Method of detecting a source of interference in an industrial facility

Abstract

The present disclosure describes a method of detecting an interference source in a wireless network in an industrial facility. The method includes receiving network quality information from a plurality of network devices; detecting a degradation in a segment of the network based on the network quality information from one or more network devices; determining a geographical area associated with the segment of the network; determining a route plan for an automated guided vehicle based on the determined geographical area and a network topology of the segment of the network, and determining a location of the interference source based on measurements of one or more network KPIs from the automated guided vehicle in the geographical area. The automated guided vehicle is configured to move along a route in the geographical area based on the determined route plan and measure the network KPIs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to wireless communication in industrial automation environments, and more particularly to robust and secure wireless communication in industrial facilities. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing realization of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and other Industry 4.0 concepts in factories, workshops, and other industrial facilities, many assets within these facilities will be wirelessly connected. Several wireless networks and technologies, such as cellular networks, local area networks (LANs), short-range communication technologies like Bluetooth, and near-field communication (NFC), can be used to achieve wireless communication. However, with the increased use of wireless communication, the penalties for wireless security threats are also increasing significantly. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates to security technologies for industrial wireless communication, and more particularly to the detection of interference sources in industrial facilities.

[0004] An interference source (also known as a malicious interference source) is a radio device capable of generating interference signals (also known as jamming signals) to interfere with or block radio communications within its radio range. Jamming signals can block wireless communication between a transmitter and a receiver by causing strong interference in the frequency bands used by both the transmitter and receiver.

[0005] Various jamming techniques are used to generate interference and disrupt wireless communications. Some common techniques include transmitting white noise or monotone jammers that operate constantly at a fixed frequency, transmitting jamming in a fixed or random pattern at different frequencies each time, and transmitting jamming signals simultaneously on multiple frequencies. Some jamming techniques are reactive and difficult to detect. For example, in one instance, a jammer can listen to a specific channel and determine the channel schedule. Based on the determined channel schedule, the jammer can transmit only during the selected time period according to the channel schedule. In another case, a jammer can receive a signal to be attacked and use that signal as a jamming signal by amplifying and retransmitting the amplified signal to cause interference.

[0006] In industrial environments, such interference attacks can severely slow down or even halt the entire production process. Furthermore, when equipment is used in conjunction with human personnel, interference attacks can have serious security implications. Therefore, a method and equipment are needed to address these issues.

[0007] Therefore, this disclosure describes a method according to the invention, a network management device according to the invention, an automated guided vehicle according to the invention, and a non-transitory storage medium according to the invention, which solve the above-mentioned aspects.

[0008] In one aspect, this disclosure describes a method for detecting interference sources in a wireless network in an industrial facility. The wireless network includes a plurality of network devices. The method includes: receiving network quality information from the plurality of network devices; detecting degradation of a segment of the network based on the network quality information from one or more of the plurality of network devices; determining a geographic area associated with the segment of the network based on the network quality information from one or more of the network devices; and determining the location of the interference source based on measurements of one or more network KPIs from at least one mobile unit in the geographic area.

[0009] Network quality information from the respective network devices includes one or more network KPIs indicating signal quality at the respective network device, and the network identifier of the respective network device. A segment of the network includes one or more network devices. In one example, the at least one mobile unit is an automated guided vehicle. In this example, the method further includes determining route planning for the automated guided vehicle based on the network topology of the determined geographic area and the segment of the network. The automated guided vehicle is configured to move along a route including multiple route locations within the geographic area based on the determined route planning, and to measure the one or more network KPIs at each of the multiple route locations.

[0010] Therefore, this invention addresses interference attacks in industrial facilities by locating the source of interference. Furthermore, based on the use of a mobile unit, this invention can accurately locate the interference source. After locating the interference source, various safety measures can be taken to mitigate it.

[0011] In one instance, the network devices include one or more gateway devices fixed to multiple locations within an industrial facility, and one or more user devices connected to the wireless network via the one or more gateway devices. In one instance, one or more network KPIs include Residual Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise Ratio (SINR), and Packet Error Rate (PER).

