Portable Wi-Fi Base Station for Secure Content Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current networked devices do not enable easy sharing of authorized media content with other users outside the end user's location, limiting the ability to share content such as pictures, videos, and audio files with friends and family.
Innovation Solution
A portable network device that acts as a Wi-Fi base station, supporting multiple SSID channels and wireless transceiver profiles, allowing authorized content to be shared outside a managed environment through a meshed network, while managing battery life by adjusting transmission power and range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If content is delivered using security mechanisms like conditional access systems and digital rights management, then authorized access to content is ensured, but the ability to share content outside the managed network is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The portable device acts as an intermediary between the managed network and external devices. It receives authorized content from the managed network through conditional access systems, then redistributes this content to external devices via wireless transmission. This mediator approach allows content to flow from the secure managed environment to external devices while maintaining authorization control through DRM mechanisms embedded in the content itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable device performs multiple functions: it serves as a client device within the managed network to receive authorized content, acts as a wireless base station to transmit content to external devices, and implements DRM protection mechanisms to ensure authorized access. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by enabling content sharing outside the network while maintaining security through integrated protection mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a portable device transmits data wirelessly to share content, then content sharing outside managed network is enabled, but battery life is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The portable device dynamically adjusts its wireless transmission parameters including transmission power, data rate, and range based on the operational mode and available battery charge. When battery charge is high or external power is available, the device can operate at higher power levels for extended range and faster data transmission. When battery charge is low, it automatically reduces transmission power to conserve energy, thereby extending battery life while maintaining content sharing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters such as wireless transmission power, data transmission rate, and network mode (e.g., switching between different Wi-Fi channels or modes) to optimize the balance between content sharing performance and battery consumption. This parameter adjustment allows the device to maintain versatile content sharing while managing battery life through adaptive parameter changes based on charge level and operational requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the portable device supports multiple wireless protocols and SSID channels, then adaptability to different networks is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication functionality is segmented into distinct operational modes and protocol stacks that can be independently managed. The device maintains separate configuration contexts for different wireless standards (Wi-Fi, WiMAX, cellular) and SSID channels, allowing each protocol to be handled through dedicated modules. This segmentation reduces overall complexity by organizing the multi-protocol support into manageable, independent components rather than a monolithic complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable device automatically detects available wireless networks and protocols in the environment, then self-configures the appropriate communication mode without requiring manual user intervention. The system autonomously selects optimal SSID channels, adjusts transmission parameters, and establishes connections based on pre-configured profiles and available resources. This self-service capability simplifies the user experience despite the underlying complexity of supporting multiple wireless protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for forming a portable network environment outside a managed network environment for sharing content is provided. A portable network device enables authorized consumption of content outside a managed environment. The portable network device may have an internal rechargeable battery and support wireless protocols such as Wi-Fi. The portable network device may act as a Wi-Fi base station allowing access to authorized Wi-Fi clients via a mesh network.