Hub system, method for operating a hub system in a network, satellite for a network and a network

Abstract

The invention relates to a hub system for a network, wherein it is connected to at least one satellite in a remote network, wherein the satellite creates a list of other satellites within its network that respond to received broadcasts and makes this list available to the hub system, so that the hub system automatically establishes a connection to the satellites included in the list.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a hub system for a network. The invention further relates to a method for operating a hub system in a network, a satellite for a network, and a network.

[0002] In the field of network technology, particularly in the context of track and trace systems, so-called hub systems are used to coordinate communication between different satellites within a network. These systems are designed to receive broadcasts sent by satellites on the same local area network (LAN). These broadcasts signal the presence and status of the satellites, enabling the hub system to establish direct communication with them. However, existing systems are characterized by several disadvantages and limitations.

[0003] One of the key problems is that these hub systems rely on the physical proximity of the satellites to receive broadcasts. If the hub system operates in a different network segment or broadcast domain, this detection mechanism no longer functions. This prevents the hub system from automatically detecting and connecting to the satellites, significantly complicating and increasing network configuration time.

[0004] Another problem with current hub systems and their associated procedures is that manually setting up and configuring the connections between the hub system and a large number of satellites, for example, 100 or more, is extremely time-consuming and error-prone. This manual configuration requires a considerable amount of time and technical expertise, which is inefficient in many cases and can lead to frequent configuration errors. This increases operating costs and can negatively impact the reliability of the entire network.

[0005] The closest prior art, as described in US patent application US11304253B1, addresses some of these problems by disclosing systems and methods for coordinating wireless communication links between a base station and multiple hubs within a network. This system enables the provision of a variety of selectable wireless communication links, offering connectivity across multiple cells. While this technology represents an improvement in the coordination of communication links, it is still limited to specific spatial cell areas and requires time-based activation of the cells. This means that the hubs can only actively communicate during certain time intervals, limiting the flexibility and continuous availability of the connection.

[0006] Another disadvantage of the system disclosed in the prior art is that it is based on a predefined cell structure in which the hubs must operate within these cells. This limits the ability to efficiently manage hubs outside these cells or in different networks. Furthermore, the problem of manual configuration remains, especially when hubs need to be integrated into new or changing cells, which limits the system's scalability.

[0007] In summary, existing hub systems and network management methods have significant drawbacks in terms of flexibility, scalability, and ease of use. These systems are unable to efficiently extend networks or automatically detect and connect satellites located in different network segments or broadcast domains. This necessitates manual configuration, which is error-prone and time-consuming, potentially impacting overall network performance and reliability.

[0008] The object of the invention is therefore to provide a hub system that avoids or at least reduces the disadvantages known from the prior art. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to realize an optimized method for operating a hub system in a network, an improved satellite for a network, and an optimized network.

[0009] This task is solved by a hub system for a network, wherein it is connected to at least one satellite in a remote network, wherein the satellite creates a list of other satellites within its network that respond to received broadcasts and makes this list available to the hub system, so that the hub system automatically establishes a connection to the satellites included in the list.

[0010] This offers the advantage that the hub system is able to automatically establish a scalable and dynamic connection with satellites in remote networks. This significantly reduces manual configuration effort and minimizes potential errors that could occur when manually entering connection parameters. Through automatic satellite detection and connection, the system can react efficiently and flexibly to network changes, such as the addition of new satellites, without requiring operator intervention. This automation results in significant time savings and reduces operating costs, as the system independently and continuously optimizes network connections.

[0011] The invention relates to an improved system for the automatic and efficient networking of satellites, which is particularly suitable for applications in the field of industrial remote maintenance and monitoring. At its core, the invention is based on a mechanism that enables each satellite in the network to respond to the broadcasts of other satellites, store this information, and make it available to the hub system in order to establish an automated network structure.

[0012] Each satellite in the network is enhanced to not only transmit its own broadcasts but also receive broadcasts from other satellites. These received broadcasts contain essential information about the transmitting satellites, such as their identification number, connection status, and network configurations. Once a satellite receives this information, it stores it in a list, which it makes available to other systems in the network. This list represents the currently known and reachable satellites in the network and serves as the basis for automatic connection establishment.