[0012] In one instance, determining the geographic area associated with a first segment of the network includes: determining the location of each network device from one or more network devices based on the network identifier of the respective network device and the network topology of the wireless network; and determining the geographic area based on the one or more locations of the one or more network devices within the segment of the network.

[0013] In one instance, the network quality information from each of one or more user equipments also includes location information indicating the location of the respective user equipment.

[0014] In one instance, the method also includes coordinating with a radio positioning device comprising one or more sets of directional antennas fixed along multiple corresponding directions to determine the location of the interference source.

[0015] In another aspect, the present invention discloses a method for detecting malicious interference sources using an automated guided vehicle (AGV) in an industrial facility. The AGV is connected to a wireless network via a gateway device. The method includes: performing a first production task in a production mode; detecting degradation in one or more network KPIs associated with the connection between the AGV and the gateway device; switching from the production mode to an interference detection mode based on the detected degradation in the one or more network KPIs; obtaining a route plan, wherein the route plan includes multiple locations in the industrial facility; and measuring the one or more network KPIs at each location in the route plan, for sending the measurement results of the one or more network KPIs to a network management device associated with the wireless network. The first production task is generated by an AGV controller connected to the AGV via the wireless network. The network management device uses measurements of one or more network KPIs from the multiple locations in the route plan to detect the location of the malicious interference source.

[0016] Therefore, this invention proposes a method for determining the location of interference sources using existing automated guided vehicles, thus eliminating the need for human intervention. Furthermore, it also eliminates the need for dedicated hardware to perform this operation.

[0017] In one example, measuring one or more network KPIs at each location includes measuring one or more network KPIs in a first orientation using the radio antenna of the automated guided vehicle, and measuring one or more KPIs in a second orientation using the radio antenna of the automated guided vehicle. Based on measuring network KPIs in both directions, the localization of interference sources is improved.

[0018] In one instance, switching from production mode to interference detection mode involves assessing the degree of degradation in the connection between the automated guided vehicle and the gateway device. Therefore, based on the degree of degradation, it can be determined whether the automated guided vehicle can perform its initial production task while experiencing degradation. In one instance, the detected degradation is caused by one or more interference signals from an interference source. These aspects are... Figures 1-7 Further details are provided below. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] Figure 1 An exemplary segment of an industrial facility is shown, including network management equipment capable of detecting interference sources in the industrial facility;

[0021] Figure 2 An exemplary method for identifying sources of interference in a wireless network in an industrial facility is shown;

[0022] Figure 3 An exemplary method for identifying sources of interference using automated guided vehicles in an industrial facility is shown;

[0023] Figure 4 Exemplary trends for two example performance KPIs—latency and data rate—are shown in relation to an exemplary network device.

[0024] Figure 5 An exemplary route planning method for an automated guided vehicle used to identify sources of interference is shown.

[0025] Figure 6 A block diagram of an exemplary automated guided vehicle for identifying interference sources in a wireless network within an industrial facility is shown; and

[0026] Figure 7 A block diagram of an exemplary network management device for identifying sources of interference in a wireless network in an industrial facility is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Figure 1 Segment 100 of an industrial wireless network in an industrial facility is shown. An industrial facility here refers to any environment where one or more industrial processes, such as manufacturing, refining, smelting, or equipment assembly, can occur, and includes processing plants, oil refineries, automobile factories, etc. The industrial system includes multiple control devices, such as process controllers, programmable logic controllers, management controllers, automated guided vehicles, robots, operator equipment, etc. One or more control devices are connected to multiple field devices (not shown), such as actuators and sensor devices for monitoring and controlling industrial processes in the industrial facility. These field devices can include flow meters, valve actuators, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, etc. The control devices can be interconnected via a control network (implemented via wired and wireless networks). Additionally, the industrial system includes multiple mobile units, including one or more robots for performing various operations, such as welding and component assembly; one or more autonomous guided vehicles for transporting and handling materials in the industrial plant; one or more assets with RFID tags on conveyor belts, etc. Furthermore, the industrial system can include operator stations for displaying the status of the industrial plant to operators and for allowing operators to define KPIs for controlling the industrial processes in the facility.

