Over-the-Air Software Reconfiguration via Intermediary Server Node

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for downloading operating software to reconfigurable radio terminals require significant modifications to network protocols and nodes, making them intrusive and costly to implement in existing cellular networks.

Innovation Solution

A method and architecture that utilize the TCP/IP protocol to manage over-the-air software downloads for radio terminals, allowing reconfiguration without altering existing network protocols or nodes, using a server node connected to the network to perform transparent downloads compatible with both second and third generation systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing methods for downloading operating software to reconfigurable radio terminals are used, then software can be downloaded and installed in the terminal, but significant modifications to network protocols and nodes are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware reconfigurabilityVSAvoidnetwork modification complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a new network node that acts as an intermediary between the existing cellular network and the software download process. This node provides the software download functionality without requiring modifications to existing network protocols or nodes, thereby resolving the contradiction between software reconfigurability and network modification complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The new network node is designed to be universally compatible with existing cellular networks (both 2G and 3G systems) while providing software download capabilities. It can interface with different radio access technologies and core network elements without requiring system-specific modifications, enabling multi-functionality across different network generations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If existing methods for over-the-air software download are implemented, then terminal reconfiguration is enabled, but intrusive modifications to cellular network architecture are necessary

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterminal reconfiguration easeVSAvoidnetwork implementation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a new network node that acts as an intermediary between the existing cellular network and the software download process. This node provides the software download functionality without requiring modifications to existing network protocols or nodes, thereby resolving the contradiction between software reconfigurability and network modification complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The software download functionality is extracted from the existing network infrastructure and placed in a separate, standalone network node. This extraction allows the download capability to be added without modifying the core network architecture, making implementation easier while maintaining terminal reconfiguration ease

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If software download protocols are integrated into existing network nodes, then download functionality is provided, but the protocols become intrusive and costly to implement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware download efficiencyVSAvoidnetwork node complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a new network node that acts as an intermediary between the existing cellular network and the software download process. This node provides the software download functionality without requiring modifications to existing network protocols or nodes, thereby resolving the contradiction between software reconfigurability and network modification complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The network architecture is segmented by separating the software download functionality into a distinct network node, independent from the core network elements. This segmentation allows the download protocol to be implemented in isolation, reducing the complexity burden on existing network nodes while maintaining download efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8081596B1Method and a network architecture for configuring a radio terminal, radio terminal, network node and a computer program product therefor

Publication Date: 2011.12.20 TELECOM ITALIA SPA

AI summary

Network architecture and a method for configuring a reconfigurable radio terminal, including a communication network and at least one radio terminal belonging to said communication network. The architecture further includes a node connected to the communication network and includes operating software modules suitable to reconfigure the radio terminal through an over-the-air connection and transparently to the communication network.