PPPoE Multi-Radio Network Selection via Access Concentrator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for communicating over multiple wireless networks do not allow LAN-connected clients to securely and effectively select the most suitable network for data transmission based on performance, security, and cost considerations, leading to potential suboptimal data exchanges.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet (PPPoE) sessions to control data flow between clients and multi-radio modems, enabling selection of the most appropriate wireless network by assigning client addresses and establishing connections through access concentrators associated with each radio modem.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If multi-radio modems automatically switch communication data between different radio modems based on roaming rules, then network selection is automated, but clients cannot securely control which network is selected for their data transmissions
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments network selection control by creating separate PPPoE sessions for each radio modem. Each session is independently managed with its own authentication and IP address assignment, allowing clients to control which network is used for specific data transmissions while the system maintains automated switching capabilities. This segmentation enables both automation and client control to coexist.
Solution Approach 2:
The access concentrator acts as an intermediary between clients and multiple radio modems. It receives PPPoE connection requests from clients, authenticates them, assigns IP addresses, and routes traffic to appropriate radio modems based on network conditions. This intermediary layer enables clients to maintain control over network selection while the system automates the actual switching and routing decisions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If clients connect to multiple wireless networks through multi-radio modems, then network availability increases, but security control and cost management become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication and IP address assignment through PPPoE sessions before actual data transmission begins. Each radio modem establishes its own PPPoE session with the access concentrator, pre-configuring security parameters and cost accounting information. This preliminary action ensures that security controls are in place before clients can transmit data, preventing unauthorized or unaccounted network usage.
3Productivity
If roaming rules determine network selection based on protocol and destination address, then automatic network switching is enabled, but clients cannot select networks based on their specific performance, security, and cost requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of network selection control from server-side roaming rules to client-side PPPoE session selection. By using PPPoE authentication and IP address assignment mechanisms, clients can indicate their preferred network based on performance, security, and cost requirements. The access concentrator then routes traffic accordingly, enabling both automatic switching and client-specific selection criteria to work together.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for controlling simultaneous communications over a plurality of communication networks that employs Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet (PPPoE) connections between a plurality of Ethernet connected clients and a plurality of wireless radio modems for wireless network access control. The method comprises transmitting data between the one or more clients and one or more wireless modems for communication over the one or more wireless networks based on the assigned IP address of the one or more clients based upon during a PPPoE or DHCP session. The system comprises one or more multi-radio modems for transmitting data over one or more wireless networks, an Ethernet LAN for connecting the one or more PPPoE and DHCP enabled clients to the one or more multi-radio modems, one or more Access Concentrators for controlling access to the one or more radio modems and for assigning an Internet Protocol address to the one or more PPPoE enabled clients, and a DHCP server for controlling access to the one or more radio modems and for assigning an Internet Protocol address to the one or more DHCP enabled clients. A controller coordinates communications between the PPPoE client and the one or more radio modems based on the assigned Internet Protocol address of the PPPoE client or DHCP client.