Smartphone-Bridge Cellular Failover for Automatic Device Reconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in quickly and efficiently reconfiguring multiple devices to connect to a cellular network hotspot after a primary internet service fails, due to the need for manual configuration of each device and limitations in signal strength and connectivity provided by cellular devices.
Innovation Solution
A system that utilizes a smartphone paired with a communication bridge to provide a failover internet service, where the smartphone connects to the cellular network and the communication bridge translates cellular signals into non-cellular signals, enabling devices connected to a router or gateway to access the internet without direct connection to the smartphone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cellular device is used as a hotspot to provide internet connectivity when the primary ISP fails, then internet service can be restored, but each device must be manually configured to connect to the cellular network which is time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary pairing between the primary device and backup cellular devices before the primary ISP fails. This advance preparation stores authentication credentials and network configurations, so when failover is needed, devices can automatically connect to the cellular hotspot without manual configuration, resolving the time-consuming setup issue while maintaining service availability
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automatic failover where devices self-configure and self-connect to the backup cellular network without user intervention. The primary device automatically shares cellular network credentials with paired devices, and devices automatically switch networks based on ISP status detection, eliminating manual configuration steps while ensuring continuous internet service
2Reliability
If a cellular device is used as a hotspot, then internet connectivity can be provided, but the signal strength is weaker compared to dedicated access points requiring the cellular device to be placed within a particular distance
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a single-cellular-device architecture to a distributed mesh network where multiple cellular devices and primary devices work together. This multi-dimensional network topology extends coverage area and provides redundant signal paths, allowing devices to connect through multiple hops and maintaining connectivity even when individual signal strengths are limited
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines multiple cellular devices and primary devices into a unified mesh network where each device contributes its signal strength and coverage area. By merging these resources, the system creates a collective signal that covers a larger area with stronger effective strength, overcoming the limitations of individual cellular devices
3Adaptability or versatility
If a cellular device with smaller form factor is used, then portability is improved, but the number of devices it can accommodate is limited due to fewer Wi-Fi connection points
Solution Approach 1:
Each device in the mesh network serves multiple functions: it acts as a wireless client to receive internet connectivity from primary devices, as a wireless access point to serve other devices, and as a relay node to extend network coverage. This multi-functionality allows the system to support many more devices than a single cellular hotspot could handle, while maintaining the portability benefits of using standard consumer devices
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure provide a failover service in part by utilizing a smartphone when a business or home modem is inoperable or otherwise unable to provide adequate internet service. Once the smartphone is paired with a communication bridge, the smartphone may be used to provide internet services to wired and wireless devices associated with a first network. The smartphone can utilize its cellular network interface to connect to the internet and provide internet connectivity via the communication bridge to a router or gateway which, in turn, enables devices connected to the router or gateway to access the internet without having to connect directly to a separate network provided by the smartphone. Aspects of the disclosure may rely on machine learning to optimize network and/or device communications, configurations, and/or other failover parameters.