[0028] Communication in industrial facilities is conducted via wired and wireless networks. Figure 1The diagram illustrates segment 100 of this wireless network. The wireless network includes multiple network devices (140, 154, 150, 158, 170, 160, 164). These network devices (140, 154, 150, 158, 170, 160, 164) include multiple control devices (154, 158, 170, 164) and multiple industrial gateway devices (150, 160; also called gateway devices). In this document, a gateway device refers to one or more network devices capable of connecting other network devices, such as terminal devices, to the wireless network. Examples of gateway devices include routers, switches, repeaters, etc.

[0029] Multiple gateway devices are fixed to multiple locations within the industrial facility. Multiple control devices (154, 158, 170, 164) within the facility are connected to one or more industrial gateway devices (154, 158, 170, 164) for connecting to the wireless network and for communicating with other devices and systems within the industrial facility.

[0030] The wireless network also includes a network management device 120 for managing the wireless network. The network management device 120 is configured to detect interference or interference sources (including unintentional and malicious interference sources) and take one or more actions to mitigate interference in the wireless network. The network management device 120 can connect to mobile units such as one or more automated guided vehicles (140, 158, 170) to determine the location of interference sources. Similarly, the network management device 120 connects to a radio positioning device 130 to determine the location of interference sources. This is in Figure 2 The description explains this.

[0031] Those skilled in the art will recognize that interference sources can be located inside or outside an industrial facility. Although interference sources can physically exist outside an industrial facility, interference signals can still affect wireless networks within the facility.

[0032] Figure 2 A method 200 for detecting interference sources 180 in a wireless network in an industrial facility is shown. Method 200 is implemented by a network management device 120.

[0033] In step 210, network management device 120 receives network quality information from multiple network devices (150, 154, 158, 160, 164, 168, 170, 174). The network quality information from the respective network devices includes one or more network key performance indicators (KPIs, also known as network KPIs) indicating the signal quality at the respective network device, and the network identifier of the respective network device. The network identifier herein refers to any identifier used to identify a network device. Examples of network identifiers include Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, Media Access Control (MAC) addresses, International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), International ISDN numbers for mobile stations, or others defined according to the technology used. Examples of network KPIs indicating signal quality include Residual Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise Ratio (SINR), Packet Error Rate (PER), Data Latency, Data Rate, and the modulation scheme used by the respective network device.

[0034] In one instance, one or more network KPIs are categorized into three types: 1) performance KPIs, 2) radio KPIs, and 3) system parameters. Performance KPIs in this paper refer to one or more network KPIs associated with network performance. Examples of performance KPIs include latency, data rate, etc. Radio KPIs in this paper refer to KPIs that indicate in-band interference levels. Examples of radio KPIs include Residual Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise Ratio (SINR), and Packet Error Rate (PER). System parameters in this paper refer to parameters representing the network and radio configurations of the corresponding network devices transmitting network quality information. Examples of system parameters include modulation schemes used by the corresponding devices, etc.

[0035] In step 220, network management device 120 detects degradation in a segment of the wireless network based on network quality information from one or more network devices (170, 160, 164) among a plurality of network devices (150, 154, 158, 160, 164, 168, 170, 174). To detect degradation in a segment of the wireless network, network management device 120 analyzes the network KPI values ​​from each of the plurality of network devices.

[0036] In one instance, if a network KPI value falls outside a predetermined threshold range, network management device 120 determines that the corresponding network device is experiencing network degradation. The threshold range can be determined based on historical values. In one instance, the network management device uses three types of network KPIs to determine whether a network device is experiencing network degradation. This utilizes... Figure 4 The examples shown here, with performance KPI categories, are further illustrated.

[0037] Figure 4The trends of two performance KPIs associated with network devices are shown: data latency and data rate. Data latency is represented by curve 420, and data rate by curve 410. Line 425 represents the upper limit of data latency. Similarly, line 415 represents the lower limit of data rate. If the data latency is higher than the defined threshold (as shown by line 425) or if the data rate is lower than the threshold (as shown by line 415), the network management device 120 detects that the corresponding network device is experiencing network degradation. Similarly, network KPIs and system parameters are also used to determine whether a network device is experiencing network degradation. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, degradation in a network can be detected based on packets from one or more network KPIs, including the aforementioned performance, system, and radio KPIs. For example, degradation can be detected based on an increase in RSSI, a decrease in the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR), and an increase in the packet error rate (PER) above a predetermined threshold.

