internet-based user tracking. The devices self-service the connection process by utilizing wireless signal detection and automatic pairing, thereby eliminating the need for power-intensive tracking technologies
Solution Approach 2:
The Wi-Fi Direct communication protocol serves as an intermediary mechanism that enables direct communication between user devices and the entity's network device. This intermediary protocol allows devices to discover and connect to each other locally without relying on internet-based tracking systems, thereby reducing power consumption
4Adaptability or versatility
If internet connectivity is required for communication, then users can access entity services remotely, but users in locations with poor internet connectivity cannot virtually access the entity
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments communication into remote internet-based access and local proximity-based access modes. This segmentation provides adaptability for different usage scenarios while ensuring reliability in both modes - internet connectivity for remote access and Wi-Fi Direct for local access, eliminating the vulnerability to poor internet connectivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the communication parameter from internet-dependent to localized wireless direct connection. By changing the communication parameter to use Wi-Fi Direct technology, the system maintains adaptability for both remote and local access while improving reliability in areas with poor internet connectivity through the use of a separate communication channel
Data Source
AI summary
Network devices and method for facilitating geographically localized communication is disclosed. The network devices comprise a router for providing a local area network (LAN) and an access point for providing virtual access points. Further, the network devices comprise a processor configured to execute one or more predefined computer instructions to perform functions. The functions comprise providing the virtual access points that are detectable by user devices. The functions also comprise receiving a request for connection via a virtual access point from the user devices. Further, the functions comprise connecting the user devices to the LAN via the virtual access point. Furthermore, the functions comprise providing a custom application associated with one or more entities on the user devices connected to the LAN for the geographically localized communication with the entities and with respect to each other. The method comprises the steps performed by the network devices.