Spatially Separated IAD Modules for Optimal Mobile Reception

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current integrated access devices (IADs) face limitations in achieving optimal mobile radio connections due to frequency constraints and alignment requirements, which hinder the effective use of mobile radio data connections in conjunction with DSL connections, especially in rural areas where DSL bandwidth is insufficient.

Innovation Solution

An integrated access device with a modular structure comprising a home network module, a broadband network module, and a cellular network module, where the cellular and broadband network modules are spatially separate but connected via a local area network, allowing for intelligent routing of data traffic based on load and rules, and featuring independent power supplies and optional Power over Ethernet for flexible placement and operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the IAD is positioned near a window for optimal mobile radio reception, then mobile data rate is improved, but installation flexibility and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemobile data rateVSAvoidinstallation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The IAD is divided into two spatially separate modules: a broadband network module (containing DSL interface and power supply) and a mobile radio network module (containing antenna and cellular interface). This segmentation allows the mobile radio module to be positioned near windows for optimal signal reception while the broadband module remains near the DSL connection point, resolving the contradiction between reception quality and installation flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If the IAD is repositioned or connected via extension cords to achieve optimal mobile reception, then mobile data rate is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemobile data rateVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the broadband network module and mobile radio network module into a single integrated access device with unified routing functionality. The router module intelligently combines traffic from both DSL and mobile connections, allowing the system to function as a cohesive unit while maintaining spatial separation of components. This merging approach avoids the need for complex external connections while achieving optimal reception.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If external antennas are connected via coax cables to improve mobile reception, then signal quality is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna function is extracted as a separate, removable component that can be optimally positioned and connected to the mobile radio network module. This allows the antenna to be placed in the most favorable position for signal reception without requiring complex cable management or permanent installations, thereby improving signal quality while maintaining installation simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Ease of operation

If spatially separate modules are used for broadband and mobile network functions, then installation flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The router module is designed with universal routing capabilities that can handle traffic from both DSL and mobile connections, as well as coordinate between spatially separate modules. This multi-functional design allows the system to manage complex spatial configurations through a single, intelligent routing component, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining installation flexibility.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2852246B1Integrated access device for a home network with the possibility of using an optimal mobile radio reception
Publication Date: 2017.01.25 DEUTSCHE TELEKOM AG
  • EP2852246B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2852246B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Integrated access device comprising: - a home network module that provides a connection to end devices in the local network, in particular via the Ethernet standard and/or the WLAN standard; - a broadband network module that provides a connection to the Internet via a broadband network of a telecommunications provider, in particular via the DSL, ADSL, SDSL, VDSL and/or cable standard; - a mobile network module that provides a connection to the Internet via a mobile network of a telecommunications provider, in particular according to the LTE, UMTS, GPRS, EDGE standard; - a router module that routes data traffic from the home network via the mobile network or the broadband network based on rules;characterized in that the mobile network module and the broadband network module are spatially separated in independent housings and are connected to each other via a local network, and the router module is designed such that the mobile network module and the broadband network module are represented as a single logical unit for an end device in the home network.