[0013] The hub system plays a central role in this network. It is initially manually connected to any satellite already integrated into the network. Once this initial connection is established, the hub system retrieves the list of broadcasts received by the satellite. This list contains information about other satellites in the network that are ready to connect. The hub system uses this information to automatically establish connections to the satellites in the list. As soon as a new connection is established, the hub system repeats this process by retrieving the broadcast lists of the newly connected satellites and establishing further connections. This process continues until all reachable satellites in the network are automatically connected.

[0014] The system's functionality is designed to maximize network scalability and efficiency. The hub system can retrieve received broadcasts from the satellites either automatically or on demand. This means the hub system can continuously access new information and dynamically adapt the network to changes, such as the addition of new satellites. Once the hub system identifies a previously unconnected satellite, it automatically establishes a connection to that satellite without requiring any manual configuration.

[0015] This automated and iterative approach significantly reduces the manual effort required for network configuration. The system enables the rapid and error-free connection of a large number of satellites, which is particularly advantageous in industrial applications where efficiency and reliability are critical. The invention ensures a robust and flexible network structure that can be easily adapted to different operating environments, while simultaneously minimizing administrative costs and the need for manual intervention. Hub system

[0016] For the purposes of this patent application, a hub system is a central control unit within a network that serves to establish and manage connections to a multitude of satellites in remote networks. The hub system acts as a communication center, receiving, processing, and forwarding data from satellites to ensure efficient and automated networking of the various satellites.

[0017] The hub system is preferably designed to be equipped with a variety of communication interfaces, enabling it to reach both local and remote satellites. It includes a storage unit that holds lists of satellites identified by received broadcasts. These lists serve as the basis for automatically establishing connections to the satellites. The hub system also contains a processing unit capable of analyzing the received lists and making decisions about establishing or terminating connections. A communication interface allows the hub system to initiate and control these connections across networks. network

[0018] For the purposes of this patent application, a network is a collection of interconnected physical or virtual systems that enable the exchange of information and data. The network consists of various communication devices, including at least one hub system and several satellites, which are interconnected. These components work together to form a dynamic and flexible structure that allows data to be transmitted between the various devices within the network, regardless of whether they are located in close proximity to each other or need to communicate over long distances.

[0019] The network is designed so that the satellites can receive broadcasts transmitted by other satellites and process this information. A key component of the network is the hub system, which uses the received information to automatically establish connections to other satellites. This system enables efficient management of network connections and ensures that newly added satellites are automatically detected and integrated.

[0020] The network's function is therefore to ensure continuous and stable communication between connected devices. This is achieved through dynamic connection management and automatic updates of satellite lists, ensuring the network is always optimally configured to meet current requirements. The hub system plays a central role in this process, monitoring the connection to the satellites and establishing new connections or disconnecting existing ones as needed to guarantee high efficiency and reliability.

[0021] Preferably, the network has a modular design, allowing for easy expansion by adding more satellites without requiring a complete reconfiguration. This makes the network particularly scalable and flexible, as it can adapt to different operational sizes and requirements. For example, one possible implementation of the network could involve its use in an industrial environment to monitor and control a large number of machines and sensors, with the satellites acting as data transmission points and the hub system as the central control unit. In another implementation, the network could be used in a geographically distributed environment to connect remote systems, such as in agriculture or forestry, where satellites are used to monitor large areas.

[0022] Advantageously, the network can also be designed to function across different communication protocols, ensuring high interoperability and adaptability to diverse technological standards. This versatility allows the network to be used in a wide range of applications, from industrial automation to global monitoring and communication. Satellite

[0023] For the purposes of this patent application, a satellite is a network-enabled device capable of receiving broadcasts from other devices within a communication network, processing this information, and then forwarding it in the form of a list to a connected hub system. The satellite acts as a node within a distributed system that enables the automatic detection and management of connections.

[0024] A satellite consists of several core components, including a receiving unit that responds to incoming broadcast signals from other satellites or devices. These signals are analyzed by a processing unit, which then creates a list of the received satellites or devices. This list is stored by a memory unit and can be transmitted to the hub system upon request. In addition, the satellite has a communications unit that allows it to both receive incoming data and forward information to the hub system.

