METHOD FOR CONFIGURING A COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL FOR A NODE DEVICE

Abstract

A method is proposed for configuring a node device's current communication protocol to communicate with a hub device via a communication network implemented on a power supply network. The method is implemented by the node device, which includes electronic circuitry and stores two protocol stacks. Each protocol stack, when executed by the node device's electronic circuitry, implements a distinct communication protocol with the hub device. The method includes: detecting (501) a predetermined event; and if the event is detected, switching (502) from one of the protocol stacks to the other, thereby changing the current communication protocol implemented by the node device. This allows migration to the use of a different communication protocol without requiring replacement of the node device or a software update.This also ensures that there is no loss of communication for the node device. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 5.

Description

Title of the invention: METHOD FOR CONFIGURING A COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL FOR A NODE DEVICE technical field

[0001] The field of the invention is that of communication networks implemented on an electrical power supply network and comprising a concentrator device and a plurality of node devices.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of configuring a common communication protocol of a node device, to communicate with a concentrator device via a communication network implemented on an electrical power supply network.

[0003] The present invention also relates to a node device, as well as a computer program product and a storage medium enabling the implementation of such a method.

[0004] The present invention also relates to a method and a system for carrying out an update of a communication network comprising a concentrator device and a plurality of node devices. STATE OF PRIOR ART

[0005] As is known, many communication networks have a tree-like topology (at least at the logical level) to extend the range of communications. The devices in such a communication network are generally called nodes, or node devices. A node device acts as the root of the communication network and manages the network in such a way as to organize the sharing of the same communication medium: beacon transmission, topology management, etc. Node devices then serve as relays for other node devices in the communication network when the latter are unable to receive information directly from the root node device (also called the "base node").

[0006] Such communication networks are found, in particular, within the framework of AMM (Automated Meter Management) type power supply networks, which implement automatic management of electricity meter readings and in which communications are established between electricity meters, known as smart meters, and a data concentrator, sometimes called a base node. This is the case, for example, in the PRIME specifications ("Powerline Intelligent Metering Evolution"). The concentrator device then becomes the root of the communication network. Exchanges between the electricity meters (node ​​devices) and the data concentrator device rely on power line communication (PLC).

[0007] Currently, in communication networks implemented on a power grid and comprising a concentrator device and a plurality of node devices (for example, communicating electricity meters in the case of a smart metering application), each node device installed in the field includes a single protocol stack to ensure communication with the concentrator device. In other words, this single protocol stack allows the node device to implement a communication protocol with the concentrator device on the communication network.

[0008] One drawback of the current solution is that migrating node devices (e.g., smart meters) to use a different communication protocol (e.g., as part of a phased transition from an older to a newer communication technology) requires either replacing all node devices or updating the software of those already installed (particularly to change the protocol stack). Both of these operations are very costly from an investment perspective and present risks in terms of reliability. Furthermore, the current solution does not guarantee uninterrupted communication with all node devices, nor does it guarantee scalability and efficiency in terms of performance, throughput, and maintenance. Description of the invention

[0009] A method for configuring a current communication protocol of a node device is proposed herein, for communication with a concentrator device via a communication network implemented on a power supply network. The method is implemented by the node device, which includes electronic circuitry and stores two protocol stacks. Each protocol stack, when executed by the electronic circuitry of the node device, allows the implementation of a distinct communication protocol with the concentrator device over the communication network. The method comprises: detecting a predetermined event; and if said event is detected, switching from one of the protocol stacks to the other, in order to modify the current communication protocol implemented by the node device.

[0010] Thus, with the proposed solution, the node device is capable of switching between two protocol stacks, each allowing the implementation of a distinct protocol communication with the hub device is possible. This allows for migration to the use of a different communication protocol (other than the current one), without requiring replacement of the node device or a software update (to change the protocol stack). This also guarantees that communication will not be lost for the node device.

[0011] According to a particular embodiment, the node device is a communicating counter.

[0012] According to a particular embodiment, one of the protocol stacks allows the implementation of the PRIME communication protocol (for example version 1.4), for "Powerline Intelligent Metering Evolution", and the other of the protocol stacks allows the implementation of the M&M communication protocol, for "Meters & More".

[0013] In a first implementation (case of automatic protocol switching, i.e., decided by the node device), the detection of a predetermined event includes: - listen to the communication network to detect the communication protocol implemented by the concentrator device; and - detect if the current communication protocol implemented by the node device is different from the current communication protocol implemented by the concentrator device;

[0014] and the predetermined event is a detection that the current communication protocol implemented by the node device is different from the communication protocol implemented by the concentrator device.

[0015] According to a particular feature of the first implementation, listening to the communication network is only carried out if the node device has not already registered with the communication network by using the current communication protocol implemented by the node device.