[0038] After identifying all network devices experiencing network degradation, the network management device 120, based on the network topology, is able to determine whether one or more devices are within a predetermined proximity to each other geographically or in network terms. The network topology described herein refers to the physical layout that includes the location information of network devices installed in an industrial facility and the physical and logical interconnections between the network devices. For example, two network devices are considered to be close to each other when they are connected to each other or connected to the same gateway device. In another instance, two network devices are considered to be adjacent to each other when they are geographically located at a predetermined distance from each other within an industrial facility. The network management device then detects segments of the network experiencing degradation based on the adjacent network devices. These segments include the adjacent network devices experiencing network degradation. This is further explained using the following embodiments.

[0039] In one example, network management device 120 determines that network device 154 and automated guided vehicle 158 are experiencing network degradation based on network quality information from network device 154 and automated guided vehicle 158. According to the network topology, network management device 120 can determine that network device 154 and automated guided vehicle 158 are connected to the same gateway device 150. Therefore, network management device 120 identifies a segment of the network with degradation, which includes network device 154 and automated guided vehicle 158.

[0040] In one instance, network management device 120 is configured to determine whether degradation in a detected network segment is caused by a known interference source or an unknown interference source (including malicious interference source 180). In another instance, a drive test is performed to measure background radio interference before the wireless network is commissioned. The drive test determines the degree to which the radio spectrum within the industrial facility is free from interference. After the drive test, pre-existing interference sources within the industrial facility are identified.

[0041] Therefore, network management device 120 includes a list of known interference sources and geographical information indicating the extent of the interference. In one instance, the interference source list includes one or more interference sources associated with the operation of industrial assets such as welding machines, electric motors, and other wireless power supplies. If degradation in a segment of the network is caused by a known interference source, network management device 120 terminates method 200. If degradation is not caused by an interference source from the interference source list, the interference source is considered malicious or unknown, and network management device 120 proceeds to step 230.

[0042] Then, in step 230, network management device 120 determines the geographic area associated with the network segment based on network quality information from one or more network devices (170, 160, 164) in the network segment. The geographic area is used as a target area where the assumed interference source is operating.

[0043] To determine a geographical area, network management device 120 determines the location of one or more network devices within a segment of the network. In an instance where the network device is a gateway device, network management device 120 can determine the location of the gateway device based on the network topology associated with the wireless network. Using a network device identifier, network management device 120 can determine the location of the corresponding network device from the network topology. In another instance, where the network device is a mobile device, the location of the corresponding mobile device can be determined based on location information transmitted by the corresponding mobile device as part of network quality information. In yet another instance, where the network device is a mobile device that cannot transmit its location information, network management device 120 can determine the location of the mobile device by using triangulation of one or more network devices within the mobile device's radio communication range or by any other positioning technology. In yet another instance, a positioning system can also be used.

[0044] Then, based on the location of network devices within a network segment, the network management device determines a geographic area. In one instance, the network management device determines a geographic area of ​​a predetermined size that includes all locations of one or more network devices. In another instance, the geographic area is determined based on the location of the network devices and their radio range. In yet another instance, the antenna characteristics and orientation of the network devices can be further used to determine the geographic area.

[0045] Then, in step 240, the network management device determines the location of the interference source 180 based on measurements of one or more network KPIs from at least one mobile unit in the geographic area. Continuing from step 230, once the network management device 120 has determined the geographic area where the interference source exists, the network management device 120 relies on one or more mobile network devices (also referred to as mobile units) to perform multiple measurements in that geographic area to locate the interference source. The mobile units are able to determine their locations and are able to determine the orientation and orientation of their antennas during the measurement of the network KPIs. The mobile units are equipped with 2D or 3D phased array radio antennas.

[0046] To do this, network management device 120, in coordination with a control system associated with the industrial facility, identifies one or more mobile units. Network management device 120 then requests the one or more mobile units to send measurements of network KPIs as they traverse a defined geographical area. Network management device 120 provides each mobile unit with a route plan that includes multiple locations within the defined geographical area for measurement. In one instance, in the presence of substantial interference within the defined geographical area, the mobile unit is configured to perform measurements within the defined geographical area and then exit the defined geographical area. After leaving the geographical area, the mobile unit connects to the nearest gateway device to send the measurement results to network management device 120.

