Programmable Wireless Device for Non-Compliant Signal Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for testing wireless communication devices are cumbersome and time-consuming, requiring manual configuration of multiple access points and specialized hardware to evaluate a station's ability to handle non-compliant communications and signal strength changes.

Innovation Solution

A programmable device is used to simulate various access points and communication modes, allowing for efficient testing of a station's response to non-compliant communications and signal strength reductions by configuring wireless communication in different modes and signal strengths via software.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple physical access points are manually configured to test different communication modes, then the station can be evaluated against various access point types, but the testing process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to test against various access point typesVSAvoidtesting duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a programmable device to create software-based copies of multiple access point types and communication modes. Instead of physically configuring different access points, the system virtualizes them through software, allowing rapid switching between test scenarios without manual reconfiguration of physical hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The programmable device serves multiple functions by emulating various access point types and communication modes within a single device. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for multiple specialized physical access points, enabling comprehensive testing capabilities in one universal platform.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If specialized test hardware is used to evaluate station response to non-compliant communications, then testing accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting accuracyVSAvoidtest hardware requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex specialized test hardware with a programmable device controlled by software. The software generates non-compliant communications and controls the programmable device to simulate various access point behaviors, substituting mechanical/hardware complexity with software-based control while maintaining testing accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual configuration of access points is performed to test different communication scenarios, then test coverage is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetest scenario coverageVSAvoidconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The programmable device is configured through software that automatically manages the test scenarios. The software handles the complexity of configuring different access point types and communication modes, allowing operators to initiate tests without manually configuring each scenario, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining comprehensive test coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS7599304B2Testing a station's response to non-compliant wireless communication

Publication Date: 2009.10.06 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

A controllable and/or configurable device that communicates wirelessly with a station may be used to test the station. For example, the device may be configured to communicate in multiple different wireless communication modes. As another example, the device may be controlled to engage in wireless communications that do not comply with the communication standard, e.g., IEEE standard 802.11. As a further example, the device may be controlled to reduce the strength of the wireless signal that is transmitted. The station's response to the wireless communication may be evaluated.