[0016] According to a particular feature of the first implementation, listening to the communication network to detect the communication protocol implemented by the concentrator device includes: - detect if, before the elapsed of an initial time delay, the node device has successfully registered with the communication network using the current communication protocol implemented by the node device; and - detect the communication protocol implemented by the concentrator device as being: • identical to the current communication protocol implemented by the node device if, before the first timeout, the node device has successfully registered with the communication network; • different from the current communication protocol implemented by the node device if, before the first timeout, the node device has not succeeded in registering with the communication network.

[0017] According to a particular feature of the first implementation, listening to the communication network to detect the communication protocol implemented by the concentrator device includes: - detect a frame received via the communication network; - analyze a preamble to the received outline; and - depending on the structure of the preamble of the received frame, detect the communication protocol implemented by the concentrator device.

[0018] According to a particular feature of the first implementation, listening to the communication network to detect the communication protocol implemented by the concentrator device includes: - trigger a second timer; - during the second timeout, each time a frame is detected via the communication network: • analyze a preamble of the received outline; and • depending on the structure of the preamble of the received template, increment a first counter associated with a first communication protocol, if the structure of the preamble of the received frame corresponds to a frame according to said first communication protocol or increment a second counter associated with a second communication protocol, if the structure of the preamble of the received frame corresponds to a frame according to the second communication protocol; - after the second time delay has elapsed, detect the communication protocol implemented by the concentrator device as being the protocol associated with the first and second counters having the largest value.

[0019] In a second implementation (case of non-automatic protocol switching, i.e. not decided by the node device), the predetermined event is the reception by the node device, via a particular communication channel of the communication network, of a protocol switching command transmitted by the concentrator device.

[0020] A node device configured to communicate with a concentrator device via a communication network implemented on a power supply network is also proposed, the node device storing two protocol stacks and including electronic circuitry configured to implement the process mentioned above in any of its embodiments.

[0021] A computer program product is also proposed, comprising instructions leading to the execution, by a processor, of the process mentioned above according to any one of its embodiments, when said instructions are executed by the processor.

[0022] A storage medium is also proposed, storing such instructions.

[0023] A method for updating a network of communication comprising a concentrator device and a plurality of node devices, each node device comprising electronic circuitry configured to implement the process mentioned above according to any one of its embodiments, each node device storing two protocol stacks, each enabling the implementation of a distinct communication protocol from among first and second communication protocols, characterized in that: - before updating the concentrator device, the concentrator device implements the first communication protocol to communicate with node devices, among said node devices, which have registered with it using the first communication protocol; - after the concentrator device is updated, the concentrator device implements the second communication protocol to communicate with node devices, among which are those node devices that have registered with it using the second communication protocol; and - by executing the process mentioned above according to any of its embodiments, each node device registered with the concentrator device using the first communication protocol switches protocol stack, in order to modify the current communication protocol implemented by the node device towards the second communication protocol.

[0024] A communication network update system is also proposed, comprising a hub device and a plurality of node devices. Each node device includes electronic circuitry configured to implement the above-mentioned process according to any one of its embodiments. Each node device stores two protocol stacks, each enabling the implementation of a distinct communication protocol from among first and second communication protocols. The hub device includes electronic circuitry configured to: - before updating the hub device, implement the first communication protocol to communicate with node devices, among said node devices, that have registered with it using the first communication protocol; and - after updating the hub device, implement the second communication protocol to communicate with node devices, among said node devices, which have registered with it using the second communication protocol.

[0025] Furthermore, the electronic circuitry of each node device is configured, after the hub device has been updated: - if said node device is registered with the concentrator device using the first communication protocol, execute the process mentioned above, according to any of its embodiments, to switch from one of the protocol stacks to the other, in order to change the current communication protocol implemented by the node device to the second communication protocol. Brief description of the drawings

[0026] The features of the invention mentioned above, as well as others, will become clearer upon reading the following description of at least one exemplary embodiment, said description being made in relation to the accompanying drawings, among which:

[0027] [Fig. 1] schematically illustrates a communication network whose logical topology is in the form of a tree, deployed on an electrical power supply network and in which the invention can be implemented;

[0028] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates a node device comprising two protocol stacks, in one embodiment;

[0029] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates the management of a software architecture comprising the two protocol stacks and the protocol selection and switching program included in the node device of [Fig.2];

[0030] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates an example of the hardware architecture of a node device and a concentrator device, in one embodiment;

[0031] [Fig.5] schematically illustrates an example of a configuration algorithm for a common communication protocol of a node device;

[0032] [Fig.6] schematically illustrates an example of a configuration algorithm for a common communication protocol of a node device, in a first particular implementation of automatic protocol switching;

[0033] [Fig.7] is a detail of step 602 of [Fig.6] and schematically illustrates an example of an algorithm for detecting the protocol implemented by the concentrator device, in the case where the current protocol implemented by the node device is the M&M protocol;

