EP1636942A1 - Mobile data communication - Google Patents

Mobile data communication

Info

Publication number
EP1636942A1
EP1636942A1 EP04735428A EP04735428A EP1636942A1 EP 1636942 A1 EP1636942 A1 EP 1636942A1 EP 04735428 A EP04735428 A EP 04735428A EP 04735428 A EP04735428 A EP 04735428A EP 1636942 A1 EP1636942 A1 EP 1636942A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
communication
network
mobile
gateway
lan
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP04735428A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Mikael LANGSTRÖM
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Falt Communications AB
Original Assignee
Falt Communications AB
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Falt Communications AB filed Critical Falt Communications AB
Publication of EP1636942A1 publication Critical patent/EP1636942A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W88/00—Devices specially adapted for wireless communication networks, e.g. terminals, base stations or access point devices
    • H04W88/16—Gateway arrangements
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W92/00—Interfaces specially adapted for wireless communication networks
    • H04W92/02—Inter-networking arrangements
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W80/00—Wireless network protocols or protocol adaptations to wireless operation
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W84/00—Network topologies
    • H04W84/02—Hierarchically pre-organised networks, e.g. paging networks, cellular networks, WLAN [Wireless Local Area Network] or WLL [Wireless Local Loop]
    • H04W84/10—Small scale networks; Flat hierarchical networks
    • H04W84/12—WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]