[0047] Based on these measurements, network management device 120 can then determine the area or location of interference sources within the industrial facility. In one example, network management device 120 can locate the interference source based on antenna orientation and direction information from the mobile unit. In another example, network management device 120 triggers a location service available in the wireless network to locate the interference source. For example, this can be performed using radio positioning device 130, which can use various techniques to locate the interference source. Radio positioning device 130 provides network management device 120 with information about the interference source based on power and angle of arrival. Network management device 120 uses the information from radio positioning device 130 and measurements from the mobile unit to determine the location of the interference source.

[0048] In one example, the network management device is also configured to coordinate with radio positioning equipment 130 for determining geographic areas and for locating interference sources. The radio positioning equipment is a diagnostic device comprising one or more sets of directional antennas fixed along multiple corresponding directions. The radio positioning equipment is capable of performing RF spectrum analysis to determine the shape and spread of the interference source. This information is then forwarded to the network management device 120 for use in identifying the interference source.

[0049] In one instance, one or more mobile units include an automated guided vehicle 158 that coordinates with network management device 120 to detect the location of interference sources. This will refer to Figure 3 Further explanation.

[0050] Figure 3 A method 300 for detecting interference sources 180 by an automated guided vehicle 158 in an industrial facility is shown. Method 300 is performed collaboratively by the automated guided vehicle 158 and a network management device 120. In step 310, the automated guided vehicle 158 performs a first production task in production mode. The first production task is generated by an automated guided vehicle controller connected to the automated guided vehicle 158 via a wireless network. The automated guided vehicle controller is connected to the control system of the industrial facility for controlling multiple automated guided vehicles.

[0051] The first production task is an industrial task performed by the automated guided vehicle 150. The first production task can be an industrial task related to various aspects within the industrial facility, such as maintenance, production, and logistics, performed by the automated guided vehicle 150. For example, the first production task includes a transportation task, where the automated guided vehicle is responsible for transporting raw materials from a first station to a second station. The automated guided vehicle is equipped with multiple sensors for performing the first production task. For example, the automated guided vehicle is equipped with a navigation subsystem and one or more RFID readers to assist in guiding the vehicle. The first production task can also be an idle task, where no actual task is assigned to the automated guided vehicle, and the controller has set the automated guided vehicle to an idle state.

[0052] Then, in step 320, the automated guided vehicle 158 detects degradation in one or more network KPIs associated with the connection between the automated guided vehicle and the gateway device. In one instance, the automated guided vehicle cooperating with the network management device 120 detects degradation in one or more network KPIs when the value of a network KPI is outside a predetermined range or if the rate of change of the network KPI value exceeds a predetermined threshold. The detected degradation is caused by one or more interference signals from an interference source.

[0053] Then, in step 330, based on the detected degradation, the automated guided vehicle 158 switches from production mode to interference detection mode. In one example, after assessing the degree of degradation in the connection between the automated guided vehicle and the gateway device, the network management device 120 instructs the automated guided vehicle 158 to switch from production mode to interference detection mode. In this example, the first production task includes a task priority determined by the automated guided vehicle controller, and the first production task is assigned to the automated guided vehicle 158. Based on the degree to which network KPIs are outside a predetermined range and the task priority, the network management device 120 determines whether the automated guided vehicle must switch from production mode to interference detection mode.

[0054] In another instance, network degradation is insufficient to significantly impact current production tasks. In this case, network management device 120 decides not to switch the automated guided vehicle from production mode to interference detection mode. For example, data rate and data latency are no longer within predetermined ranges; however, the current production task has high priority and does not require coordination with any other network devices. In this situation, network management device 120 is able to avoid switching the automated guided vehicle from production mode to interference detection mode.

[0055] Then, in step 340, the automated guided vehicle 158 obtains a route plan. The route plan includes multiple locations within the industrial facility.

[0056] In one instance, network management device 120 determines a route plan and sends it to the automated guided vehicle. In this instance, network management device 120 determines the route plan for the automated guided vehicle 158 based on the network topology of network segments and network quality information received from multiple network devices.