[0034] [Fig.8] is a detail of step 606 of [Fig.6] and schematically illustrates an example of an algorithm for detecting the protocol implemented by the concentrator device, in the case where the current protocol implemented by the node device is the PRIME 1.4 protocol;

[0035] [Fig.9] schematically illustrates an example of a configuration algorithm for a current communication protocol of a node device, in a second particular implementation of automatic protocol switching;

[0036] [Fig. 10] is a detail of step 902 of [Fig.9] and schematically illustrates a first example of a protocol detection algorithm implemented by the concentrator device;

[0037] [Fig. 11] is a detail of step 902 of [Fig.9] and schematically illustrates a second example of a protocol detection algorithm implemented by the concentrator device;

[0038] [Fig. 12] schematically illustrates a frame structure of type A PRIME 1.4;

[0039] [Fig. 13] schematically illustrates a physical M&M frame structure; and

[0040] [Fig.14] schematically illustrates an algorithm for carrying out an update of a communication network comprising a concentrator device and a plurality of node devices, in one embodiment (case of a non-automatic protocol switching).

[0041] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT METHODS Communication network

[0042] The following description details embodiments of the present invention within the framework of a communication network, the logical topology of which is in the form of a tree (i.e., hierarchical from a root device also called a concentrator device), deployed on a power supply network, in order to implement AMM-type services. It should be noted, however, that the present invention applies to any communication network implemented on a power supply network and comprising a concentrator device and a plurality of node devices.

[0043] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a communication network 121, whose logical topology is in the form of a tree, deployed on an electrical power supply network and in which the invention can be implemented.

[0044] The communication network 121 is in the form of a tree of which a particular node device 110, called concentrator device 110 (or base node), is the root. The communication network 121 is designed to connect multiple node devices to the concentrator device 110. Examples of node devices that the communication network 121 connects include electricity meters. In this case, the communication network 121 establishes power line communication (PLC) so that the concentrator device 110 can automatically read electricity consumption data from the meters.

[0045] In such a communication network, a signal emitted by a node device is generally not visible at every point in the communication network. Each signal-emitting node device therefore has a "neighborhood domain," that is, a subset of the communication network in which any connected node device can intelligibly receive said signals. The neighborhood domain corresponds to the range of the emitted signals, depending on predetermined transmission parameters (e.g., power, modulation and coding scheme, etc.) of the signal-emitting node device and also depending on the characteristics of the communication channel (attenuation, noise, impedance, etc.). Each node device in the communication network thus has its own neighborhood domain.

[0046] To extend the range of power line communication, node devices act as data relays between other node devices and the concentrator device 110. Such a relay device is called a switch in the PRIME specifications. Some communications between node devices and the concentrator device 110 may require several successive data relays. A node device not acting as a relay is called a terminal device. This structure therefore defines connections between node devices to form the tree, i.e., the hierarchy constituting the communication network 121.Each node device in the communication network 121 is thus associated with a hierarchical level, typically corresponding to the number of relay devices through which said node device must pass to reach the root 110 of the communication network 121.

[0047] Such a tree-like communication network is therefore represented in [Fig. 1]. A terminal node device 132 is directly connected to the concentrator device 110. Two other node devices 130 and 131 are also directly connected to the concentrator device 110. These two node devices 130 and 131 act as relay devices between the concentrator device 110 and other node devices. Node device 130 acts as a relay device between the concentrator device 110 and a node device 133, which itself acts as a relay device between node device 130 and a terminal device 137. Communication between the concentrator device 110 and the terminal device 137 therefore passes through two successive relay devices, namely relay devices 130 and 133. Node device 131 acts as a relay device between concentrator device 110 and three other node devices 134, 135, and 136. Nodes 134 and 136 are terminal devices, and node device 135 acts as a relay device between node device 131 and two terminal devices 138 and 139. Nodes 130, 131, and 132 are associated with a hierarchical level of value "0", node devices 133, 134, 135, and 136 are associated with a hierarchical level of value "1", and so on. A node device that is not connected to the communication network 121 is a disconnected device, such as node device 140 in [Fig. 1].