Definitions

  • the present invention is based on a device for a mobile network or, more precisely, a device that, in a transparent manner, and by means of a wireless connection, connects a local network with another network.
  • the internet is now an established means of communication. To a large extent, internet communication is between stationary LAN networks. Wireless communication over the internet requires a wireless communication module that provides local access to the internet. WLAN is such a module. Using it, communication with the internet is possible if the user is within the area covered by the WLAN communication node. Mobile communication can here be achieved by connecting a GSM telephone to a computer. This solution givers computer users the possibility of mobile communication over the internet.
  • a mobile LAN gateway in contact with the internet solves this problem by creating a local network (intranet) in the vehicle. All users can communicate over this network and, furthermore, do not require their own, individual communication modules to do so.
  • WLAN is a static communication point that enables local communication
  • mobile LAN offers mobile communication via a mobile LAN gateway.
  • US 5771459 describes a communication system where a network in a mobile vehicle can, using wireless communication, connect to another network.
  • the invention in that patent uses a so-called proprietary communication method as outlined above. This means, for example, that if new units are to be added to the network in the mobile vehicle, then the protocols have to be adapted. This entails expensive and time- consuming procedures.
  • the present invention has the advantage that, as regards communication between networks, it does not require a conversion procedure between different protocols. The result is a so-called transparent system rather than a proprietary communication method. Because communication with a mobile LAN gateway as per the present invention is completely transparent, integration/emigration of units in the local network (the mobile LAN) can take place without adaptation of the protocols. In other words, the mobile network becomes an extension of the global network and units in the mobile network can be addressed from the exterior.
  • the system comprises a microcomputer system with various communication carriers.
  • a wireless IP carrier e.g. GSM, GPRS, UMTS, etc.
  • Ethernet or a wireless IP carrier is used for communication to/from the mobile LAN (intranet).
  • the invention is made up of a number of individual, known components put together to form a combination that has new properties.
  • the combination brings together a wireless module (e.g. a GSM module or a 3G module), a network module and a control processor. This creates a mobile network that is transparent and, via the wireless module, able to communicate with outside networks.
  • a wireless module e.g. a GSM module or a 3G module
  • the communication carrier that is in contact with the internet is allocated or has a static IP number. Via NAT, the units connected to the mobile LAN (intranet) use the external communication carrier's IP number.
  • the mobile LAN is physically connected to the mobile LAN gateway. Those units in the LAN that wish to communicate over the internet give the mobile LAN gateway as the default gateway.
  • the mobile LAN gateway When the mobile LAN gateway receives incoming communication (i.e. traffic addressed to the default gateway), it checks whether the traffic is to be routed to the internet or if the traffic is addressed to the mobile LAN. If the traffic is routed to the internet, the mobile LAN gateway constructs a table listing the sender. If the traffic is from the internet, then the mobile LAN gateway checks whether any unit in the mobile LAN is waiting for a reply.
  • incoming communication i.e. traffic addressed to the default gateway
  • the mobile LAN gateway can also administer incoming traffic by, for example, setting that port 80 is to go to unit x in the mobile LAN. If no port is open, then no traffic will be allowed through.
  • the mobile LAN gateway can also be set to allow only certain destinations' IP numbers to be allowed through.
  • Modern vehicles have some form of network, e.g. CAN for the vehicle's electronics and MOST for controlling the vehicle's stereo, etc. Common to these networks is that they exist only locally in the vehicle. Thus, if a garage is to carry out diagnostic tests, the vehicle has to be in the garage so that the service personnel can connect up to the relevant network.
  • Certain car manufacturers arrange for inward communication to be sent when an airbag is deployed during an accident. However, garages/workshops cannot use this route to access the diagnostic measurements they require. Extra communication modules that provide drivers/passengers with supplementary communication possibilities can be ordered. In certain applications, 3 or more communication modules are required:
  • communication module 1 - for the vehicle's electronics, communication module 2 for the driver/passenger, and communication module 3 for service providers, e.g. alarm services.
  • the mobile LAN gateway solves the problem by creating an intranet in the vehicle.
  • This intranet is connected to the internet via a mobile LAN gateway. Any equipment that needs to communicate with the outside world over the internet is connected to the mobile LAN gateway's intranet.
  • the greatest advantage is that, instead of each unit requiring its own communication module, several units communicate through one communication gateway (the mobile LAN gateway).
  • drivers/passengers with IP connected computers can connect to the internet and access information in the usual way.
  • Drivers/passengers can access their company networks, e.g. a salesperson can use his/her company's accounting system in real time.
  • Games that are IP enabled can communicate with other game units (or download new games) through mobile LAN.
  • a vehicle's electronics/computers can communicate with a garage and, for example, order a service or spare parts. Through the same route, a garage can monitor vehicle status and faults.
  • a garage can monitor vehicle status and faults.
  • the mobile LAN gateway solves the problem by creating an intranet in the aircraft. This intranet is connected to the internet via the mobile LAN gateway. Any equipment that can communicate via IP can reach the outside world via the mobile LAN. Aircraft manufacturers can position the mobile LAN gateway so that radio interference does not affect the aircraft.
  • Figure 1 is an overview of a global network that includes a mobile LAN.
  • Figure 2 shows a mobile LAN gateway.
  • Figure 3 is a sketch of a mobile LAN system.
  • Figure 4 is an overview of a mobile LAN for a terrestrial vehicle.
  • Figure 5 is an overview of a mobile LAN for an aircraft.
  • Figure 6 is an overview of a global network with an example of a mobile network that uses known technology.
  • FIG 1 is an overview of a global network that includes a mobile LAN.
  • the latter is connected to global networks via MIIPS.
  • MIIPS mobile internet IP server
  • the MIIPS/MLAN here includes a GSM module for mobile communication over a mobile network, a NAT module (this allocates internal addresses to the MLAN units and checks whether external communication is to be routed onwards or if any of the units is being addressed from the outside) and a microprocessor that controls connections between the various modules.
  • the GSM module communicates with the mobile network via, for example, GPRS, EDGE or UMTS.
  • the mobile network can be connected to, for example, the internet or other wide area network (WAN).
  • WAN wide area network
  • GGSN gateway GPRS support node
  • GGSN gateway GPRS support node
  • Several local networks are, in their turn, connected to the WAN and are allocated an IP address. This means that the LAN can be addressed from the WAN.
  • the MIIPS is allocated an IP address. Consequently, the MIIPS can be addressed from the WAN.
  • a computer connected to the LAN can, for example, print out a document using a printer on the MLAN or control a camera on the MLAN.
  • the MIIPS has the external address 81.93.145.6 and ports 80 and 88 are open (going to, respectively, one of the cameras and one of the printers). Which ports are to be open is determined by the MIIPS. It is also possible to close all ports to incoming communication and, instead, exclusively send out camera pictures to an internet address, e.g. 212.32.131.225 (the LAN in this figure).
  • FIG. 2 is an overview of the MLAN gateway and its constituent components.
  • Figure 3 a sketch of the system, can be studied in conjunction with figure 1.
  • Figures 4 and 5 shows a mobile LAN in, respectively, a terrestrial vehicle and an aircraft.
  • FIG. 6 is an overview of a global network in which a local network is connected to the global network via a GSM unit.
  • GSM unit communicates with, for example, a PDA.
  • This protocol is adapted to suit the unit that is being connected. Units that are being connected require specially developed software.
  • communication with the external network is via SMS. This gives limited transmission capacity and is a costly procedure.