[0057] More specifically, network management device 120 determines route planning for optimal coverage of the determined geographic area, as previously mentioned in method 200. As mentioned in step 230 of method 200, network management device 120 determines the geographic area in which an interference source can operate based on one or more network information from network devices in segments of the network that have experienced network degradation. The network management device then determines multiple locations for optimal coverage of the geographic area. Figure 5 An exemplary route plan is shown. The route plan includes locations 510, 520, 530, 540, 550, 560, and 570. The automated guided vehicle 158 arrives at each location in the route plan, measures network KPIs, and sends the measurement results to the network management device 120.

[0058] Then, in step 350, the automated guided vehicle 158 measures one or more network KPIs at each location in the route plan, and sends the measurement results of one or more network KPIs to a network management device associated with the wireless network. Therefore, the automated guided vehicle then sends the measurement results of one or more network KPIs from each location in the route plan to the network management device. The network management device then uses the measurement results of one or more network KPIs from multiple locations in the route plan to detect the location of malicious interference sources using the techniques described above.

[0059] In one example, the automated guided vehicle (AGV) is equipped with a non-omnidirectional antenna. Therefore, the AAV uses its radio antenna to perform a pair of measurements at each location, a first measurement in a first orientation and a second measurement in a second orientation. For example, the AAV can be equipped with a rotatable antenna, which allows for both the first and second measurements to be performed in the first and second orientations. In another example, the AAV is equipped with a fixed antenna and can move itself to the first and second orientations to perform the first and second measurements. Based on the first and second measurements performed at the same locations, the network management device 120 can more accurately determine the location of interference sources. In one example, multiple measurements are performed such that the measurements should be performed across 360 degrees to identify interference sources. In one example, the AAV is equipped with one or more cameras and can capture images or videos of locations in the route planning while measuring network KPIs. In one example, the camera orientation is determined based on the orientation of the radio antenna during the measurement. This is to ensure that the camera is pointing in the same direction as the antenna performing the measurement. In examples where the AAV includes a fixed camera, the AAV is configured to rotate itself to the orientation of the antenna to acquire images using the fixed camera.

[0060] In one instance, the field strength of the interference signal is superimposed on an image or video to analyze and determine the location of the malicious interference source.

[0061] Those skilled in the art should note that although one automated guided vehicle is used to explain the above method, multiple automated guided vehicles can also be used in a similar manner. Furthermore, the above method can also be implemented using one or more dedicated diagnostic automated guided vehicles that can only operate in interference detection mode.

[0062] This disclosure can take the form of a computer program product, which includes program modules accessible from a computer-usable or computer-readable medium storing program code used by or in connection with one or more computers, processing units, or instruction execution systems. For example, the functionality of network management device 120 or automated guided vehicle 150 can be implemented by one or more devices. Additionally, network management device 120 can be implemented as a module of a control system.

[0063] Therefore, this disclosure is in Figure 6 The document describes an automated guided vehicle 600 for detecting interference sources. The automated guided vehicle 600 includes a network interface 610, one or more processors 620, and a non-transitory storage medium 630. The network interface 610 (including an exemplary antenna 640) is configured to connect to an automated guided vehicle controller and a network management device via a gateway device 150. The non-transitory storage medium 630 contains a plurality of instructions (631, 632, 633, 634, and 635) that, when executed by the processor 620, cause the processor 620 to detect interference sources. This will be explained further below.

[0064] When executing production task instruction 631, one or more processors 620 execute a first production task in production mode, wherein the first production task is generated by an automated guided vehicle controller connected to the automated guided vehicle via a wireless network. When executing degradation detection instruction 632, one or more processors 620 (together with network management device 120) detect degradation in one or more network KPIs associated with the connection between the automated guided vehicle and gateway device 150. When executing mode switching instruction 633, one or more processors 620 switch from production mode to interference detection mode based on the detected degradation in one or more network KPIs. When executing route planning instruction 634, one or more processors 620 obtain a route plan, wherein the route plan includes multiple locations within the industrial facility. When executing network KPI measurement instruction 635, one or more processors 620 measure one or more network KPIs at each location in the route plan for sending the measurement results of one or more network KPIs to network management device 120 associated with the wireless network. To enable the automated guided vehicle 600 to move, processor 620 connects to navigation subsystem 650 for navigating itself around the industrial facility. The navigation subsystem 650 is configured to determine the position and driving orientation of the automated guided vehicle 600. In one instance, the navigation subsystem 650 is capable of operating autonomously when communication with the wireless network is interrupted. The network management device 120 uses measurements from one or more network KPIs from multiple locations in the route planning to detect the location of the interference source 180.

