Cross-Platform Network Device Function via QMI Gateway

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 3G data cards cannot function as network devices on non-Windows platforms, such as desktop Linux and embedded Linux, due to the lack of a mechanism for exchanging network data.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that implement network device functions for wireless communication terminals by parsing socket request messages, determining the sender of control instructions, and encapsulating them into Qualcomm Modem Interface (QMI) specifications for forwarding between hosts and wireless communication terminals on non-Windows platforms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a data card is simulated into a network device to improve bandwidth and load capacity, then network performance is improved, but platform compatibility deteriorates (only available on Windows platform)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandwidth and loadVSAvoidplatform compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a gateway as an intermediary component that bridges the Windows platform (with network device support) and non-Windows platforms. The gateway runs on Windows, receives data from the network device simulation, and forwards it to non-Windows platforms through standard protocols, enabling cross-platform compatibility while maintaining network device functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The gateway is designed with multi-functional capability to serve multiple purposes: it acts as a protocol translator between different platforms, a data relay between network device and clients, and a compatibility layer that enables network device function on platforms that natively support only modem simulation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a data card is simulated into a modem to improve platform compatibility, then platform compatibility is improved, but network performance deteriorates (loss of bandwidth and load advantages)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplatform compatibilityVSAvoidbandwidth and load
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into distinct functional components: the network device simulation runs on Windows platform where it excels at handling high bandwidth and load, while the gateway handles protocol translation and cross-platform communication. This segmentation allows each component to operate in its optimal environment without compromising overall system performance or compatibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If network device function is implemented only on Windows platform to maintain system stability, then system stability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates (unavailable on non-Windows platform)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidplatform availability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The gateway serves as a stable intermediary that maintains the proven Windows-based network device architecture while extending functionality to non-Windows platforms. By keeping the core network device simulation on Windows (where it is stable) and using the gateway for cross-platform communication, system stability is preserved while adaptability is enhanced

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2530995B1Method and apparatus for implementing network device function of wireless communication terminal
Publication Date: 2020.02.12 ZTE CORP
  • EP2530995B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2530995B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2530995B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The disclosure provides a method and an apparatus for implementing a network device function of a wireless communication terminal, belonging to the field of communications. The method for implementing a network device function of a wireless communication terminal includes: the apparatus for implementing the network device function of the wireless communication terminal receives a control instruction and determines a sender of the control instruction; when the sender of the control instruction is a host, the apparatus for implementing the network device function of the wireless communication terminal forwards the received control instruction to the wireless communication terminal; and, when the sender of the control instruction is the wireless communication terminal, the apparatus for implementing the network device function of the wireless communication terminal forwards the received control instruction to the host. The technical solution of the disclosure can implement a network data exchange with the wireless communication terminal on a non-windows platform.