Abstract

The invention comprises a device for connecting computer networks via wireless communication. At least one local data network communicates with other data networks via a mobile LAN gateway, the local data network then functioning as an extension of the combined data networks.

Description

MOBILE DATA COMMUNICATION
BACKGROUND
The present invention is based on a device for a mobile network or, more precisely, a device that, in a transparent manner, and by means of a wireless connection, connects a local network with another network.
The internet is now an established means of communication. To a large extent, internet communication is between stationary LAN networks. Wireless communication over the internet requires a wireless communication module that provides local access to the internet. WLAN is such a module. Using it, communication with the internet is possible if the user is within the area covered by the WLAN communication node. Mobile communication can here be achieved by connecting a GSM telephone to a computer. This solution givers computer users the possibility of mobile communication over the internet.
There is often a great need for wireless communication in, for example, long-distance coaches where several people may need to connect to the internet or to their companies' LANs.
A mobile LAN gateway in contact with the internet solves this problem by creating a local network (intranet) in the vehicle. All users can communicate over this network and, furthermore, do not require their own, individual communication modules to do so.
The difference between WLAN and mobile LAN is that WLAN is a static communication point that enables local communication, whereas mobile LAN offers mobile communication via a mobile LAN gateway.
There are also cases where it is desired to have control over radio interference, e.g. in an aircraft (where interference makes it impossible to use, for example, GSM telephones for communication with a mobile LAN gateway). The airline company can itself site the necessary antenna and equipment and thus gain control over radiation values while still offering network communication to air passengers. Telematic/telemetry solutions use, to a great extent, proprietary communication methods. Existing communication gateways provide communication via, for example, SMS, GSM data and GPRS. Communication to these gateways is via, for example, RS232, Can, etc. For an industrial computer to be able to communicate with its server, data has to be sent (using a protocol) to the communication gateway. As there is no accepted standard for the communication protocol, communication protocols have to be changed when emigrating to a different communication gateway. This procedure involves considerable expense.
US 5771459 describes a communication system where a network in a mobile vehicle can, using wireless communication, connect to another network. The invention in that patent uses a so-called proprietary communication method as outlined above. This means, for example, that if new units are to be added to the network in the mobile vehicle, then the protocols have to be adapted. This entails expensive and time- consuming procedures.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention has the advantage that, as regards communication between networks, it does not require a conversion procedure between different protocols. The result is a so-called transparent system rather than a proprietary communication method. Because communication with a mobile LAN gateway as per the present invention is completely transparent, integration/emigration of units in the local network (the mobile LAN) can take place without adaptation of the protocols. In other words, the mobile network becomes an extension of the global network and units in the mobile network can be addressed from the exterior.
This is an extremely flexible and cost-efficient system. It has the advantage that standard units can be used in the system and, consequently, the mobile LAN is not tied to certain particular brands. Cameras, GPS units, printers, computers, etc. of all makes can be connected to the network without it being necessary to install any special software. Thus, the system can be quickly and effortlessly set up, maintained and adapted for the situation in question. The system comprises a microcomputer system with various communication carriers. A wireless IP carrier (e.g. GSM, GPRS, UMTS, etc.) is used for communication to/from the internet. Ethernet or a wireless IP carrier is used for communication to/from the mobile LAN (intranet).
The invention is made up of a number of individual, known components put together to form a combination that has new properties. The combination brings together a wireless module (e.g. a GSM module or a 3G module), a network module and a control processor. This creates a mobile network that is transparent and, via the wireless module, able to communicate with outside networks.
The communication carrier that is in contact with the internet is allocated or has a static IP number. Via NAT, the units connected to the mobile LAN (intranet) use the external communication carrier's IP number.
The mobile LAN is physically connected to the mobile LAN gateway. Those units in the LAN that wish to communicate over the internet give the mobile LAN gateway as the default gateway.
When the mobile LAN gateway receives incoming communication (i.e. traffic addressed to the default gateway), it checks whether the traffic is to be routed to the internet or if the traffic is addressed to the mobile LAN. If the traffic is routed to the internet, the mobile LAN gateway constructs a table listing the sender. If the traffic is from the internet, then the mobile LAN gateway checks whether any unit in the mobile LAN is waiting for a reply.
The mobile LAN gateway can also administer incoming traffic by, for example, setting that port 80 is to go to unit x in the mobile LAN. If no port is open, then no traffic will be allowed through.