[0065] Similarly, the present invention in Figure 7 A network management device 700 for detecting interference sources is disclosed. The network management device 700 includes a network interface 710, one or more processors 720, and a non-transitory storage medium 730. The network interface 710 (including an example antenna 750) is configured as a network device connected to a wireless network. The non-transitory storage medium 730 contains a plurality of instructions (732, 734, 736, 738, and 740) that, when executed by the processor 720, cause the processor 720 to detect interference sources. This will be explained further below.

[0066] When executing network quality monitoring instruction 732, one or more processors 720 receive network quality information from multiple network devices (140, 150, 154, 158, 160, 164, 170), wherein the network quality information from the respective network devices includes one or more network KPIs indicating the signal quality at the respective network device, and the network identifier of the respective network device. Then, when executing degradation detection instruction 734, processor 720 detects degradation of a network segment based on the network quality information from one or more network devices (160, 164, 170) among the multiple network devices (140, 150, 154, 158, 160, 164, 170), wherein the network segment includes one or more network devices (160, 164, 170). Then, when executing geographic region instruction 736, processor 720 determines the geographic region associated with the network segment based on the network quality information from one or more network devices (160, 164, 170) in the network segment. Then, when executing the interference source location instruction 740, the processor 720 determines the location of the malicious interference source (180) based on measurements of one or more network KPIs from at least one mobile unit (170) in the geographic area.

[0067] For the purposes of this specification, a computer-usable or computer-readable non-transitory storage medium can be any means capable of containing, storing, transmitting, propagating, or transmitting a program used by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The medium can be an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system (or apparatus or device) or a propagation medium, or themselves, because signal carriers are not included in the definition of a physical computer-readable medium, which includes semiconductor or solid-state memory, magnetic tape, removable computer disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard disks, and optical disks, such as optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical disc read / write, and DVDs. The processing units and program code used to implement each aspect of this technology can be centralized or distributed (or a combination thereof) as known to those skilled in the art.

[0068] While this disclosure has been described with reference to a few industrial devices, many industrial devices can be utilized in the context of this disclosure. Although this disclosure has been described in detail with reference to certain embodiments, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to those embodiments. In view of this disclosure, many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of this disclosure as described herein. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description.

Claims

1. A method (200) for detecting an interference source (180) in a wireless network in an industrial facility, wherein, The wireless network includes multiple network devices (140, 150, 154, 158, 160, 164, 170), and the method (200) performed by the network management device (120) includes: a. Receive (210) network quality information from multiple network devices (140, 150, 154, 158, 160, 164, 170), wherein the network quality information from the corresponding network device includes one or more network KPIs indicating the signal quality at the corresponding network device and the network identifier of the corresponding network device; b. Detect degradation in a segment of the network (220) based on network quality information from one or more network devices (160, 164, 170) among the plurality of network devices (140, 150, 154, 158, 160, 164, 170), wherein the segment of the network includes the one or more network devices (160, 164, 170); c. Determine (230) the geographical area associated with the segment of the network based on network quality information from one or more network devices (160, 164, 170) in the segment of the network; d. Determine (240) a route plan provided to the automated guided vehicle (158) to cover the geographic area based on the network topology of the determined geographic area and the segment of the network, wherein determining the route plan includes determining multiple locations in the geographic area to cover the geographic area; e. Determine (250) the location of the interference source (180) based on the measurement results of one or more network KPIs measured at the plurality of locations in the geographic area of ​​the automated guided vehicle (158); The route planning for the automated guided vehicle (158) includes the plurality of locations in the geographic area, the automated guided vehicle (158) goes to each of the plurality of locations in the route planning, and wherein, at each of the plurality of locations, the automated guided vehicle (158) measures one or more network KPIs.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The plurality of network devices (150, 154, 158, 160, 164, 168, 170, 174) include one or more gateway devices fixed to multiple locations in the industrial facility, and one or more user devices connected to the wireless network via the one or more gateway devices.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more network KPIs include Residual Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise Ratio (SINR), and Packet Error Rate (PER).

