Aggregating Wireless Radio Connections via Client Identity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication networks, particularly those conforming to IEEE 802.11 standards, face challenges in managing simultaneous radio connections from client devices with multiple radio modules, leading to issues such as identity theft and inefficient network load distribution, as access points treat each radio connection as independent connections rather than connections to the same device.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced that allows a master electronic device to detect and manage multiple simultaneous connections from client devices with two or more radio modules by using distinct identifiers and authentication processes, enabling the aggregation of these connections at the data link level, thereby improving network load distribution and security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an access point treats each radio connection as independent connections based on physical addresses, then connection management follows standard protocols, but security vulnerabilities arise allowing identity theft and connections from unauthorized devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection authentication reliabilityVSAvoididentity theft and unauthorized access
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a client device identifier as an intermediary element that mediates between multiple radio connections and the access point. This identifier acts as a mediator that links all radio connections from the same client device, allowing the access point to recognize and authenticate connections based on the client's true identity rather than individual radio module addresses. This resolves the security vulnerability by providing a trusted intermediary for authentication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple independent radio connections into a single logical client identity by associating all connections with the same client device identifier. Instead of treating each radio connection as separate, the system combines them under one unified identity, enabling the access point to recognize that multiple connections originate from the same authenticated client, thereby preventing identity theft.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If an access point manages multiple radio connections from the same client device as independent connections, then connection establishment is straightforward, but network load distribution becomes inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection establishment simplicityVSAvoidnetwork load distribution efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple radio connections under a single client device identifier while maintaining the simplicity of connection establishment. The access point uses the client device identifier to group connections, enabling efficient load distribution across multiple radio modules without complicating the authentication process. This allows the system to easily manage connections while optimizing network performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic load distribution mechanisms that can adaptively allocate network traffic across multiple radio connections based on current network conditions. The system dynamically selects which radio connection to use for each data transmission, optimizing network throughput and load balancing while maintaining simple connection management through the client device identifier.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a client device uses multiple radio modules to establish simultaneous connections, then network bandwidth and connectivity are improved, but the access point cannot distinguish between connections from the same device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-connection capabilityVSAvoidconnection source identification
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a client device identifier as an intermediary that bridges the gap between multiple radio connections and the access point's identification system. This intermediary identifier allows the access point to easily detect and measure which client device each connection belongs to, resolving the difficulty of distinguishing between connections from the same device while maintaining multi-connection capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a universal client device identifier that serves multiple functions: authentication, connection tracking, and load distribution. This single identifier works across all radio connections from a client device, enabling the access point to universally recognize and manage connections regardless of which radio module is used, thereby simplifying connection source identification.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3747238B1Aggregating a plurality of radio connections in a wireless network
Publication Date: 2022.11.23 SAGEMCOM BROADBAND SAS
  • EP3747238B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3747238B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3747238B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A client electronic device, a message comprising a request to establish a new connection, the message comprising an identifier of the client electronic device and an item of authentication information, determining whether a second connection is already established between the master electronic device and the client electronic device and, if this is the case, then transmitting, via the already-established connection, a message comprising a request to verify the received establishment request, the message comprising the received item of authentication information, receiving a message comprising an item of information validating the request to establish the new connection, and establishing the new connection between the client electronic device and the master electronic device.