Single MAC Network Interface for Seamless Wired Wireless Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network interfaces require users to reboot their operating system and close applications when switching between wired and wireless networks, making the process inconvenient and time-consuming due to the need for separate device drivers and MAC addresses for each network type.
Innovation Solution
A network interface system that uses a single media access controller (MAC) address and physical layer devices to communicate over multiple networks, allowing the host to select the preferred network without rebooting, by determining the status of each network and activating the appropriate physical layer and MAC controller based on user preference and availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate network interface cards are used for each network type, then network compatibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single network interface card that can operate across multiple network types (wired and wireless) by incorporating multiple physical layer devices within one NIC. This universal approach allows the host to access different networks without requiring separate interface cards for each network type, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining network compatibility.
2Reliability
If separate MAC addresses are assigned to each network interface, then network identification is improved, but loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple physical layer devices under a single MAC address assignment. Instead of assigning separate MAC addresses to each physical layer device or network interface, the system uses one MAC address that is shared across all physical layer devices. This combining approach reduces MAC address consumption while maintaining reliable network identification through the shared address.
3Reliability
If device drivers are loaded for each network type, then network communication is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal device driver that can communicate with multiple physical layer devices through a single network interface card. This single device driver handles communication across different network types (wired and wireless) without requiring separate drivers for each network type, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining reliable network communication.
4Reliability
If operating system reboot is required to switch networks, then device driver loading is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-loading and maintaining multiple physical layer devices within the single network interface card during system initialization. The device driver is configured to recognize and switch between these pre-configured physical layer devices without requiring an operating system reboot. This preliminary preparation eliminates the time-consuming reboot process while ensuring reliable device driver loading.
5Stability of the object's composition
If applications must be closed and reopened during network switching, then system stability is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary configuration of multiple physical layer devices and network interfaces during system startup, establishing a stable network infrastructure that supports seamless switching. This preliminary setup maintains system stability by ensuring all network components are properly initialized before switching occurs, while simultaneously improving productivity by eliminating the need to close and reopen applications during network transitions.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus capable of communicating data with a second apparatus using one of multiple networks comprising first and second networks comprises a host specifying a preferred one of the multiple networks; a first physical layer device arranged to communicate the data over the first network, wherein the first physical layer device determines a first status of the first network; a second physical layer device arranged to communicate the data over the second network; a first media access controller to facilitate communication of the data from the host over the first network using a single media access controller address via the first physical layer device; and a second media access controller to facilitate communication of the data from the host over the second network using the single media access controller address via the second physical layer device; and a controller in communication with the first and second physical layer devices and the host to provide the first and second status to the host, wherein the host controls the controller to communicate the data using the first media access controller if the first network is the preferred one and the first status is available.