Home Router WAN Backup via 5GHz Hotspot Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems lack a reliable method to maintain internet connectivity when a gateway device disconnects from a wide area network, causing inconvenience to users and devices dependent on it.
Innovation Solution
A gateway device is designed to operate in a secondary mode by instructing a hotspot client device to act as a hotspot, utilizing a cellular connection to maintain internet access for connected devices until the primary connection is restored, with both the gateway and hotspot devices using dual radios to facilitate this transition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a gateway device uses a single primary communication system for WAN connectivity, then the system structure remains simple, but the reliability of internet connectivity deteriorates when the primary connection fails
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway device dynamically switches between primary and secondary communication modes based on connection status. The system transitions from a static single-mode architecture to a dynamic multi-mode architecture, allowing the communication path to adapt to changing network conditions and maintain connectivity reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the communication system by switching between different communication bands (2.4GHz and 5GHz) and modes (primary and hotspot modes). This parameter change enables the system to maintain connectivity by utilizing alternative frequency bands when the primary connection fails
2Reliability
If the gateway device implements a backup communication system, then the reliability of internet connectivity improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway device's communication radio is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in primary gateway mode for normal WAN connectivity and switch to hotspot mode for backup connectivity. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for completely separate backup hardware, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The hotspot client device serves itself by acting as both a client and a hotspot simultaneously. When the gateway loses WAN connectivity, the hotspot client device automatically provides backup internet access to other clients through its cellular connection, enabling self-service redundancy without requiring external intervention or complex manual configuration
3Reliability
If the gateway device switches to hotspot mode for backup connectivity, then the reliability of internet access is maintained, but the loss of time for connection switching occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the hotspot client device with hotspot capabilities before the failure occurs. The device maintains dual-radio functionality and pre-established communication protocols, so when the primary connection fails, the switch to backup mode can occur rapidly without extensive setup time
Solution Approach 2:
The communication radio maintains continuous useful action by seamlessly transitioning between primary and hotspot modes. The system ensures uninterrupted data transmission by keeping the communication infrastructure active and adaptable, minimizing gaps in connectivity during the mode switch
Data Source
AI summary
A gateway device for use with a wide area network, wireless wide area network, a local area network, a client device and a wireless device, the gateway device being configured to operate in a hotspot mode so as to wirelessly transmit wireless device data and client device data to the wide area network via the wireless wide area network, said gateway device comprising: a memory; a primary communication system; a wireless communication system; and a processor configured to execute instructions stored on said memory to cause said gateway device to: instruct said primary communication system to operate in a primary mode of operation so as to transpond the client device data the wireless device data; detect a loss of connection with the wide area network; and operate in a hotspot mode of operation, wherein said primary communication system and said wireless communication system comprise a radio.