Set Top Box Network Extender for Home WiFi Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home networks with a single WiFi access point face challenges in providing reliable and high-bandwidth connectivity, especially in larger homes or those with concrete or metal walls, leading to poor WiFi coverage and insufficient bandwidth for high-definition content delivery.
Innovation Solution
An Internet Protocol (IP) media player with network extender functions that uses existing coaxial cables to bridge LAN and WiFi networks, acting as a network bridge or switch to extend coverage and provide high-speed broadband connectivity through Layer 2 bridging, utilizing standards like MoCA and ITU-T G.hn for coaxial cable connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single WiFi access point is used in a home network, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but WiFi coverage area and bandwidth are insufficient for large homes or homes with concrete/metal walls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the home network into multiple segments by deploying multiple access points at different locations (e.g., first access point in living room, second access point in bedroom). Each access point serves a specific zone, collectively covering the entire home network area and overcoming the limitations of a single access point in large or structurally complex homes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point wireless access model to a multi-point distributed access model, adding spatial dimensionality to the network architecture. By strategically positioning multiple access points throughout the home, the system creates a three-dimensional coverage network that penetrates through walls and floors, overcoming the coverage limitations imposed by concrete and metal structures.
2Power
If a single WiFi access point is used, then device complexity is minimized, but bandwidth for high-definition content delivery is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network traffic load across multiple access points, allowing high-definition content delivery to be distributed across several wireless channels. This segmentation enables parallel data transmission, effectively increasing the total bandwidth available for content delivery while maintaining manageable device complexity at each individual access point.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes each access point multi-functional by enabling them to simultaneously provide wireless connectivity, wired Ethernet backhaul, and content delivery services. This universality allows the network to achieve high bandwidth capacity through multiple access points performing the same set of functions, rather than requiring specialized high-complexity equipment.
3Reliability
If multiple access points are deployed to improve coverage, then WiFi coverage and bandwidth are enhanced, but device complexity and network configuration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple access points into a unified network managed by a single router, combining their functions under centralized control. This merging approach maintains connectivity reliability through multiple access points while simplifying operation, as the router automatically manages wireless connectivity, wired backhaul, and content delivery across all access points without requiring manual configuration of each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the router as an intermediary device that mediates between the internet service provider and multiple access points. The router handles complex network configuration, IP address assignment, and traffic routing, while access points focus on providing wireless connectivity. This intermediary role shields users from configuration complexity while ensuring reliable multi-point connectivity.
4Ease of manufacture
If coaxial cables are used for network extension, then existing infrastructure is utilized and installation complexity is reduced, but bandwidth capacity may be limited compared to dedicated Ethernet connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the coaxial cable infrastructure multi-functional by using it both for traditional cable television services and for network data transmission. This universal usage allows the system to leverage existing coaxial cables for Ethernet-like connectivity without requiring new dedicated Ethernet wiring, achieving installation ease while providing sufficient bandwidth for high-definition content delivery through MoCA technology.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
A set top box (200) including a network extender (210) and a media player (220) in communication with the network extender. The network extender is connectable to a residential gateway (134) of a local area network (130) through a wired connection (135, 137, 212, 214). The media player includes a computing processor (225) executing instructions to format a signal received from the network extender for use by a media device. The set top box also includes at least one wireless transceiver (230, 230a) in communication with the network extender.