Proxy Device Optical Link for Network Device Error Diagnosis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Network devices often experience service interruptions due to software or hardware errors, making it difficult for service providers to communicate with them, especially when these devices are installed in hard-to-reach locations, requiring physical access and potentially involving ladders or awkward positions for technicians.
Innovation Solution
A proxy communication system using optical communication between a network device and a network device manager, where a proxy device authenticates and establishes a secure connection, allowing remote monitoring and repair instructions to be transmitted and executed, thereby avoiding the need for physical proximity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If physical access is required for network device repair, then direct connection can be established, but technician safety and accessibility deteriorate due to hard-to-reach locations requiring ladders or awkward positions
Solution Approach 1:
A proxy device is introduced as an intermediary between the network device and the technician's mobile device. The proxy device establishes a communication bridge through optical signals, allowing the technician to access and repair the network device remotely without needing physical access to its location, thus improving accessibility while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical physical connection system (requiring ladders and direct access) with an optical communication system. Optical signals transmit data wirelessly between devices, eliminating the need for physical proximity and improving both technician safety and accessibility
2Adaptability or versatility
If network devices are placed in hard-to-reach locations, then aesthetic appearance and installation flexibility improve, but technician access and repair difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The proxy device acts as a mediator that decouples the physical location of the network device from the technician's access point. It establishes a wireless optical communication link that allows repair operations from any location, maintaining installation flexibility while dramatically improving ease of repair
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the communication function by introducing a separate proxy device that handles all communication between the network device and external systems. This segmentation allows the network device to be optimally positioned for aesthetic and installation purposes while the proxy device provides the necessary access interface
3Reliability
If direct physical connection is used, then communication reliability can be maintained, but system complexity and cost increase due to required connectors and physical access infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the mechanical physical interface system (connectors, cables, mounting structures) with a wireless optical communication system. This replacement maintains communication reliability through secure optical links while significantly reducing system complexity by eliminating physical interface requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The proxy device serves as an intermediary that manages the communication protocol and establishes secure optical links between the network device and mobile device. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall system architecture by handling connection management and security, reducing the complexity that would otherwise be required for direct physical connections
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices are provided herein for establishing a proxy communication link for network devices. The proxy communication link can allow a network device, such as an access point, to communicate with a network device manager when the network device is in an error state. A proxy device, such as a smart phone, can be authenticated with the network device manager to provide a communication link and can communicate with the network device using an optical communication system. The proxy device can act as a relay between the network device and network device manager to allow the network device manager to diagnose the error state. Instructions can be sent to the network device or the proxy device to address the error state.