Wireless Access Point IP Protocol Translation for Mobile Handovers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complex wireless communication networks with geographically differentiated access points face scaling difficulties and high costs due to the use of unique end-to-end protocols, leading to rapid obsolescence and delayed expansion or upgrades in capacity and features.
Innovation Solution
Implementing Internet Protocol-based communications at wireless access points to convert end-to-end protocols into IPv4 or IPv6 protocols, enabling peer-to-peer interactions and reducing the need for hierarchically differentiated network elements, thus facilitating mobile station mobility, location updates, and handovers without additional infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If unique end-to-end protocols are used in hierarchically differentiated network elements, then mobile station communications are supported, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling wireless access points to perform multiple functions: they act as both wireless communication interfaces and IP routing nodes. The access points can directly route IP packets between mobile stations without requiring separate hierarchical network elements, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining communication reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the protocol conversion function from hierarchical network elements and implements it directly at the wireless access point. By taking out the need for intermediate network elements and implementing IP-based communications directly at the access point, the system reduces device complexity while preserving communication capabilities
2Adaptability or versatility
If hierarchically differentiated network elements are deployed, then communication functions are provided, but scalability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network architecture by enabling each wireless access point to function as an independent IP routing node. This segmentation allows individual access points to be added or removed without affecting the overall network structure, thereby improving scalability while maintaining communication function provision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic IP-based routing capabilities at the wireless access point level, allowing the network to adaptively route packets based on current network conditions and mobile station locations. This dynamic approach enhances both scalability and communication versatility
3Ease of manufacture
If standard Internet Protocol-compatible network elements are used, then cost is reduced, but compatibility with legacy protocols must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the wireless access point as an intermediary that translates between legacy wireless protocols and standard IP protocols. The access point maintains compatibility with legacy mobile stations using traditional protocols while simultaneously enabling cost-effective IP-based communications, thereby resolving the conflict between cost reduction and legacy compatibility
Data Source
AI summary
In a communication network (400), wireless access points (300) utilize one or more agents (302, 306) to support the operating needs of corresponding mobile stations. Pursuant to one approach, the agent supports translation of the mobile station's end-to-end protocol-based messages to Internet Protocol-based messages that are readily ported through an Internet Protocol-friendly communication system infrastructure that preferably eschews the use of network elements that rely upon unique and/or proprietary non-Internet Protocol interfaces. Pursuant to another approach the wireless access point is able to interact on a peer-to-peer basis with other wireless access points in order to facilitate, for example, handovers and other mobility management tasks.