[0025] The satellite's function in this system is to facilitate and coordinate communication between different network components. The satellite collects and stores broadcasts from other satellites, enabling the hub system to maintain a comprehensive overview of all available connections. This allows the hub system to automatically establish new connections to satellites and efficiently manage existing ones. Ideally, the satellite can regularly update the list to ensure that new or changed satellites are reflected in network management.

[0026] The satellite's design preferably incorporates a modular structure, allowing individual components to be adapted or expanded according to the specific requirements of the network. This can be achieved, for example, through additional storage capacity or improved processing units to handle a higher number of broadcasts simultaneously.

[0027] Several embodiments of the satellite are conceivable. In a preferred embodiment, the satellite is stationary within a fixed network segment to ensure stable and continuous communication. In an alternative embodiment, the satellite can be mobile and deployed in different networks, automatically detecting and adapting to new network environments. Another embodiment includes satellites equipped with advanced communication protocols to enable effective operation even in heterogeneous networks or networks with differing technical standards. This flexibility in design allows for broad applicability of the satellite in various industrial and technical scenarios. Broadcast

[0028] For the purposes of this patent application, a broadcast is a message or signal transmission sent by a satellite within a network to communicate its presence and certain network parameters to other devices in the same network or to connected systems. A broadcast serves to inform other satellites and the hub system in the network that the transmitting satellite is active and available to be integrated into the network. This message contains essential information about the satellite, such as its identification data, network configurations, connection status, and other relevant parameters necessary for successful communication and networking.

[0029] The broadcast itself is structured to include a unique identification number for the sending satellite, enabling receiving systems to unambiguously identify the message's origin. Additionally, the broadcast contains information about the satellite's current network environment, including its connectivity status to other satellites or systems. Furthermore, the broadcast may include information about available communication channels, frequency bands, and other technical details necessary for establishing a connection and configuring the network.

[0030] Functionally, the broadcast initiates the connection process by signaling to other satellites and the hub system that the transmitting satellite is ready to be integrated into the network. The receiving satellites store this information and can provide it to the hub system, enabling it to automatically establish a connection to the satellites included in the broadcast. This highly automates and simplifies the connection process, significantly improving the efficiency and scalability of the network.

[0031] Several embodiments of the broadcast are conceivable. In a preferred embodiment, the broadcast is sent at regular intervals to ensure that all satellites and the hub system always have up-to-date information about the availability of the network participants. An alternative embodiment provides that the broadcast is only sent when the status of the satellite changes, for example, when the connection status changes or when the network configuration is modified. In a further embodiment, the broadcast can additionally contain security-relevant information that enables authentication between the satellites to prevent unauthorized access to the network. Advantageous embodiments of the invention

[0032] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the hub system can store the received list of satellites and use it for the automatic establishment of further connections. This increases the efficiency and reliability of the system, since the information received and stored can be reused without the need for a new broadcast query. This reduces the network load, which is particularly advantageous in large networks with many satellites. This improvement enables the hub system to react quickly to new network conditions and establish connections to satellites immediately, thus optimizing the response times of the overall system.

[0033] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the hub system can also automatically terminate the connection to a satellite if that satellite no longer responds to broadcasts or has been removed from the list. This embodiment offers the advantage that the hub system is able to react in real time to changes in satellite availability by automatically terminating the connection to satellites that no longer respond to broadcasts. This prevents the system from operating with inactive or outdated connections, thereby increasing the overall stability and reliability of the network. Furthermore, the automatic management of connections increases the efficiency of the system, as resources are only used for active and functioning connections.

[0034] Furthermore, according to another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the hub system can send a notification to a user when a new satellite is automatically connected. This function improves the transparency and user-friendliness of the system, as the user is informed of changes in the network in real time. This enables proactive network management and allows the user to react immediately to new connections or make adjustments as necessary. This immediate feedback improves control over the network without affecting the automation of connection setup.

