Radio Terminal Protocol Stack Reconfiguration via Over-the-Air Download
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radio communication networks face challenges in efficiently downloading software to reconfigurable radio terminals without significant modifications to network nodes and protocols, and in managing inter-system handovers, which leads to inefficient use of radio resources and high implementation costs.
Innovation Solution
A method that modifies only one layer of the radio protocol stack in the terminal and network nodes, allowing for transparent software download and inter-system handover using a reconfigurable terminal, where the server resides in a radio controller like a BSC or RNC, and minimal physical layer functionalities are implemented for power measurements, enabling seamless protocol stack modifications and efficient resource use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If radio terminals are reconfigured by downloading operating software over the air from the radio communication network, then the terminal can adapt to different communication systems (2G, 3G, UMTS, CDMA 2000, DVB-T, WLAN), but the network requires significant modifications to nodes and protocols, increasing device complexity and implementation costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protocol adapter as an intermediary component in the network node that mediates between the existing network protocols and the new software download functionality. This adapter handles the protocol transformations and interactions, allowing the terminal to download operating software over the air without requiring extensive modifications to the core network nodes and protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the protocol stack modifications by implementing changes in only one specific layer rather than across multiple layers. This localized modification approach reduces the overall complexity of network changes while still enabling the terminal to receive and execute operating software downloads through the radio interface.
2Reliability
If traditional network protocols are used for software download, then network stability is maintained, but radio resources are inefficiently used and download performance is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes key parameters of the protocol at a specific layer to optimize software download performance. By modifying parameters such as data transmission modes, resource allocation, or protocol timing characteristics while maintaining overall protocol stability, the system achieves both reliable operation and improved download efficiency through the radio interface.
3Ease of operation
If full protocol stack modifications are implemented to enable software download, then download functionality is achieved, but implementation costs and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the protocol modifications into discrete, isolated changes at a single layer rather than comprehensive changes across the entire protocol stack. This segmentation allows the download capability to be implemented with minimal modifications, reducing development complexity and implementation costs while still achieving the desired functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses existing protocol structures and mechanisms as templates, copying and adapting proven designs rather than creating entirely new protocols. This approach leverages existing implementations and reduces development costs while maintaining compatibility with the overall network architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for configuring a re-configurable radio terminal through a communication network operating according to a communication system, wherein the radio terminal is configured for exchanging information with at least one node of the communication network by using the communicating system. The method is characterized by the steps of associating with the one node of the communication network a server entity configured for using a protocol layer of the communication system and including a set of operating software modules for configuring the radio terminal with at least one set of elements of protocol stack suitable to reconfigure the radio terminal; associating with the radio terminal a client entity configured for using a respective protocol layer corresponding to the protocol layer of the server entity, establishing an over-the-air connection between the radio terminal and the server entity by using the protocol layer, and downloading at least one module of the set of operating software modules from the server to the radio terminal configuring at least in part the radio terminal.