Universal Network Device Virtual Port Configuration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network appliances require multiple single-purpose devices to handle different data signal types, leading to inefficient hardware resource usage and high costs, as each device needs separate software installations and cannot adapt to varying network functionalities.
Innovation Solution
A universal network device that automatically configures and transforms itself into feature-specific devices by selecting and implementing virtual ports, utilizing cloud processing infrastructure and open programming languages to provide desired network hardware functionalities, such as Trusted Wireless Access Gateway or Heterogeneous Network Gateway.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple single-purpose network devices are deployed to handle different data signal types, then each device can provide dedicated network hardware functionality, but hardware resource usage becomes inefficient and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal network device that can perform multiple network hardware functions through virtualization. A single physical device is divided into multiple virtual network devices, each capable of handling different data signal types (4G, 3G, femtocell, etc.). This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for multiple dedicated devices, improving hardware resource utilization while maintaining all required network functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments a single physical network device into multiple virtual network devices using virtualization technology. Each virtual device is assigned specific network functions (e.g., eNodeB, MME, SGW for 4G; NodeB, RNC for 3G; FAP for femtocell). This segmentation allows one physical device to serve multiple purposes, reducing hardware waste while maintaining functional specialization through virtual boundaries.
2Reliability
If multiple single-purpose network devices are deployed to handle different data signal types, then each device can provide dedicated network hardware functionality, but the system complexity and number of devices increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal network device that consolidates multiple single-purpose devices into one physical unit. Through virtualization, this single device can simultaneously perform functions of eNodeB, MME, SGW, NodeB, RNC, FAP, and other network elements across different generations (4G, 3G, femtocell). This reduces the total device count from many specialized devices to one multi-functional device, simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple separate network devices into a single unified device. Virtualization technology combines the hardware resources and functional capabilities of what would traditionally require multiple physical devices (message router, CDN, session border controller, firewall, carrier grade NAT, etc.) into one consolidated platform, reducing system complexity while maintaining all necessary network functionalities.
3Reliability
If conventional network appliances are used with separate software installations for each device, then each device can provide complete single network hardware functionality, but adaptability to varying network functionalities is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability in a universal network device through virtualization. The device can dynamically allocate and reconfigure virtual network devices based on varying network requirements. Software can be dynamically installed, configured, and removed on the same physical hardware platform, allowing the system to adapt to different network scenarios (4G, 3G, femtocell, IMS) without requiring physical device changes, thus providing both functional completeness and high versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal hardware platform that can adapt to various network functionalities through software-defined virtualization. The same physical device can be configured to provide complete functionality for different network types (message routing, content delivery, session management, firewall protection, NAT, etc.) by activating appropriate virtual devices and software modules, achieving both specialized functionality and broad adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for automatically configuring and transforming a universal device into a feature specific device to provide desired network hardware functionality for a plurality of different conventionally single purpose devices. The universal device receives data configured for handling by a network hardware device capable of providing desired network hardware functionality. Based on the data received, the universal device identifies the desired network hardware functionality from network hardware functionalities. The universal device selects one or more virtual ports capable of providing the desired network hardware functionality. The universal device automatically configures and transforms itself into a feature specific device to provide the desired network hardware functionality by implementing the selected one or more virtual ports to handle the data received.