Seamless Roaming via Protocol Translation Gateway
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless devices experience cumbersome and delayed network connections when roaming between coverage zones with different communication protocols, requiring repeated terminations and re-establishments of network connections, known as 'hard handoff', which complicates inter-protocol communications.
Innovation Solution
A wireless network communication system that selects a preferred protocol link based on predetermined criteria, allowing seamless transition to another protocol link when conditions change, using a Control Center to manage network address mapping for smooth handoff, referred to as 'soft handoff', thereby avoiding repeated terminations and re-establishments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wireless device uses hard handoff to switch between different wireless protocols in different coverage zones, then the device can maintain connection with the network, but the connection requires repeated terminations and re-establishments causing delay and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-establishes multiple protocol links (802.11, Bluetooth, CDMA) before handoff is needed. When roaming between coverage zones, the device can immediately switch to a pre-established link without termination delays, as the alternative connection path is already prepared and authenticated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a protocol translation gateway or intermediary system that mediates between different wireless protocols. This intermediary maintains the TCP/IP connection continuously while translating packets between different protocol formats, eliminating the need for connection termination and re-establishment during protocol switching.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a wireless device performs hard handoff when moving between coverage zones with different protocols, then the device can adapt to new coverage zones, but the handoff process becomes complicated requiring re-initialization and re-authentication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal handoff management system that handles multiple wireless protocols (802.11, Bluetooth, CDMA) through a unified architecture. The system maintains a single TCP/IP connection that can adapt to different protocol layers, eliminating the need for separate re-initialization and re-authentication processes for each protocol transition.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary translation gateway is introduced that abstracts the complexity of protocol-specific handoff procedures. This intermediary handles protocol translation and connection management, presenting a simplified interface to the wireless device while managing the complex re-initialization and re-authentication processes in the background.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a wireless device maintains continuous communication with a base unit using a specific protocol, then the network connection remains stable, but the device cannot seamlessly switch to base units operating with different protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The system proactively establishes multiple protocol links simultaneously before protocol switching is required. The wireless device maintains active connections through different protocols (802.11, Bluetooth, CDMA) to potential base units, enabling seamless switching while maintaining network connection stability without requiring protocol changes.
Solution Approach 2:
A protocol translation intermediary maintains the stable TCP/IP network connection while handling protocol-specific communications with different base units. The intermediary translates between the stable upper-layer connection and the varying lower-layer protocols, allowing the device to switch base units and protocols without disrupting connection stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing network communication to a wireless device through a plurality of wireless protocol links. A first protocol link from the plurality of wireless protocol links is selected based on some predetermined criteria. A first network connection is established through the first protocol link. A second protocol link from the plurality of wireless protocol links is selected based on the change in status or condition of the first protocol link with respect to the predetermined criteria. A second network connection is established through the second protocol link, and the first network connection through the first protocol link is terminated.