The mobile LAN gateway can also be set to allow only certain destinations' IP numbers to be allowed through. Modern vehicles have some form of network, e.g. CAN for the vehicle's electronics and MOST for controlling the vehicle's stereo, etc. Common to these networks is that they exist only locally in the vehicle. Thus, if a garage is to carry out diagnostic tests, the vehicle has to be in the garage so that the service personnel can connect up to the relevant network. Certain car manufacturers arrange for inward communication to be sent when an airbag is deployed during an accident. However, garages/workshops cannot use this route to access the diagnostic measurements they require. Extra communication modules that provide drivers/passengers with supplementary communication possibilities can be ordered. In certain applications, 3 or more communication modules are required:
communication module 1 - for the vehicle's electronics, communication module 2 for the driver/passenger, and communication module 3 for service providers, e.g. alarm services.
The mobile LAN gateway solves the problem by creating an intranet in the vehicle. This intranet is connected to the internet via a mobile LAN gateway. Any equipment that needs to communicate with the outside world over the internet is connected to the mobile LAN gateway's intranet. The greatest advantage is that, instead of each unit requiring its own communication module, several units communicate through one communication gateway (the mobile LAN gateway).
Via mobile LAN, drivers/passengers with IP connected computers can connect to the internet and access information in the usual way.
Drivers/passengers can access their company networks, e.g. a salesperson can use his/her company's accounting system in real time.
Games that are IP enabled can communicate with other game units (or download new games) through mobile LAN.
Via mobile LAN, a vehicle's electronics/computers can communicate with a garage and, for example, order a service or spare parts. Through the same route, a garage can monitor vehicle status and faults. Currently, there is no possibility of internet communication for airline passengers. This is because GSM modems and the suchlike interfere with aircraft electronics. The mobile LAN gateway solves the problem by creating an intranet in the aircraft. This intranet is connected to the internet via the mobile LAN gateway. Any equipment that can communicate via IP can reach the outside world via the mobile LAN. Aircraft manufacturers can position the mobile LAN gateway so that radio interference does not affect the aircraft.
Via mobile LAN, passengers with an IP connected computer can access the internet and its information.
SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is an overview of a global network that includes a mobile LAN. Figure 2 shows a mobile LAN gateway.
Figure 3 is a sketch of a mobile LAN system.
Figure 4 is an overview of a mobile LAN for a terrestrial vehicle.
Figure 5 is an overview of a mobile LAN for an aircraft.
Figure 6 is an overview of a global network with an example of a mobile network that uses known technology.
Making reference to the drawings, a possible design of the invention is detailed below.
Figure 1 is an overview of a global network that includes a mobile LAN. The latter is connected to global networks via MIIPS. MIIPS (mobile internet IP server) is another name for mobile LAN gateway. The MIIPS/MLAN here includes a GSM module for mobile communication over a mobile network, a NAT module (this allocates internal addresses to the MLAN units and checks whether external communication is to be routed onwards or if any of the units is being addressed from the outside) and a microprocessor that controls connections between the various modules. The GSM module communicates with the mobile network via, for example, GPRS, EDGE or UMTS. Via the mobile network's GGSN, the mobile network can be connected to, for example, the internet or other wide area network (WAN). GGSN (gateway GPRS support node) is an interface between external IP networks and a mobile communication network. Several local networks are, in their turn, connected to the WAN and are allocated an IP address. This means that the LAN can be addressed from the WAN. In the same way, the MIIPS is allocated an IP address. Consequently, the MIIPS can be addressed from the WAN. By addressing the MIIPS, a computer connected to the LAN (far right of figure 1 ) can, for example, print out a document using a printer on the MLAN or control a camera on the MLAN. In the example in figure 1 , the MIIPS has the external address 81.93.145.6 and ports 80 and 88 are open (going to, respectively, one of the cameras and one of the printers). Which ports are to be open is determined by the MIIPS. It is also possible to close all ports to incoming communication and, instead, exclusively send out camera pictures to an internet address, e.g. 212.32.131.225 (the LAN in this figure).
Figure 2 is an overview of the MLAN gateway and its constituent components.
Figure 3, a sketch of the system, can be studied in conjunction with figure 1.
Figures 4 and 5 shows a mobile LAN in, respectively, a terrestrial vehicle and an aircraft.
Figure 6 is an overview of a global network in which a local network is connected to the global network via a GSM unit. This is an example of a common technical solution prior to the present invention. Using an adapted proprietary protocol, the GSM unit communicates with, for example, a PDA. This protocol is adapted to suit the unit that is being connected. Units that are being connected require specially developed software. In this example, communication with the external network is via SMS. This gives limited transmission capacity and is a costly procedure.
ABBREVIATIONS
CAN Controller area network
GSM Global system for mobile communication LAN Local area network
NAT Network address translation/translator
WLAN Wireless local area network
WAN Wide area network

