Framework for optimizing and simplifying network communication in close proximity networks

US7961726B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Microsoft Corporation · US

Inventors

• Zhou Wang · Aachen, DE
• Alain Gefflaut · Elmsford, US
• Alexandre de Baynast · Aachen, DE
• Arsalan Ahmad · Aachen, DE
• Andreas Steinmetzler · Aachen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 7, 2008
• Grant date: Jun 14, 2011
• Expiry date: Nov 9, 2028

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H04L69/085
• WIPO field: Digital communication
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A framework capable of providing transparent handling of network traffic in close proximity networks such as home networks is provided. A single virtual network interface is exposed to users/applications on connected devices. A virtual network interface manager determines available physical network interfaces and switches to a different physical network interface or a different configuration on the same physical network interface in a transparent manner to the communicating application(s). This enables the framework to optimize network communications for the communicating applications, devices, and users based on predefined criteria, application requirements such as different data throughput, or changing environment conditions such as interference. Network communication operations are also simplified for users since they are no longer required to have the necessary knowledge for configuring physical network interfaces manually in response to changing conditions.