Wireless Connectivity Module for Automatic Network Selection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Users face inconvenience and frustration when connecting electronic devices to wireless networks due to the need for manual configuration of connectivity information, which is prone to errors and increases support costs, especially in environments with changing network addresses and firewalls, leading to reliance on more expensive and power-consuming WWAN connectivity.

Innovation Solution

A wireless connectivity module that automatically locates, tests, and connects to available wireless networks, using executable network plug-ins to configure and maintain connections without user intervention, categorizing networks as open, accessible, or captive, and periodically transmitting packets to maintain an open inbound pathway for communication with a connection server.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual configuration of wireless network connectivity information is used, then user control and network selection flexibility are improved, but user convenience deteriorates and configuration errors increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidconfiguration accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically detecting available wireless networks, selecting appropriate networks, and configuring connection parameters without requiring user intervention. The electronic device autonomously manages the entire wireless connection process, including handling authentication and reconnection scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring wireless network connections in the background before the user needs them. It continuously monitors available networks and pre-establishes connection parameters, so when the user needs network access, the connection is already prepared or can be established immediately.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual wireless network configuration is required, then network selection flexibility is improved, but support costs increase due to user errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork selection flexibilityVSAvoidsupport cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system autonomously handles network selection and configuration, eliminating the need for user input and subsequent support interventions. It automatically adapts to different network environments and resolves connection issues without requiring user assistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring connection status, network availability, and configuration effectiveness. Based on this feedback, it automatically adjusts its behavior to maintain optimal connections and prevent errors that would require support intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If devices frequently switch between wireless networks, then network optimization is improved, but connection stability deteriorates due to changing network addresses and firewalls

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork optimizationVSAvoidconnection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system acts as an intermediary between the application layer and the physical wireless network, abstracting away the complexities of network switching. It maintains a stable logical connection interface for applications while handling the physical network transitions in the background, shielding applications from address changes and firewall variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Before switching networks, the system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring connection parameters and maintaining connection state information. This allows for seamless transitions where the application experience remains stable even as the underlying physical connection changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of operation

If automatic wireless network connection is implemented, then user convenience is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidconnection management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges multiple wireless network management functions including network detection, selection, authentication, and connection maintenance into a single integrated module. This consolidation simplifies the overall device architecture while providing comprehensive automatic connection management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless connection management system is designed as a universal multi-functional module that handles various wireless network types, authentication methods, and connection scenarios through a unified interface, reducing the need for separate specialized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8583765B1Obtaining information for a wireless connection

Publication Date: 2013.11.12 AMAZON TECH INC

AI summary

Electronic devices may locate and test wireless networks that are available, and may establish connections with no or minimal user intervention. The electronic device may periodically transmit a datagram to a connection server, providing updated information as to the network address of the electronic device as well as maintaining a pathway through intervening network devices. The connection server may then initiate a connection via this pathway with the information provided in the datagram.