Unified Interface for Multi-Network Mobile Device Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Managing multiple mobile devices deployed on different operator networks is inefficient due to the need for enterprises to interact with multiple dedicated interfaces or dashboards, leading to increased time and complexity in configuring and monitoring devices across various networks.

Innovation Solution

A device management system that includes an interface module for receiving requests, a delegator module for selecting adapter modules configured to communicate with specific operator networks, and an aggregator module for bridging communication and aggregating responses, allowing enterprises to manage devices through a unified interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If enterprises use multiple dedicated interfaces to manage mobile devices on different operator networks, then each device can be managed according to its specific network requirements, but the complexity of the management system increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAbility to manage devices on different operator networksVSAvoidComplexity of management system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal management interface that can handle multiple operator networks through adapter modules. The system provides a single dashboard that aggregates device management capabilities across different networks (cellular, Wi-Fi, LAN, WAN) without requiring separate dedicated interfaces for each network type, thus achieving multi-functionality while maintaining simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces adapter modules as intermediary components between the unified management interface and specific operator networks. These adapters translate and bridge communication between the universal interface and network-specific protocols, allowing the system to manage diverse networks through a single interface without exposing the complexity of individual network requirements to the user

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If enterprises use multiple dedicated interfaces to manage mobile devices on different operator networks, then each device can be managed according to its specific network requirements, but the time required for configuration and monitoring increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAbility to manage devices on different operator networksVSAvoidTime for configuration and monitoring

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple network-specific management interfaces into a single unified dashboard. This consolidation allows enterprise users to configure and monitor mobile devices across all operator networks (cellular, Wi-Fi, LAN, WAN) from one interface, eliminating the need to switch between multiple dedicated interfaces and significantly reducing the time required for device management tasks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If a unified interface is implemented to manage mobile devices across different operator networks, then productivity improves and time is reduced, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveEfficiency of device managementVSAvoidComplexity of management system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the management system into distinct modular components: a unified management interface, multiple adapter modules for different operator networks, and an aggregation layer. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simplicity at the user interface level while handling network-specific complexities internally through specialized adapter modules, thus improving productivity without exposing system complexity to users

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10334414B2Managing multiple mobile devices on different operator networks

Publication Date: 2019.06.25 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

Disclosed are techniques for managing mobile devices, such as cellphones, tablets, and laptops, deployed on different operator networks, such as cellular networks, permissioned Wi-Fi networks, LANs, and WANs. The techniques include receiving, at an interface module, a request identifying at least two mobile devices and at least two of a plurality of operator networks associated therewith. The request manages each device by changing a configuration of the device on each associated network. The techniques include selecting at least two of a plurality of adapter modules, each configured to communicate with one of the plurality of networks, based on the request. The techniques further include bridging, using the selected adapter modules, communication between the interface module and the associated networks, such as transmitting the request to and receiving a response from each network. The techniques also include aggregating the received responses and transmitting the aggregated responses to the interface module.