Userspace IP Stack Bridging for Mobile Network Interface Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems prevent users and application developers from modifying the operating system kernel or userspace interface to enable communications between a user device and network devices, limiting customization and control over network communications.
Innovation Solution
A userspace application that includes a userspace IP stack, device driver, and IPC mechanism, allowing user-level control over network devices without requiring operating system-level permissions, by utilizing APIs and IPC mechanisms to route and decode communications packets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If OEMs include network communications device support in the operating system kernel, then communication functionality is enabled, but users and application developers cannot modify or add network device support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network device support functionality into a separable userspace application that operates independently from the operating system kernel. This allows the network communication capabilities to be divided into kernel-level base functionality and userspace-level customizable functionality, enabling users to add or modify network device support without altering the kernel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary userspace application that acts as a bridge between user applications and the operating system kernel. This intermediary provides network device support and allows users to add or modify network device drivers through standard operating system interfaces, without requiring direct kernel access or modifications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users want to add or modify network device drivers, then network functionality can be customized, but operating system kernel access is required which is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves network device driver functionality from the kernel dimension to the userspace dimension. By implementing device drivers in userspace, the system allows driver customization and loading without requiring kernel-level access or modifications, effectively adding a new dimension for driver management that bypasses kernel restrictions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates copies of network device driver functionality in userspace that replicate kernel-level capabilities. These userspace driver copies can be loaded, modified, and removed independently of the kernel, providing the same network device support functionality without the complexity and restrictions of kernel modifications.
3Reliability
If OEMs build in drivers for communications devices, then communication is enabled, but users cannot access or modify these drivers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables users to self-service their own network device driver needs through a userspace application interface. Users can independently add, remove, or modify network device drivers and configurations without requiring OEM intervention or kernel access, making the system self-serviceable while maintaining reliable communication functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
System and method that enable a userspace compartmented IP Stack and network interfaces between a user device and communications devices associated with the user device, including mobile devices. The system and method include userspace bridging of data to/from external communications devices and applications onboard the user device. The system and method include userspace control of the network interfaces, routing between disparate IP networks, and routing of external IP network interfaces into user device interfaces. The system and method includes incorporating userspace device drivers required for external network hardware interface.