Single Packet Data Network Configuration for Wireless Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication devices and wireless networks are inefficient in handling multiple packet data network connections, leading to connectivity interruptions and suboptimal use of network resources.

Innovation Solution

A method that allows a wireless communication device to selectively configure between single and multiple packet data network configurations, restricting concurrent use of multiple networks in single network mode, enabling efficient management of network resources by decoupling from one network before attaching to another.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a communication device uses multiple packet data network connections simultaneously, then network coverage and service availability are improved, but processing load, power consumption, and network resource usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork connectivityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between single network mode and multiple network mode based on operational requirements. The communication device can selectively activate or deactivate additional packet data network connections, transitioning from a static configuration to a dynamic one that adapts to changing conditions, thereby reducing power consumption when full redundancy is not needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameter of network connection quantity from fixed to variable. By allowing the communication device to adjust the number of active packet data network connections based on service requirements, the system optimizes the balance between connectivity reliability and power consumption, avoiding unnecessary energy expenditure when multiple connections are not required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a communication device maintains multiple packet data network connections, then service availability is improved, but device complexity and resource management difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveconnectivityVSAvoidnetwork management
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The network management functionality is segmented into distinct operational modes: single network mode and multiple network mode. This segmentation simplifies the overall system architecture by allowing the device to operate in a simpler single-network configuration when possible, while providing the option to activate multiple networks only when specifically needed, thereby reducing average device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The communication device is designed with universal network management capabilities that can handle both single and multiple packet data network connections through a unified interface. This multi-functionality allows the same device architecture to serve different operational requirements without requiring separate specialized systems, thus managing complexity efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If applications are configured to use only one packet data network connection at a time, then device simplicity is maintained, but network resource utilization efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication configurationVSAvoidnetwork resource utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces an intermediary network management layer that sits between the simple single-connection applications and the available multiple packet data networks. This intermediary automatically manages multiple network connections, load balancing, and failover, allowing applications to maintain their simplicity while the intermediary optimizes network resource utilization by intelligently distributing traffic across multiple available networks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3420750B1Using a single packet data network for data transfers to manage network resources
Publication Date: 2021.09.08 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP3420750B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3420750B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3420750B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Examples of the disclosure enable packet data access to be managed. In some examples, a device is coupled to a wireless network using a first access point name (APN). The wireless network includes a first packet data network (PDN) corresponding to the first APN and a second PDN. A request to couple the device to the wireless network using a second APN corresponding to the second PDN is received. When the device is configured to use a single PDN, a first instruction associated with decoupling the device from the wireless network is transmitted to the first PDN, and a second instruction associated with coupling the device to the wireless network using the second APN is transmitted to the second PDN. Aspects of the disclosure enable controlling or restricting packet data access to manage network resources.