Single Wi-Fi Interface for Simultaneous AP and Mesh Point Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional Wi-Fi systems require multiple interfaces to support both access point and mesh point functions, leading to increased manufacturing costs and terminal size due to the need for separate network interfaces for basic service sets (BSS) and mesh basic service sets (MBSS).

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize a single Wi-Fi interface to simultaneously process both access point and mesh point functions by determining the appropriate operation mode for received packets, allowing flexible operation as either an access point or a mesh point based on packet content and profile information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple Wi-Fi interfaces are used to support both access point and mesh point functions, then the system can perform both functions simultaneously, but the manufacturing cost and terminal size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunction support capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single Wi-Fi interface that can dynamically operate in multiple modes (access point mode and mesh point mode) by detecting packet types and switching operational states. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated interfaces for each function, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining the capability to support both access point and mesh point operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches the operational mode of the Wi-Fi interface based on the received packet type. When a mesh management packet is detected, the interface transitions to mesh point mode; when other packets are received, it operates in access point mode. This dynamic adaptability allows a single interface to fulfill multiple functional roles that traditionally required separate static interfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple Wi-Fi interfaces are used to support both access point and mesh point functions, then the system can perform both functions simultaneously, but the terminal size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunction support capabilityVSAvoidterminal size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By designing a single Wi-Fi interface capable of performing both access point and mesh point functions through mode switching, the patent reduces the number of physical components required in the terminal. This universal interface approach directly decreases terminal volume while preserving full functional capability for both network roles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If a single Wi-Fi interface is used to process both access point and mesh point functions, then manufacturing cost and terminal size are reduced, but the system must rapidly switch between operation modes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidoperation mode switching complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of packet types before processing, allowing it to pre-determine the appropriate operational mode. This advance detection mechanism simplifies the switching logic by providing clear decision criteria based on packet classification, thereby reducing the operational complexity of mode transitions while maintaining cost-effective single-interface design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of manufacture

If a single Wi-Fi interface is used to process both access point and mesh point functions, then manufacturing cost and terminal size are reduced, but the system must effectively manage packet processing for different modes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidpacket processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments packet processing into distinct pathways based on packet type classification. Mesh management packets are routed to mesh point processing logic, while other packets are handled by access point processing logic. This segmentation of processing flows simplifies the overall complexity by creating clear, separate handling routines for different operational modes, making the system easier to manage despite using a single interface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS7907581B2Method and system for supporting multi mesh operation modes using single Wi-Fi interfacing

Publication Date: 2011.03.15 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) interfacing method and a Wi-Fi interfacing system are provided. The Wi-Fi interfacing method includes: determining an interfacing operation mode related to a received packet, in interoperation with the receiving of the packet; and processing the packet via a single Wi-Fi interface, according to the determined interfacing operation mode. The Wi-Fi interfacing system includes: an operation mode determination unit determining an interfacing operation mode related to a received packet, in interoperation with the receiving of the packet; and a packet processing unit processing the packet via a single Wi-Fi interface, according to the determined interfacing operation mode.