WLAN Device Multiple APN Connectivity via LLC Protocol Modification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless local area network (WLAN) devices are limited in connecting to multiple access point names (APNs) from a core network, restricting their ability to select and access various services, as they typically only support a single APN, which hinders full internet protocol (IP) connectivity to local area networks (LANs).
Innovation Solution
Modifying the Logical Link Control (LLC) protocol to differentiate core network traffic from LAN IP traffic by using a modified protocol type, allowing WLAN devices to select and access multiple core network bearers without IP tunneling or overlay applications, thereby enabling unified support for 3GPP networks on WLAN devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If WLAN devices use standard point-to-point APN links, then connectivity to core network services is established, but the devices can only connect to a single APN and cannot select or access multiple services
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new dimension to WLAN architecture by integrating cellular network interface functionality into the WLAN device. This allows the device to operate in multiple network dimensions simultaneously - both WLAN and cellular networks - enabling access to multiple APNs through the cellular interface while maintaining WLAN connectivity for local services.
Solution Approach 2:
The WLAN device is enhanced with multi-functionality by incorporating a cellular network interface that supports multiple APN connections. This universal design allows the device to access both local WLAN services and remote core network services through different APNs, making it adaptable to diverse network environments and service requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If overlay mechanisms or tunneling mechanisms are used to enable multiple service connectivity, then service selection capability is improved, but IP connectivity to LANs is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The network connectivity is segmented into distinct interfaces: WLAN interface for local LAN access and cellular interface for core network APN access. This segmentation allows each interface to maintain its native IP connectivity characteristics without requiring overlay mechanisms or tunneling, ensuring reliable direct IP communication with both LANs and core network services.
3Ease of operation
If WLAN devices are limited to single APN connection, then device simplicity is maintained, but full IP connectivity to LANs and core network services is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges WLAN technology with cellular network interface functionality in a single device. This combination allows the device to maintain operational simplicity characteristic of WLAN devices while gaining the ability to connect to multiple APNs through the integrated cellular interface,从而实现 full IP connectivity to both LANs and core network services.
Data Source
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AI summary
A mobile device may communicate through multiple access point names (APNs) through wireless local area network (WLAN) protocols. The APNs are data routes that may be accessible to a device through other non-WLAN networks (e.g. cellular), but can be accessed with a WLAN device through WLAN protocols. A sub network access protocol (SNAP) header may be modified and used for routing traffic.