Network Connection Wizard with Auto-Detection and Validation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Typical computer users, especially in home environments, face difficulties in configuring network connections due to lack of necessary networking hardware or incorrect configuration, leading to failed connection attempts.

Innovation Solution

A system that automatically detects available networking hardware and networks, presents only feasible connection options to the user, and tests the configured connection to ensure successful setup, thereby guiding the user through a simplified and effective configuration process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the user is provided with all possible connection types in the wizard, then the user has more options to choose from, but the user is more likely to select invalid options and fail configuration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection optionsVSAvoidconfiguration success

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of available networking hardware and networks before presenting connection options to the user. This preliminary action filters out invalid connection types, ensuring that only feasible configuration options are displayed, thereby preventing user failure while maintaining comprehensive connectivity choices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the user is guided through manual configuration steps, then the user can control the configuration process, but the user is more likely to make incorrect configuration errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration guidanceVSAvoidconfiguration correctness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements automated feedback mechanisms that detect configuration status and provide real-time validation. After the user selects connection options, the system automatically tests connectivity and provides feedback on configuration correctness, guiding the user through the process while ensuring accuracy through automated verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If the system presents all connection types regardless of hardware availability, then the interface is comprehensive, but it increases user confusion and configuration failures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection type coverageVSAvoiduser configuration simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-detection of available networking hardware and networks, automatically generating a personalized set of valid connection options without requiring user knowledge of hardware capabilities. This self-service approach simplifies the user interface by presenting only relevant options, eliminating confusion while maintaining comprehensive coverage of valid connection types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS7804783B2Automatic detection and testing of new networking connections

Publication Date: 2010.09.28 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

A new connection wizard automatically detects available networking hardware, as well as networks that are available. The wizard then presents the user with a list of choices, i.e., different connection types that they can set up. This list of options is based on the hardware and networks that were detected initially. Thus, the wizard will only present the user with the connection types that can actually be utilized. Once the user has selected a connection type and completed the configuration through the wizard, the wizard will automatically test the connection and report success or failure to the user.