USB Muxer Adapter for Secure Tethered Internet Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in obtaining reliable and secure Internet access for their computing devices when using free public WiFi, which may be compromised by malware and ransomware, and existing solutions like smartphone or tablet hotspots can be expensive and limit internet speed, while also requiring rooting or jailbreaking.
Innovation Solution
A system that enables any computing device to obtain Internet access by tethering with a smartphone or tablet using a universal translating software adapter and a universal muxer data tracker, allowing integration of different USB data transfer methods and providing enhanced security and stability without the need for rooting or jailbreaking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If free public WiFi is used for Internet access, then cost is reduced, but security and reliability deteriorate due to malware and ransomware risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a USB multiplexer device as an intermediary between the computing device and the mobile device. This muxer device mediates the data transmission, allowing Internet access through the mobile device's connection while isolating the computing device from direct exposure to potentially harmful networks. The adapter layer provides security by controlling and filtering data flow through the USB connection.
2Reliability
If smartphone or tablet hotspot is activated for secure Internet access, then security improves, but cost increases and internet speed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The USB multiplexer adapter serves as an intermediary that enables direct USB tethering between the mobile device and computing device, bypassing the need for WiFi hotspot activation. This approach maintains security through the direct connection while avoiding the cost and speed limitations associated with hotspot data plans and wireless transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the wireless WiFi hotspot mechanism with a wired USB connection mechanism. By substituting the wireless mechanical system (WiFi) with a wired system (USB tethering through muxer), the solution eliminates wireless signal interference and data throttling while providing more stable and faster Internet access.
3Reliability
If USB multiplexer adapter is used for Internet access, then security and stability improve, but device complexity increases due to software integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The USB multiplexer adapter is designed with universal functionality to work across multiple operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux. The software component implements a unified architecture that automatically detects and adapts to the host operating system, eliminating the need for separate software solutions for each platform and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the system into distinct functional segments: the USB multiplexer hardware device, the adapter software layer, and the host operating system. This segmentation allows each component to operate independently with well-defined interfaces, simplifying integration and maintenance while improving stability through modular architecture.
4Adaptability or versatility
If rooting or jailbreaking is performed to enable Internet access, then adaptability improves, but device security and stability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The USB multiplexer adapter acts as an intermediary that enables Internet access without requiring rooting or jailbreaking of the mobile device. The adapter handles the complexity of inter-operability between different operating systems through its own software layer, allowing standard, unmodified mobile devices to provide secure Internet access to computing devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual network interface through the adapter software that copies and emulates standard network protocols and behaviors. This virtual interface layer replicates the functionality of direct network connectivity, allowing applications to access Internet resources through the USB connection without requiring modifications to the mobile device's operating system.
Data Source
AI summary
A system configured to obtain Internet access for a computing device tethered to a mobile device having an Internet connection is described. The computing device includes, at least, a listening server configured to receive the one or more data streams from a web browser associated with the mobile device, a loopback device configured to identify the tethered connection between the computer system and the mobile device, a universal translating software adapter comprising a Universal Serial Bus (USB) muxer sequence configured to combine the one or more data streams into a new data stream, a universal muxer data tracker configured to provide a transcription method for the new data stream, a proxy connector configured to re-route the new data stream to a transcriber associated with the mobile device, such that the transcriber is configured to transmit the new data stream received from the proxy connector to the mobile device.