Wireless Backhaul Restoration for Access Points

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Solution Overview

Problem

Network connectivity is impaired due to physical damage or lack of power at access points, and existing backhaul solutions require physical access and may have limitations such as high latency and reduced range.

Innovation Solution

An access point determines a non-functional connection to a backhaul network and selects a second device to provide backhaul through a wireless cellular connection, enabling the access point to restore service without physical access and reducing latency and resource requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional backhaul solutions (COLT, COW) are used to restore access point service, then network service can be restored, but service restoration time is significantly longer and physical access is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork service restorationVSAvoidservice restoration time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical/physical backhaul restoration methods (COLT, COW requiring physical access and deployment) with an electronic/software-based solution where a backhaul device establishes wireless cellular connections to restore service. This substitution eliminates the need for physical deployment and significantly reduces restoration time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a backhaul device as an intermediary component that establishes wireless connections between the access point and the network. This intermediary enables service restoration without requiring physical access to the access point facility, solving both the time and access problems simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If service personnel physically access the facility to connect alternate backhaul, then backhaul can be restored, but personnel safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackhaul restorationVSAvoidpersonnel safety risks

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The backhaul device serves as a remote intermediary that establishes wireless connections without requiring personnel to physically access the facility. This eliminates exposure to environmental hazards and security risks while maintaining backhaul restoration capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces physical mechanical connection methods with wireless electronic communication, eliminating the need for personnel to physically access the facility and thereby removing safety risks associated with physical access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If additional powered devices are deployed for backhaul recovery, then backhaul capability is provided, but power requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackhaul capabilityVSAvoidpower requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The backhaul device is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides backhaul capability while utilizing existing power sources at the access point. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional powered equipment and minimizes power requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The backhaul device utilizes existing power sources and infrastructure at the access point facility, making the system self-sufficient without requiring additional external power supplies or powered deployment equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If physical cabling is used between access point and backhaul, then stable connection is achieved, but deployment time and resource usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoiddeployment time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical cabling with wireless cellular communication technology. This substitution maintains connection stability through established wireless protocols while eliminating the time-consuming processes of cable deployment, connection, and configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11665768B2Systems and methods for establishing network connections

Publication Date: 2023.05.30 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example determining that a first connection between a first device and a wireless access point is not functional, wherein a non-functional connection between the first device and a backhaul network causes the first connection between the first device and the wireless access point to become not functional. Information is received from a second device via a second connection, wherein the second connection includes a wireless connection via a dedicated channel of a radio access network of the second connection. The dedicated channel will not be released while providing service via the second connection, the information being provided to the first device via a wireless channel. Other embodiments are disclosed.