PPP Frame Logic Channel for Parallel Command Data Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication devices operating on a point-to-point protocol (PPP) face challenges in allowing parallel access to hardware for additional commands and services during ongoing data transmission, leading to slowed data flow and temporary disruption of data connections, which is particularly problematic for wireless modems and requires significant development effort and resource-intensive multiplexer protocols.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a device control protocol into the PPP frame, which provides a logic channel between the application layer and the physical layer, enabling parallel operation without terminating the data mode, and allowing multiple applications to access the communication device's hardware through virtual serial interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the communication device switches from data mode to command mode to allow additional commands, then command transmission is enabled, but the data transmission is interrupted and data connection is temporarily broken
Solution Approach 1:
The communication interface is segmented into multiple logical channels: a first logical channel for data transmission and a second logical channel for command transmission. This segmentation allows both data and commands to be transmitted simultaneously over the same physical interface without interfering with each other, thus maintaining data connection continuity while enabling command transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of communication by adding a second logical channel that operates parallel to the first logical channel. This dimensional addition allows the system to handle both data and commands concurrently, transforming the single-channel sequential operation into multi-channel parallel operation, thereby resolving the contradiction between data continuity and command capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional physical interfaces are used to send commands in parallel with data connection, then command transmission is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single physical interface is designed to be universal and multi-functional, capable of carrying both data transmission and command transmission through its multiple logical channels. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated physical interfaces for commands, thereby maintaining parallel command transmission capability while avoiding the increase in physical interface quantity and associated device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the data transmission function and command transmission function into a single physical interface by utilizing multiple logical channels. This consolidation approach allows both functions to coexist on the same hardware resource, reducing the total number of physical interfaces required and simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining parallel operation capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a multiplexer protocol is implemented to provide multiple logic channels, then parallel command access is enabled, but processor and memory resources are significantly consumed
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of implementing a complex multiplexer protocol that requires substantial processing power and memory resources, the patent uses a simplified approach where the logical channel differentiation is achieved through basic protocol framing and identification mechanisms. This copying of the channel differentiation concept from complex multiplexing to simpler protocol-level identification reduces the computational overhead and resource consumption while still enabling multiple application access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs lightweight, simple protocol structures for logical channel identification that require minimal processing and memory resources compared to full multiplexer protocols. These simplified protocol elements act as 'cheap' alternatives to complex multiplexing mechanisms, providing the necessary multi-channel functionality with significantly reduced processor and memory consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication device and a method concerning the operation of a communication device is provided. The method may include integrating a device control protocol into a point-to-point-protocol (PPP) frame, such that the integrated device control protocol can be separated by means of an identifier. Also, a logic channel between an application layer and a physical layer of the communication device is provided via the integrated device control protocol. At least one virtual serial interface may be provided within the communication device that is configured to use a device control protocol integrated into the PPP frame. The virtual serial interface includes at least one logic channel for an access of applications in an application layer to units of a physical layer of the communication device.