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS
A communication system including at least one local network and at least one mobile communication network connected to at least one other network, preferably a WAN, such as the internet, characterised by: a mobile LAN gateway that has means for creating a local network; and, by units, which have network cards, being connected to said mobile LAN gateway, said gateway including means for external wireless communication, these means for external data communication connecting up said gateway to another network (preferably a WAN such as the internet) via a mobile communication network, the connection taking place in what is, for the network, a transparent manner, transparency here entailing that the local network functions as a traditional local network (LAN), but with the difference that the external communication is wireless and that emigration and integration of units in the mobile LAN can take place without any need to adapt protocols.
EP04735428A 2003-06-02 2004-05-28 Mobile data communication Withdrawn EP1636942A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SE0301600A SE0301600L (en) 2003-06-02 2003-06-02 Mobile data communication
PCT/SE2004/000838 WO2004107667A1 (en) 2003-06-02 2004-05-28 Mobile data communication

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1636942A1 true EP1636942A1 (en) 2006-03-22

Family

ID=20291468

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP04735428A Withdrawn EP1636942A1 (en) 2003-06-02 2004-05-28 Mobile data communication

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1636942A1 (en)
SE (1) SE0301600L (en)
WO (1) WO2004107667A1 (en)

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5771459A (en) * 1994-06-21 1998-06-23 U.S. Philips Corporation Communication system for use with stationary and second entities, via a wireless intermediate network with gateway devices, a gateway device for use with such system, and a mobile entity provided with such gateway device
FI105740B (en) * 1995-09-29 2000-09-29 Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd office communication
US6647015B2 (en) * 2000-05-22 2003-11-11 Sarnoff Corporation Method and apparatus for providing a broadband, wireless, communications network
CA2450434A1 (en) * 2001-06-18 2002-12-27 Tatara Systems, Inc. Method and apparatus for converging local area and wide area wireless data networks
DE10138059A1 (en) * 2001-08-03 2003-02-13 Deutsche Telekom Ag Conversion device and conversion method for acoustic access to a computer network

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO2004107667A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
SE0301600D0 (en) 2003-06-02
WO2004107667A1 (en) 2004-12-09
SE0301600L (en) 2004-12-03

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