Network Connection Proximity Detection for Router Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face reduced data access speeds due to external network limitations and interference from nearby WIFI hotspots, especially when trying to connect to their own router, as existing systems lack permission to search for nearby WIFI networks, affecting iOS devices and overall user experience.

Innovation Solution

A method involving three parties - the network side, a preset network connection device, and a terminal - where the network side receives and compares network information to determine proximity, sending notification for internal network access, ensuring the terminal connects directly to the preset network connection device for faster data access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If users access router data via external networks, then accessibility is improved, but data access speed deteriorates due to upload bandwidth limitations

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoiddata access speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by having the terminal detect nearby access points before actual data access occurs. The server pre-processes location information and determines proximity status in advance, so when data access is needed, the terminal is already positioned on the optimal network (internal vs external), eliminating the need to switch networks during data transfer and ensuring maximum speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Speed

If users rely on application programs to search for nearby WIFI, then internal network access can be achieved, but system compatibility deteriorates due to permission restrictions in iOS and other systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata access speedVSAvoidsystem compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a server as an intermediary that receives location information from the terminal and determines whether the terminal is near the access point. This intermediary approach bypasses the need for application programs to directly search for WIFI networks, which is blocked by iOS permission restrictions. The server performs the proximity determination function that would otherwise require privileged access, making the solution compatible across different operating systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Area of stationary object

If multiple WIFI hotspots surround the user, then network coverage is improved, but connection reliability deteriorates due to interference and inability to identify the correct router

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork coverageVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by having the terminal send its current location information to the server, which then compares this with stored location data of the user's router. The server sends back a determination result indicating whether the terminal is near the router. This feedback loop enables the terminal to distinguish its own router from other nearby hotspots, ensuring reliable connection to the correct device even in environments with multiple WIFI networks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3157198B1Method and apparatus for network connection
Publication Date: 2022.07.06 XIAOMI INC
  • EP3157198B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3157198B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3157198B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for network connection. The method includes: receiving (S11) first network information of a network connection device which a terminal is currently connected to; determining (S12) whether the first network information matches pre-stored second network information which is network information of a network connection device within a preset range of a preset network connection device corresponding to the terminal; and if the first network information matches the second network information, sending (S13) the terminal notification information for notifying the terminal that the terminal can be connected to the preset network connection device currently.