Stackable Access Point Module Auto-Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in configuring dynamic traffic routing for home networks, requiring adaptation of software or firmware and additional hardware components to support diverse services and applications, which can be beyond their technical abilities.
Innovation Solution
A stackable access point device (STAP) comprising a basic module and extension modules that can be stacked to provide flexible connectivity, using software-defined networking (SDN), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), and virtual LAN (VLAN) controllers to configure data traffic, allowing users to connect to various networks like Wi-Fi, DSL, or LTE without manual configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If users configure dynamic traffic routing manually, then network traffic can be optimized, but configuration complexity increases beyond user ability
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-configuration by automatically detecting connected extension modules and generating appropriate routing configurations without user intervention. The access point device autonomously manages network traffic routing based on the stacked module architecture, eliminating the need for users to manually configure complex routing parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes routing parameters based on the detected configuration of extension modules. When modules are stacked, the access point automatically adjusts traffic routing parameters to optimize network performance, transforming static manual configuration into dynamic automated parameter adjustment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If extension modules are added to support diverse services, then service versatility improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network device is segmented into a basic access point module and multiple independent extension modules, each providing specific services (Wi-Fi, DSL, LTE, etc.). This segmentation allows users to add only the necessary services by stacking relevant modules, avoiding the complexity of managing a monolithic device with all services integrated.
Solution Approach 2:
The basic access point module serves as a universal platform that can work with multiple types of extension modules. The standardized stacking interface and automated configuration system enable the same basic module to support diverse services through module combinations, achieving multi-functionality without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If software or firmware adaptation is required for new services, then service capability expands, but user configuration ability is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The extension modules are pre-configured with their specific service parameters and routing requirements before being stacked. The access point device performs preliminary detection of the stacked modules and automatically generates the necessary configuration, eliminating the need for users to adapt software or firmware manually when adding new services.
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to a stackable access point device (700), such as a home gateway comprising: a basic module (710) comprising a plurality of interfaces (712a, 712b, 712c) and a processor (711), wherein the processor (711) is configured to route data traffic (713a, 713b, 713c) through the stackable access point device (700) based on a configuration (714) of the stackable access point device (700); and at least one access technology specific extension module (720) comprising a plurality of interfaces (722a, 722b, 722c) and a processor (721), wherein the processor (721) is configured to process the data traffic (723a, 723b, 723c) based on a respective access technology (724), wherein the at least one extension module (720) is stackable with the basic module (710) by electrically connecting at least one interface (712b) of the basic module (710) with at least one interface (722a) of the at least one extension module (720), wherein the configuration (714) of the stackable access point device (700) is based on a number of extension modules (720) stacked together with the basic module (710) and an order in which the at least one extension modules (720) are stacked together with the basic module (710). The basic module is further configured to determine a specific routing path for routing the data traffic through the stackable access point device based on a specific configuration recipe received from a configuration database,wherein the configuration database comprises a plurality of configuration recipes associated with respective configurations of the stackable access point device.