[0048] It is important to understand that the logical topology of the communication network 121 is not fixed. Figure 1 represents the logical topology of the communication network 121 at a given time. Due in particular to interference phenomena (such as noise, attenuation, impedance variation, crosstalk, signal collisions, etc.), node devices may become disconnected from the communication network 121 and then attempt to re-register within the communication network 121. The logical topology of the communication network 121 at that time is then likely different from the logical topology of the communication network 121 before the disconnection of said node devices, as some node devices may have lost their relay role and others may have been promoted to play the role of relay. Node device

[0049] Figure 2 schematically illustrates a node 200 device (for example, a communicating electricity meter) comprising two protocol stacks, each enabling the implementation of a distinct protocol (for example, from among the M&M and PRIME 1.4 protocols), in one embodiment. In this embodiment, the node 200 device comprises: - a metrology processor 201; - a 205 flash memory to store a common application program comprising on the one hand the programs (software) of the upper layers of the two protocol stacks M&M and PRIME 1.4 and on the other hand a program (software) for protocol selection and switching, for example for automatic switching between the two communication protocols M&M and PRIME 1.4 allowing the selection of the appropriate communication protocol while ensuring the continuity of communication of the node device in case of failure of the current protocol; - an application processor 202 executing the common application program, and more specifically on the one hand the upper layers of the programs two protocol stacks and on the other hand the protocol selection and switching program; - a 203 PLC modem that integrates the lower layers of both the M&M and PRIME 1.4 protocol stacks; and - a CPL 204 interface (front-end in English) to interface the CPL 203 modem with a CPL transmission line.

[0050] Figure 3 schematically illustrates the management of a software architecture 300 comprising the two protocol stacks (M&M protocol stack, referenced 302, and PRIME 1.4 protocol stack, referenced 303) and the protocol selection and switching program (referenced 301) included in the node device of Figure 2. In this example, the application processor 202 executes a first part I of the software architecture, comprising the upper layers 302-1 and 303-1 of the two protocol stacks and the protocol selection and switching program 301. The PLC modem 203 executes a second part II of the software architecture, comprising the lower layers 302-2 and 303-2 of the two protocol stacks 302 and 303.

[0051] Fig. 4 schematically illustrates an example of a hardware architecture 400 of a node device, which then comprises, connected by a communication bus 410: a processor or CPU (Central Processing Unit) 401; a RAM (Random Access Memory) 402; a ROM (Read Only Memory) 403, for example a Flash memory; a data storage device, such as a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or a storage media reader, such as an SD (Secure Digital) card reader 404; and at least one communication interface 405.

[0052] The processor 401 is capable of executing instructions loaded into RAM 402 from ROM 403, external memory (not shown), a storage medium such as an SD card, or a communication network (not shown). When the node device is powered on, the processor 401 is capable of reading instructions from RAM 402 and executing them. These instructions form a computer program causing the processor 401 to implement the behaviors, steps, and algorithm described herein for a node device (in particular, the protocol selection and switching program).

[0053] All or part of the behaviors, steps, and algorithm described herein can thus be implemented in software form by executing a set of instructions by a programmable machine, such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) or a microcontroller, or be implemented in hardware form by a dedicated machine or component (chip) or a dedicated set of components (chipset), such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit). In general, The node device includes electronic circuitry arranged and configured to implement the behaviors, steps, and algorithms described here for such a node device (including the protocol selection and switching program).

[0054] In one embodiment, the concentrator device has a hardware architecture identical to that of a node device. Generally, the concentrator device comprises electronic circuitry arranged and configured to implement the behaviors, steps, and algorithms described herein for such a concentrator device. General principle

[0055] Figure 5 schematically illustrates an example of a configuration algorithm for a common communication protocol of a node device (for example, a communicating electricity meter) to communicate with a concentrator device via a communication network implemented on a power supply network. This algorithm corresponds to the execution, by the node device, of the protocol selection and switching program mentioned above (and referenced as 301 in Figure 3).

[0056] In step 501, the node device detects a predetermined event. Then in step 502, if the predetermined event is detected, the node device switches from one of the protocol stacks to the other, in order to change the current communication protocol implemented by the node device.

[0057] In the following description, two types of implementation of this algorithm are distinguished: - a first type, called "automatic protocol switching", in which the protocol switching is performed automatically by the node device (switching decided by the node device); and - a second type, called "non-automatic protocol switching", in which the protocol switching is carried out non-automatically by the node device (switching not decided by the node device, but decided by the concentrator device).

[0058] In the case of automatic protocol switching, step 501, detection by the node device of a predetermined event, includes, in one embodiment: listening to the communication network to detect the communication protocol implemented by the concentrator device; and detecting whether the current communication protocol implemented by the node device is different from the current communication protocol implemented by the concentrator device. The predetermined event here is the detection that the current communication protocol implemented by the node device is different from the communication protocol implemented by the concentrator device. In one embodiment, the listening communication network is only performed if the node device has not already registered with the communication network using the current communication protocol implemented by the node device.

[0059] In the case of non-automatic protocol switching, the predetermined event is, in one embodiment, the reception by the node device, via a particular communication channel of the communication network, of a protocol switching command transmitted by the concentrator device.

[0060] The following description presents: - in relation to Figs. 6 to 8, a first particular implementation of an automatic protocol switching; - in relation to Figs. 9 to 13, a second specific implementation of automatic protocol switching; and - in relation to [Fig. 14], a particular implementation of non-automatic protocol switching.

