Wi-Fi Router Connectivity Circuit for External Network State Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wi-Fi devices face challenges in detecting and maintaining optimal Internet connectivity with Wi-Fi routers, leading to unnecessary disconnections and reduced user experience due to the absence of real-time connectivity state information.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a Wi-Fi controller and connectivity circuit within the Wi-Fi router to test and provide connectivity state information, including an added field in beacon and probe-response packets, allowing devices to learn and respond to the connectivity state of external network connections, thereby enabling informed connection decisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Wi-Fi devices connect to routers without real-time connectivity state information, then connection establishment is simple, but connection reliability deteriorates due to unnecessary disconnections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a connectivity circuit as an intermediary component that specifically monitors external network connectivity states. This mediator separates the complexity of connectivity monitoring from the main Wi-Fi controller, providing reliable connectivity information to devices without requiring the entire system to become more complex. The connectivity circuit acts as a dedicated subsystem that handles the monitoring function independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the connectivity circuit continuously monitors external network connectivity and provides real-time connectivity state information back to Wi-Fi devices. This feedback loop enables devices to make informed connection decisions based on current connectivity status, improving connection reliability by preventing disconnections when the network is actually available and enabling disconnections when the network is unavailable.
2Ease of operation
If Wi-Fi devices lack real-time connectivity state information, then device complexity is reduced, but user experience deteriorates due to unnecessary disconnections
Solution Approach 1:
The connectivity circuit serves as a specialized intermediary that handles the complex task of connectivity monitoring, allowing the router to maintain simple overall architecture while providing enhanced user experience. The intermediary component absorbs the complexity of real-time monitoring without requiring changes to the main router control logic or device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connectivity circuit autonomously monitors external network connectivity and generates connectivity state information without requiring intervention from the main router controller or external devices. This self-service capability allows the router to independently provide accurate connectivity information, improving user experience while maintaining simple device operation.
3Measurement precision
If Wi-Fi devices continuously monitor connectivity without real-time information, then measurement precision is insufficient, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connectivity circuit acts as a dedicated intermediary that performs connectivity monitoring independently, providing precise real-time connectivity state information to devices without requiring the devices themselves to consume energy for continuous monitoring. The mediator handles the energy-intensive monitoring task separately, enabling high measurement precision while managing energy consumption efficiently.
Data Source
AI summary
One or more examples relate to detecting external network connectivity at a Wi-Fi router. A disclosed Wi-Fi router may include a Wi-Fi controller and a connectivity circuit. The connectivity circuit may learn a connectivity state of an external network connection of the Wi-Fi router. The connectivity circuit may provide connectivity state information to the Wi-Fi controller. The connectivity state information may include information about the learned connectivity state of the external network connection of the Wi-Fi router.