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Determining the geographical region associated with the first segment of the network includes: a. Determine the location of the network device from the one or more network devices based on the network identifier of the corresponding network device and the network topology of the wireless network; and b. Determine the geographic area based on one or more locations of the one or more network devices within the first segment of the network.

5. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The network quality information from each of one or more user equipments also includes location information indicating the location of the respective user equipment.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The method also includes coordination with a radio positioning module (130), which includes one or more sets of directional antennas (134, 138) fixed along a plurality of corresponding directions.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The method also includes a. Determining the location for locating at least one mobile gateway device, wherein the location is determined based on one or more locations of the one or more network devices in the segment of the network; and b. Sending location information of the determined location to the at least one mobile gateway device, wherein the at least one mobile gateway device is configured to move to the determined location upon receiving the location information of the determined location; Each user equipment in one or more user equipment in the segment of the network is configured to connect to the at least one mobile gateway device when the at least one mobile gateway device arrives at the determined location.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The at least one mobile gateway device is connected to the backbone network.

9. A method for measuring one or more network KPIs for use in detecting interference sources (180) by an automated guided vehicle (158) in an industrial facility, wherein, The automated guided vehicle (158) connects to a wireless network via a gateway device (150), the method comprising: a. Execute a first production task in production mode, wherein the first production task is generated by an automated guided vehicle controller connected to the automated guided vehicle via the wireless network; b. Detect degradation in one or more network KPIs associated with the connection between the automated guided vehicle and the gateway device; c. Based on the degradation detected in one or more network KPIs, switch from the production mode to the interference detection mode; d. Obtaining a route plan, wherein the route plan includes multiple locations within the industrial facility; and e. Measure the one or more network KPIs at each location in the route plan by going to each location, and send the measurement results of the one or more network KPIs to the network management device associated with the wireless network. The route planning locations are in geographical areas associated with segments of a network including one or more network devices (160, 164, 170), and the detected degradation is caused by one or more interference signals from interference sources in the geographical area.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, Measuring the one or more network KPIs at each location includes measuring the one or more network KPIs in a first orientation using the radio antenna of the automated guided vehicle, and measuring the one or more KPIs in a second orientation using the radio antenna of the automated guided vehicle.

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein, Switching from the production mode to the interference detection mode includes assessing the degree of degradation in the connection between the automated guided vehicle and the gateway device.

12. A network management device (120) for detecting interference sources (180) in a wireless network in an industrial facility, wherein, The wireless network includes multiple network devices (140, 150, 154, 158, 160, 164, 170), and the network management device (120) includes: a. One or more network interfaces (710) for communicating with one or more network devices in the wireless network. b. One or more processors (720) connected to the memory module (730), said one or more processors being configured to: i. Receive network quality information from multiple network devices (140, 150, 154, 158, 160, 164, 170), wherein the network quality information from the corresponding network device includes one or more network KPIs indicating the signal quality at the corresponding network device and the network identifier of the corresponding network device; ii. Degradation in a segment of a network is detected based on network quality information from one or more network devices (160, 164, 170) among the plurality of network devices (140, 150, 154, 158, 160, 164, 170), wherein the segment of the network includes the one or more network devices (160, 164, 170); iii. Determine the geographical area associated with the segment of the network based on network quality information from the one or more network devices (160, 164, 170) in the segment of the network; iv. Determine a route plan for the automated guided vehicle (158) to cover the geographic area based on the determined geographic region and the network topology of the segment of the network, wherein determining the route plan includes determining multiple locations within the geographic region to cover the geographic region; and v. Determine the location of the interference source (180) based on the measurement results of one or more network KPIs in the geographic area from the automated guided vehicle (158); The route planning for the automated guided vehicle (158) includes multiple locations in the geographic area, the automated guided vehicle (158) goes to the multiple locations, and at each of the multiple locations, the automated guided vehicle (158) measures one or more network KPIs.

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