[0061] First particular implementation of automatic protocol switching

[0062] Figure 6 schematically illustrates an example of a configuration algorithm for a common communication protocol of a node device, in a first particular implementation of automatic protocol switching. This algorithm corresponds to the execution, by the node device, of the protocol selection and switching program mentioned above and referenced 301 in Figure 3.

[0063] This algorithm uses the following parameters: - "Actual_protocol", which defines the current communication protocol implemented by the node device (i.e., downloaded from flash memory and executed by the application processor 202 of [Fig. 2]); and - “Selected_protocol”, which defines the protocol selected by calling another algorithm, namely an algorithm for detecting the communication protocol implemented by the concentrating device (hereafter referred to as "protocol detection algorithm").

[0064] Each of the parameters “Actual_protocol” and “Selected_protocol” can take two values, namely: “M&M” to indicate the M&M communication protocol and “PRIME 1.4” to indicate the PRIME 1.4 communication protocol.

[0065] By default, one of the two protocol stacks is implemented (downloaded from flash memory and executed) by the node device at startup. For example, this is the M&M protocol stack, and in this case, the default is: Actual_protocol = M&M. Subsequently, the choice of the protocol stack to implement (i.e., download from flash memory and execute) by the node device is made according to the automatic switching algorithm in [Fig. 6].

[0066] Example: We have a communication network composed of a hub device (or BN, for "Base Node") and five node devices (communicating electricity meters, or SNs for "Service Node") that communicate with each other using the PRIME 1.4 protocol. Suppose we install a new electricity meter with two protocol stacks: M&M and PRIME 1.4. The new electricity meter integrates and executes the default M&M protocol stack. It launches the protocol discovery algorithm. After an initial delay (the "MM_Discovery_timeout" described below), having failed to join an M&M communication network (i.e., a communication network on which the hub device and the node devices communicate according to the M&M protocol), the new electricity meter implements (downloads from flash memory and executes) the PRIME 1.4 protocol stack.Finally, before the end of a second delay (the "PRIME_Discovery_thneout" timeout described below), this new counter successfully joined the current PRIME 1.4 communication network.

[0067] We now describe in detail the algorithm of [Fig.6].

[0068] After launching the algorithm (step 600), the node device determines, in a step 601, the current communication protocol that it implements by analyzing the value of the parameter “Actual_protocol”.

[0069] If step 601 determines that the current communication protocol is the M&M protocol, the node device proceeds to step 602, in which it executes a first protocol detection algorithm, detailed below in relation to [Fig. 7]. The result, i.e., the selected protocol, is provided by the value ("M&M" or "PRIME 1.4") assigned to the "Selected_protocol" parameter. In step 603, the node device analyzes the value of the "Selected_protocol" parameter to determine the protocol selected at the end of step 602. If the selected protocol is the M&M protocol, the node device performs step 602 again to ensure automatic switching to the PRIME 1.4 protocol in case of loss of communication with the current M&M protocol. If the selected protocol is PRIME 1.4, the node device proceeds to step 604 in which it assigns the value "PRIME 1.4 » to the “Actual_protocol” parameter, then to the protocol switching step 605 from the M&M protocol to the PRIME 1.4 protocol, and finally to steps 606 and following already described above (in order to guarantee an automatic switch to the M&M protocol in case of loss of communication with the PRIME 1.4 protocol). .

[0070] If it results from step 601 that the current communication protocol is the PRIME 1.4 protocol, the node device proceeds to step 605 in which it implements (downloads from flash memory and executes) the PRIME 1.4 protocol stack. The node device then proceeds to step 606, in which it executes a second protocol detection algorithm, detailed below in relation to [Fig. 8]. The result, i.e., the selected protocol, is provided by the value ("M&M" or "PRIME 1.4") assigned to the "Selected_protocol" parameter. In step 607, the node device analyzes the value of the "Selected_protocol" parameter to determine the protocol selected at the end of step 606. If the selected protocol is PRIME 1.4, the node device performs step 606 again to ensure automatic switching to the M&M protocol in case of loss of communication with the current PRIME 1.4 protocol.If the selected protocol is the M&M protocol, the node device proceeds to step 608 in which it assigns the value "M&M" to the "Actual_protocol" parameter, then to step 609 in which it implements (downloads from flash memory and executes) the M&M protocol stack (protocol switch from the PRIME 1.4 protocol to the M&M protocol), and finally to steps 602 and following already described above (in order to guarantee an automatic switch to the PRIME 1.4 protocol in case of loss of communication with the M&M protocol).

[0071] Fig. 7 is a detail of step 602 of Fig. 6 and schematically illustrates an example of an algorithm for detecting the protocol implemented by the concentrator device, in the case where the current protocol implemented by the node device is the M&M protocol (Actual_protocol = M&M).

[0072] This algorithm uses the parameter "MM_Discovery_Timeout", which is a timeout defining the duration for which the node device must try to join an M&M communication network before attempting to join a PRIME 1.4 communication network.