[0035] The object of the invention can further be achieved by a method for operating a hub system in a network, comprising the steps of: • Connecting the hub system to a satellite in a remote network, • Receiving a list of satellites from the satellite, and • Automatic connection of the hub system to the satellites included in the list.

[0036] This method enables the hub system to be efficiently and automatically connected to satellites in a remote network, based on a list provided by the satellite. This significantly reduces manual configuration effort and minimizes the risk of errors during setup and connection management. Furthermore, the method ensures fast and reliable system commissioning, maximizing uptime and facilitating implementation in diverse network environments.

[0037] Furthermore, the invention can be further developed such that the method includes the step of the hub system periodically updating the list of satellites from the connected satellite and managing the connections based on this information. This ensures that the hub system always operates with the most up-to-date information and can establish connections to new or changed satellites without delay. This increases the flexibility and scalability of the network, as new satellites can be seamlessly integrated without requiring manual intervention. This regular update optimizes network performance and contributes to the stability of the entire system.

[0038] Furthermore, the problem of the invention can be solved by a satellite for a network, wherein the satellite is capable of receiving broadcasts from other satellites within the network, creating a list of these satellites, and providing this list to a connected hub system. This enables efficient and automated network management, as the satellite independently detects which satellites are active in its network and can provide this information to the hub system. This simplifies network administration and reduces the need for manual intervention, leading to higher operational efficiency. In addition, the flexibility of the system is increased, as it can dynamically adapt to changing network conditions.

[0039] It can also be advantageous to further develop the invention such that the satellite regularly updates the list to include new or changed satellites in the network. This ensures that the network always remains up-to-date and that connections to satellites are always based on current information. Regular updates of the list enable dynamic and continuous network adaptation, thereby improving scalability and efficiency. Furthermore, it ensures that no outdated or inactive satellites are considered in network administration, thus increasing network stability and reliability.

[0040] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the satellite can be configured to be queried by a hub system to provide a list of received satellites. This enables targeted and on-demand information retrieval, ensuring that the hub system is supplied with the relevant data only when actually needed. This reduces network load and improves the efficiency of information exchange between systems. This flexibility in information provision contributes to optimizing overall network operation and allows for resource-efficient connection management.

[0041] Finally, the problem of the invention can also be solved by a network comprising a hub system and at least one satellite, wherein the hub system is configured according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and the satellite is configured according to any one of claims 7 to 9. This combination allows for an optimized and scalable network structure that can flexibly adapt to different requirements and changes in the network. The close integration of the hub system and satellite increases the efficiency of network management and reduces operating costs, as manual intervention is minimized and the system independently establishes optimal connections. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 11304253B1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Hub system for a network, characterized by that it is connected to at least one satellite in a remote network, wherein the satellite creates a list of other satellites within its network that respond to received broadcasts and makes this list available to the hub system so that the hub system automatically establishes a connection to the satellites included in the list. [2] Hub system according to claim 1, characterized by , that the hub system stores the received list of satellites and uses it for the automatic establishment of further connections. [3] Hub system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the hub system automatically terminates the connection to a satellite if that satellite no longer responds to broadcasts or has been removed from the list. [4] Hub system according to one of the preceding claims characterized bythat the hub system sends a notification to a user when a new satellite is automatically connected. [5] Method for operating a hub system in a network, comprising the steps: • Connecting the hub system to a satellite in a remote network, • Receiving a list of satellites from the satellite, and • Automatic connection of the hub system to the satellites included in the list. [6] Method according to claim 5, characterized by , that the procedure further includes the step that the hub system periodically updates the list of satellites from the connected satellite and manages the connections on this basis. [7] Satellite for a network, characterized bythat the satellite is able to receive broadcasts from other satellites within the network, create a list of these satellites and provide this list to a connected hub system. [8] Satellite according to claim 7, characterized by that the satellite regularly updates the list to take into account new or changed satellites in the network. [9] Satellite according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the satellite is configured so that it can be queried by a hub system to provide the list of received satellites. [10] Network comprising a hub system and at least one satellite, wherein the hub system is configured according to one of claims 1 to 4 and the satellite is configured according to one of claims 7 to 9.