Network Switch Device with Battery Powered Backup Modem
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Solution Overview
Problem
During power outages, existing solutions for maintaining internet and network connectivity, such as battery-powered cellular modems, can be costly and require excessive equipment, especially for remote devices that need constant connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A device with an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) that switches network connectivity from a grid-powered modem to a battery-powered cellular modem during power outages, ensuring continuous internet access for remote devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a battery-powered cellular modem is used to maintain internet connectivity during power outages, then network reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the grid-powered modem and battery-powered cellular modem into a single integrated device housing. The modems share common power supply circuitry, control logic, and antenna systems, reducing the need for separate equipment while maintaining dual-mode connectivity capability for reliable internet access during power outages
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device performs multiple functions: it operates as a grid-powered modem during normal conditions, switches to battery-powered cellular modem mode during power outages, and provides Wi-Fi hotspots for multiple devices. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate backup equipment while maintaining network reliability
2Reliability
If excessive equipment is deployed to ensure network connectivity during power outages, then network reliability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated device: grid modem, cellular modem, battery power supply, UPS, and Wi-Fi router all operate within one housing. This consolidation reduces equipment quantity from multiple separate devices to a single multi-functional unit while maintaining reliable connectivity during power outages
Solution Approach 2:
The device provides universal connectivity solutions by supporting both wired and wireless connections, operating in grid-powered and battery-powered modes, and serving multiple remote devices simultaneously. This eliminates the need for excessive specialized equipment while ensuring network reliability
3Reliability
If remote devices are equipped with separate UPS or battery systems, then network connectivity reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated device acts as an intermediary power and connectivity hub that receives grid power and distributes it through its internal battery/UPS system to the cellular modem and Wi-Fi system. Remote devices connect to this hub via Wi-Fi or Ethernet, receiving both power and connectivity without needing their own UPS or battery systems, thereby reducing overall system complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides reliable and cost-effective network switching, ensuring remote devices maintain internet connectivity during power outages without the need for excessive equipment, particularly useful for critical applications like medical equipment and IoT devices.
Implementation Method 1
The device may include a battery configured to provide electrical power to a cellular modem
Implementation Method 2
The device may include an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) configured to provide electrical power from a power grid to a battery and a modem
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a device for network switching. The device includes an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) configured to provide electrical power from a power grid to a battery and a modem. The device further includes the battery configured to provide electrical power to a cellular modem. The device also includes the cellular modem configured to provide internet connection to a remote device. The device in addition includes a network switch configured to switch internet connectivity between the modem and the cellular modem. The network switch, when the power grid is interrupted, switches from the modem to the cellular modem to provide internet connectivity to the remote device.