Virtual Mobile Broadband Interface for Hotspot Network Status Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional client devices lack the capability to access wireless communication network status and Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM)/Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC) status when using a mobile Hotspot, leading to variable quality of service due to factors like signal quality and network congestion.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that enable a client device to virtually connect with a mobile Hotspot as a virtual mobile broadband device using a Virtual Target Pass Through Driver (VTPTD) and Virtual Network Interface Card (VNIC), allowing standard or non-standard MBIM commands to communicate with the mobile Hotspot, which uses AT commands, thereby providing detailed network connection information and improving user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional client devices connect to mobile Hotspot using standard interfaces, then basic internet access is achieved, but the devices lack capability to access wireless communication network status and USIM/UICC status
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary translation layer that converts between AT commands (used by mobile Hotspot) and MBIM commands (standard for client devices). This mediator enables full network status information access without requiring complex direct AT command implementation in client devices, resolving the contradiction between information completeness and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal MBIM interface that can access both standard mobile broadband functions and mobile Hotspot-specific functions (wireless network status, USIM/UICC status) through a single standardized protocol. This multi-functionality allows client devices to obtain comprehensive network information without needing multiple specialized connection methods.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mobile Hotspot devices use AT commands for control, then detailed control capability is achieved, but standard MBIM commands cannot communicate directly with the mobile Hotspot
Solution Approach 1:
The translation layer acts as an intermediary that automatically converts standard MBIM commands into AT commands for mobile Hotspot communication and vice versa. This maintains ease of operation by allowing client devices to use familiar MBIM commands while the intermediary handles the AT command translation, achieving both command compatibility and operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter representation format between MBIM and AT command protocols. It transforms MBIM command parameters into corresponding AT command syntax and parameter structures, enabling seamless communication between systems using different command formats without requiring changes to the client device's command interface.
3Reliability
If client devices access mobile broadband network, then internet connectivity is achieved, but variable quality of service occurs due to signal quality and network congestion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor and report wireless communication network status, signal quality, and network conditions back to the client device. This feedback enables the system to adapt to varying network conditions, improving quality of service reliability by making network status information available for decision-making and optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The translation layer serves as an intermediary that retrieves and translates detailed network status information from the mobile Hotspot's AT command interface to MBIM format. This enables client devices to access comprehensive network condition information that was previously unavailable through standard interfaces, allowing for better quality of service management.
Data Source
AI summary
As the variety of client devices has increased and the demand for mobile broadband internet access has increased, a mobile Hotspot is commonly used. The mobile Hotspot device includes a modem for mobile broadband access and a Hotspot Access Point to distribute the internet to local devices. When accessing the internet through a mobile Hotspot, the client device may not have visibility on the status of the mobile network, the modem and the USIM/UICC. A method and apparatus are disclosed that enable a client device to connect the mobile Hotpot as a virtual mobile broadband device over a local connection when a mobile Hotspot uses AT commands. This may be used to present more detailed information to the user about the status of mobile network connection, the modem, and the USIM/UICC. This enables the user to configure and control the modem functionality which may lead to improved user experience.