WLAN Access Point Message Inhibition and Resumption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless local area network (WLAN) access points lack a method to temporarily inhibit the transfer of requested content to user devices in response to messages, such as alerts or notifications, without disrupting ongoing data streams or requiring complex buffering and resuming processes.
Innovation Solution
A WLAN access point method and system that receives messages for delivery to user devices, inhibits the transfer of requested content using addressing information, transfers the message to the user device, and resumes content transfer upon confirmation, allowing for efficient handling of alerts or notifications within the existing data stream.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the access point transfers requested content continuously to the user device, then the data delivery efficiency is improved, but the ability to deliver urgent messages or alerts to the user device is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The access point performs preliminary actions by buffering the requested content before it is fully transmitted to the user device. This allows the system to pause content transfer at predetermined points and insert messages or alerts without losing data, as the buffered content is ready to be resumed immediately after message delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The content transfer process is segmented into discrete units that can be paused and resumed. The access point divides the content stream into segments, transmitting them in intervals that allow for message insertion. This segmentation enables the system to maintain continuous service while delivering urgent communications
2Reliability
If the access point buffers and resumes content transfer to deliver messages, then the message delivery capability is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The access point uses its existing buffering capabilities, originally designed for other purposes, to enable message delivery. The system serves itself by leveraging already-present buffer memory and control mechanisms, avoiding the need for separate complex buffering infrastructure specifically for message delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The buffering and resuming mechanism serves multiple functions: it originally handled content transfer management and now also enables urgent message delivery. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by using existing components for dual purposes rather than adding dedicated separate systems
3Reliability
If the access point interrupts content transfer to deliver messages, then the message delivery capability is improved, but the data loss risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The access point performs preliminary buffering of content data before interruption occurs. This preliminary action ensures that when content transfer is interrupted for message delivery, the buffered data is preserved and can be resumed without loss, eliminating the risk of data substance loss while maintaining message delivery capability
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer acts as a cushion that protects against data loss during interruptions. By having data预先 buffered, the system creates a protective cushion that absorbs the impact of transfer interruptions, ensuring no data is lost when messages are delivered between content segments
Data Source
AI summary
What is disclosed is a method of operating a wireless local area network (WLAN) access point. The method includes providing the WLAN for a user device to access a packet network, where the user device receives requested content transferred over the packet network through the WLAN access point. The method also includes receiving a message for delivery to the user device from a local interface of the WLAN access point, and in response to receiving the message for delivery to the user device, inhibiting transfer of the requested content received over the packet network to the user device. The method also includes transferring the message to the user device using addressing information associated with the requested content, and in response to receiving a confirmation of the message from the user device, resuming transfer of the requested content to the user device.