[0073] After launching the algorithm (step 700), the node device determines, in a step 701, whether it is attached to an M&M communication network, that is to say whether it is registered on this network, thus admitting an SCA (Section Communication Address).

[0074] If it results from step 701 that it is attached to an M&M communication network, the node device goes directly to step 705 in which it assigns the value "M&M" to the parameter "Selected_protocol", before proceeding to the end step 708 (corresponding to the end of step 602 of [Fig.6]).

[0075] If step 701 determines that it is not already connected to an M&M communication network, the node device proceeds to step 702 in which, according to the M&M specification, it operates as a slave and listens (scans) on the CEN-A (CENELEC A) frequency channel until it detects (test step 703) an ADDRESS.REQ (090) signaling message (originating either from the concentrator device or from another node device implementing the M&M communication protocol), provided (test step 706) that the "MM_Discovery_Timeout" duration is not time has elapsed since the algorithm was launched (step 700). If an ADDRESS.REQ (090) signaling message is detected (resulting in "yes" to the step 703 test), the node device proceeds to step 704, in which it checks whether it has successfully registered on an M&M communication network. If it has successfully registered on an M&M communication network (resulting in "yes" to the step 704 test), the node device proceeds to step 705, as described above. If it has not been able to detect an ADDRESS.REQ (090) signaling message (response "no" to the test in step 703), or if it has not been able to register on an M&M communication network (response "no" to the test in step 704), the node device proceeds to step 706 in which it detects whether the duration "MM_Discovery_Timeout" has elapsed since the algorithm was launched (step 700).If the duration “MM_Discovery_Thneout” has not elapsed, the node device returns to step 702; otherwise, it executes step 707 in which it assigns the value “PRIME 1.4” to the parameter “Selected_protocol”, before proceeding to the end step 708 (corresponding to the end of step 602 of [Fig.6]).

[0076] Fig. 8 is a detail of step 606 of Fig. 6 and schematically illustrates an example of an algorithm for detecting the protocol implemented by the concentrator device, in the case where the current protocol implemented by the node device is the PRIME 1.4 protocol (Actual_protocol = PRIME 1.4).

[0077] This algorithm uses the parameter "PRIME_Discovery_Timeout", which is a timeout defining the duration for which the node device must try to join a PRIME communication network before attempting to join an M&M communication network.

[0078] After launching the algorithm (step 800), the node device determines, in a step 801, whether it is attached to a PRIME 1.4 communication network, i.e. whether it is registered on this network.

[0079] If it results from step 801 that it is attached to a PRIME 1.4 communication network, the node device goes directly to step 804 in which it assigns the value "PRIME 1.4" to the parameter "Selected_protocol", before proceeding to the end step 807 (corresponding to the end of step 606 of [Fig.6]).

[0080] If step 801 determines that it is not already connected to a PRIME 1.4 communication network, the node device proceeds to step 802 in which, according to the PRIME 1.4 specification, it scans the various frequency channels (from CH1 to CH8) until it successfully joins (registers on) a PRIME 1.4 network ("State = Registered"), provided (test step 805) that the "PRIME_Discovery_Timeout" has not elapsed since the algorithm was launched (step 7800). In step 803, the node device detects whether it has successfully registered on a PRIME 1.4 communication network. If it has successfully registered on a PRIME 1.4 communication network (response "yes" to the test in step 803), the node device proceeds to step 804. described above. If it has not succeeded in registering on a PRIME 1.4 communication network (resulting in a "no" response to the test in step 803), the node device proceeds to step 706, in which it detects whether the "PRIME_Discovery_Timeout" has elapsed since the algorithm was launched (step 800). If the "PRIME_Discovery_Timeout" has not elapsed, the node device returns to step 802; otherwise, it executes step 806, in which it sets the value "M&M" to the "Selected_protocol" parameter, before proceeding to the final step 807 (corresponding to the end of step 606 in [Fig. 6]).

[0081] In other words, in the algorithm of [Fig. 7] as in that of [Fig. 8], to detect the communication protocol implemented by the concentrator device, the node device detects (steps 702 to 707 of [Fig. 7] and steps 802 to 806 of [Fig. 8]) whether, before the elapse of a time delay ("MM_Discovery_Thneout" in [Fig. 7] and "PRIME_Discovery_Thneout" in [Fig. 8]), it has successfully registered with the communication network using the current communication protocol implemented by the node device. If it has successfully registered, it concludes that the communication protocol implemented by the concentrator device is identical to the current communication protocol implemented by the node device. If it has not successfully registered, it draws the opposite conclusion.

