Wireless Ethernet Dock Using Virtual NIC and VLAN Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless docking stations face limitations in bandwidth efficiency and restricted Ethernet access due to sharing with other USB devices, and they cannot manage Ethernet devices directly for native Ethernet usage.
Innovation Solution
A wireless Ethernet network system that connects a mobile device to an Ethernet through a wireless dock, using a virtual Ethernet NIC, a control server unit, and a VLAN unit to wirelessly link and control the Ethernet PHY, allowing direct management and high-speed data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If USB over IP is used to replace wired connection in wireless dock, then wireless connectivity is achieved, but bandwidth efficiency deteriorates and Ethernet access is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network interface by creating a dedicated wireless Ethernet interface separate from the USB over IP interface. This allows Ethernet traffic to use the wireless network independently without sharing bandwidth with other USB devices, thus resolving the bandwidth efficiency problem while maintaining wireless connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtual Ethernet NIC as an intermediary layer between the mobile device and the physical Ethernet connection. This virtual interface enables native Ethernet protocol operation over wireless connection, eliminating the need for USB over IP and its associated bandwidth sharing limitations.
2Ease of operation
If conventional wireless dock uses USB over IP for Ethernet access, then wireless connectivity is achieved, but Ethernet device management capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the Ethernet interface (virtual Ethernet NIC) within the mobile device's network stack. This virtual interface copies the functionality of a physical Ethernet card, enabling full Ethernet protocol support and device management capabilities over the wireless connection, thus resolving the management capability limitation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the wireless interface universal by enabling it to function as both a standard wireless network interface and a virtual Ethernet interface. This multi-functionality allows the same wireless connection to support both wireless networking and native Ethernet operations, eliminating the need for separate USB over IP infrastructure.
3Reliability
If USB cable is used to connect mobile device to docking station, then stable connection is achieved, but movement range is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical USB cable connection with a wireless network-based connection mechanism. By substituting the physical cable with wireless Ethernet protocol over Wi-Fi, the system eliminates the movement range restriction imposed by cable length while maintaining connection stability through wireless communication.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a wireless Ethernet network controlling method, for connecting a mobile device to an Ethernet through a wireless dock, comprising: connecting an Ethernet PHY of a wireless dock to an Ethernet; wirelessly linking a first wireless NIC of the wireless dock to a second wireless NIC of a mobile device; a control server unit of the wireless dock receiving an operation status setting signal through the first wireless NIC generated by a virtual Ethernet NIC, and the control server unit transmitting the operation status setting signal to the Ethernet PHY for setting-up the operation status of the Ethernet PHY; and a VLAN unit processing the data packets transmitted between the Ethernet PHY and the first wireless NIC. Accordingly, the user of the mobile device can experience the complete functions of the Ethernet device.