On-Ship Server for Bandwidth-Constrained Wireless Service
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Solution Overview
Problem
In captive environments like cruise ships, users face exorbitant roaming fees and limited access to voice, data, and multimedia services due to lack of competition among service providers and limited technical capabilities, resulting in unsatisfactory communication options.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows users to register their devices with an On-Ship Server via an app, utilizing WiFi capabilities to maintain normal communication services while avoiding high roaming charges, using a local server to manage communications and filter traffic to optimize bandwidth usage, and providing an alternative network infrastructure for seamless communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cellular roaming service is used in captive environments, then service availability is maintained, but service cost increases dramatically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a local server as an intermediary component that sits between the cellular network and the captive environment. This server acts as a gateway that receives communications from the home network and redirects them through the local WiFi network, thereby mediating the connection to avoid roaming charges while maintaining service availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the communication path into two distinct parts: (1) a control signaling path that maintains connection with the home network for authentication and call setup, and (2) a data path that routes actual communication traffic through the local WiFi network. This segmentation allows the system to benefit from both the reliability of the home network and the cost-effectiveness of the local network.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If local WiFi network is used for communication, then service cost is reduced, but network infrastructure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The local server is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as a WiFi access point, a message relay, a call manager, and a network translator. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional device, the patent reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall network infrastructure while maintaining cost-effective local communication.
3Adaptability or versatility
If bandwidth is allocated for satellite connection, then ship-to-shore communication is enabled, but bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating between local communications (passenger-to-passenger) and remote communications (ship-to-shore). Local communications are handled over the high-bandwidth WiFi network without consuming satellite bandwidth, while only essential ship-to-shore communications use the satellite connection. This selective approach optimizes bandwidth allocation by matching the communication medium to the specific quality requirements of each communication type.
4Reliability
If comprehensive communication services are provided, then service quality is improved, but bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new dimension of network architecture by creating a layered communication system. The first layer is the local WiFi network that handles high-bandwidth services (voice, video, data) without consuming satellite bandwidth. The second layer is the satellite connection that provides only essential control signaling and external connectivity. This dimensional separation allows comprehensive services to be provided while minimizing satellite bandwidth consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for providing alternate wireless and network service on a cruise ship or in other remote or isolated “captive” environments where available wireless communication options tend to be limited and/or bandwidth constrained. Aspects of the disclosed systems and methods allow existing wireless customers to continue using their normal wireless phone and phone number in the captive environments while still easily avoiding large roaming and bandwidth charges, all while nearly transparently maintaining the full range of normal wireless voice, text, and MMS services.