[0082] Second particular implementation of automatic protocol switching

[0083] [Fig. 9] schematically illustrates an example of a configuration algorithm for a common communication protocol of a node device, in a second particular implementation of automatic protocol switching. This algorithm corresponds to the execution, by the node device, of the protocol selection and switching program mentioned above and referenced 301 in [Fig. 3].

[0084] This algorithm uses the parameters “Actual_protocol” and “Selected_protocol” already defined above, as well as the parameter “TimeOut” which is a timeout defining the duration during which the node device is considered to belong to an M&M or PRIME 1.4 communication network (when this timeout has elapsed the node device must try to join a new communication network (PRIME 1.4 or M&M).

[0085] This algorithm is executed in the background (according to predefined criteria and occurrences) in order to detect any change in the network. It does not depend on the current communication protocol implemented on the node device.

[0086] After launching the algorithm (step 900), the node device initializes, in a step 901, the parameter (timeout) "TimeOut" with a value DN (programmable duration during which the node device is counted as belonging to a network). The "TimeOut" parameter is subsequently reset with this DN value after each successful activity by the node device (reception or transmission of an acknowledgment frame).

[0087] Then, the node device proceeds to step 902 in which it executes a protocol detection algorithm, detailed below in relation to [Fig. 10] (a variant is also shown in relation to [Fig. 11]), and whose result, i.e., the selected protocol, is provided by the value (“M&M” or “PRIME 1.4”) assigned to the parameter “Selected_protocol”. In a step 903, the node device analyzes the value of the parameter “Selected_protocol” to determine the protocol selected at the end of step 902.

[0088] If step 903 determines that the selected protocol is the M&M protocol, the node device performs step 904 to determine whether the current communication protocol implemented by the node device is the M&M protocol or the PRIME 1.4 protocol. If it is the M&M protocol, the node device performs step 902 again to ensure automatic switching to the PRIME 1.4 protocol in case of loss of communication with the current M&M protocol. If it is the PRIME 1.4 protocol, the node device performs step 905 in which it implements (downloads from flash memory and executes) the M&M protocol stack (protocol switching from the PRIME 1.4 protocol to the M&M protocol), and then proceeds to the final step 908.

[0089] If step 903 determines that the selected protocol is PRIME 1.4, the node device performs step 906 to determine whether the current communication protocol implemented by the node device is M&M or PRIME 1.4. If it is PRIME 1.4, the node device performs step 902 again to ensure automatic switching to M&M in case of loss of communication with the current PRIME 1.4 protocol. If it is M&M, the node device performs step 907 in which it implements (downloads from flash memory and executes) the PRIME 1.4 protocol stack (protocol switching from M&M to PRIME 1.4), and then proceeds to the final step 908.

[0090] Fig. 10 is a detail of step 902 of Fig. 9 and schematically illustrates a first example of a protocol detection algorithm implemented by the concentrator device.

[0091] This algorithm uses the following additional parameters: - "Threshold 1": programmable value corresponding to a first threshold which indicates the detection of a PRIME 1.4 signal, in cases where the correlation between the received signal and the saved preamble of PRIME 1.4 exceeds this first threshold; and - "Threshold2": programmable value corresponding to a second threshold which indicates the detection of an M&M signal, in the case where the correlation between the received signal and the saved M&M preamble exceeds this second threshold.

[0092] After launching the algorithm (step 1000), the node device executes step 1001 in which it detects whether the "TimeOut" has expired. If the "TimeOut" has not expired, the node device proceeds directly to the final step 1010. If the "TimeOut" has expired, the node device listens to a transmission channel of the communication network to detect a received signal, and more specifically, a received frame. If no frame is received in step 1003, the node device executes step 1002 again.

[0093] If a frame is received at step 1003, the node device performs, in steps 1004 and subsequent steps, an analysis of the preamble of this frame in order to deduce the protocol implemented by the concentrator device. More specifically, in step 1004, the node device performs an initial correlation between the preamble of the received frame and a first reference preamble of a first reference frame according to the PRIME 1.4 specifications. The first reference frame is, for example, a PRIME 1.4 type A frame (or "Beacon" frame of the PRIME 1.4 protocol), schematically illustrated and referenced as 1200 in [Fig. 12], and which includes a preamble 1201 that constitutes the first reference preamble.

[0094] The node device then executes step 1005, in which it checks whether the result of the first correlation in step 1004 is greater than the first threshold "Threshold". If the result of the first correlation is greater than the first threshold "Threshold", the node device executes step 1006, in which it assigns the value "PRIME 1.4" to the parameter "Selected_protocol", before proceeding to the final step 1010 (corresponding to the end of step 902 in [Fig. 9]). If the result of the first correlation is not greater than the first threshold "Threshold", the node device executes step 1007, in which it performs a second correlation between the preamble of the received frame and a second reference preamble from a second reference frame according to the M&M specifications. This second reference frame is for example a physical M&M frame (for example an "ADDRESS.REQ (090)" frame of the M&M protocol), illustrated schematically and referenced 1300 on the [Fig.13], and which includes a preamble 1301 which constitutes the second reference preamble.

