Single WNIC Multiple Infrastructure Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional computing devices require multiple wireless network interface controllers (WNICs) to establish multiple infrastructure connections, which increases space, complexity, power requirements, and cost, while also lacking the ability to determine the best link quality for data transfer.

Innovation Solution

A single WNIC is used to establish multiple infrastructure connections to multiple access points by analyzing capability and availability information to determine optimal frequency bands for communication, allowing simultaneous operation of primary and secondary connections based on signal quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple WNICs are used to establish multiple infrastructure connections, then connection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes a single WNIC perform multiple functions by enabling it to establish and maintain multiple simultaneous infrastructure connections to different access points. The WNIC is configured to operate on multiple frequency bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz) concurrently, allowing one device to replace what traditionally required multiple devices, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining enhanced connection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple WNICs are used to establish multiple infrastructure connections, then connection capability is improved, but space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection capabilityVSAvoidspace requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functionality of multiple WNICs into a single WNIC by enabling simultaneous operation on multiple frequency bands. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate physical network interface cards for each connection, thereby reducing the space occupied in the computing device while maintaining the ability to establish multiple infrastructure connections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple WNICs are used to establish multiple infrastructure connections, then connection capability is improved, but power requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection capabilityVSAvoidpower requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables a single WNIC to perform multiple connection functions simultaneously across different frequency bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz). By consolidating multiple connection capabilities into one power-consuming component rather than multiple separate WNICs, the overall power requirements are reduced while maintaining the ability to establish multiple infrastructure connections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Device complexity

If a single WNIC is used to establish multiple infrastructure connections, then device complexity is reduced, but ability to determine link quality is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidlink quality determination

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the operating system continuously monitors and determines link quality metrics for each infrastructure connection established by the single WNIC. The system analyzes signal characteristics, connection stability, and performance data to identify which connection has the best link quality, thereby compensating for the reduced hardware differentiation through sophisticated software-based measurement and selection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11930548B2Establishing multiple infrastructure connections to multiple access points via a single wireless network interface controller

Publication Date: 2024.03.12 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

Techniques are described herein that are capable of establishing multiple infrastructure connections to multiple access points via a single wireless network interface controller (WNIC). Capability information is analyzed to determine combination(s) of identified frequency bands over which the WNIC is capable of communicating simultaneously. Availability information is analyzed to determine signal qualities associated with respective available frequency bands. A primary infrastructure connection is established to a first access point via the WNIC based at least in part on a first frequency band associated with the first access point being included among the identified frequency bands and being associated with a relatively high signal quality. A secondary infrastructure connection is established to a second access point via the WNIC based at least in part on a second frequency band associated with the second access point being included among the identified frequency bands in a combination that includes the first frequency band.