[0095] Then the node device executes step 1008 in which it checks whether the result of the second correlation in step 1007 is greater than the second threshold "Threshold2". If the result of the second correlation is greater than the second threshold "Threshold2", the node device executes step 1009 in which it assigns the value "M&M" to the parameter "Selected_protocol", before proceeding to the final step 1010 (corresponding at the end of step 902 of [Fig.9]). If the result of the second correlation is not higher than the second threshold "Threshold2", the node device executes step 1002 again.

[0096] [Fig. 11] is a detail of step 902 of [Fig. 9] and schematically illustrates a second example of a protocol detection algorithm implemented by the concentrator device (a variant of the first example illustrated in [Fig. 10]).

[0097] After the starting step 1100, steps 1101 to 1105 are identical to steps 1001 to 1005 of [Fig. 10], and are therefore not described again.

[0098] If the test in step 1105 indicates that the result of the first correlation is greater than the first threshold "Threshold", the node device executes step 1106 in which it increments by one unit a first counter (of frames) Cl associated with the PRIME 1.4 protocol and then proceeds to step 1110 described below.

[0099] If the test in step 1105 indicates that the result of the first correlation is not greater than the first threshold "Threshold", the node device executes steps 1107 and 1108 which are identical to steps 1007 and 1008 of [Fig. 10], then it executes step 1109 in which it increments by one unit a second (frame) counter C2 associated with the M&M protocol and then it proceeds to step 1110 described below.

[0100] In step 1110, the node device detects whether a "TO_CPT" timer has expired. If the "TO_CPT" timer has not expired, the node device executes steps 1102 and subsequent steps again (in order to detect and count another M&M or PRIME 1.4 frame). If the "TO_CPT" timer has expired, the node device proceeds to step 1111 in which it compares the values ​​of counters C1 and C2. If the value of counter C1 is greater than or equal to that of counter C2, the node device executes step 1113 in which it assigns the value "PRIME 1.4" to the "Selected_protocol" parameter, before proceeding to the final step 1114 (corresponding to the end of step 902 in [Fig. 9]). If the value of counter Cl is less than that of counter C2, the node device executes step 1112 in which it assigns the value "M&M" to the parameter "Selected_protocol", before proceeding to the final step 1114

[0101] Thus, in the first example illustrated in [Fig. 10], as soon as a reference frame is received (for example a “Beacon” frame of the PRIME 1.4 protocol or an “ADDRESS.REQ (090)” frame of the M&M protocol), the node device immediately selects the detected communication protocol.

[0102] In the second example illustrated in [Fig. 11], a delay (timer “TO_CPT”) is set for the frame detection procedure, and two frame counters C1 and C2 (one for each protocol, MM or PRIME 1.4) are started at the beginning of the algorithm. These two counters are incremented each time a preamble of a frame of the corresponding protocol is detected. After the set delay has elapsed, the The node device chooses to connect to the network implementing the protocol for which the number of received frames is the highest. This allows for the selection of the most reliable network, admitting the most neighboring node devices, with the least communication loss.

[0103] Particular implementation of a non-automatic protocol switching

[0104] The [Fig. 14] schematically illustrates an algorithm for carrying out an update of a communication network comprising a concentrator device and a plurality of node devices, in an embodiment mode (case of a non-automatic protocol switching).

[0105] By way of example, a communication network update is understood to mean a protocol migration enabling the implementation of a PRIME 1.4 network from an original M&M network, without loss of communication between the hub device and the node devices. As illustrated in [Fig. 14], in this example, the algorithm (migration procedure) comprises four phases and uses the principle of protocol switching in the node devices comprising two protocol stacks (as described above).

[0106] In a phase 1 (referenced 1401), all node devices (electricity meters) installed in the field operate with the M&M protocol stack.

[0107] In phase 2 (referenced 1402), a new dual-stack M&M and PRIME protocol node device (electricity meter) is installed in the field, but it is configured by default with the M&M protocol stack. During this phase 2, the new node device operates seamlessly with all existing node devices.

[0108] In phase 3 (referenced 1403), the old M&M concentrator device is replaced by a new concentrator device that integrates the dual protocol stack and operates by default with the M&M protocol stack. The management of the concentrator devices is carried out, for example, by the HES (Head End System).

[0109] In phase 4 (referenced 1404), after replacing all the old node devices with the new dual-stack protocol node devices, the new hub device sends a command to all the node devices to switch to the new PRIME 1.4 protocol with a specific communication channel (e.g., CH5). According to this command, all the node devices and the hub device switch to the PRIME 1.4 protocol (protocol switch from M&M to PRIME 1.4), forming a PRIME 1.4 network. This migration procedure is therefore carried out via remote configuration (with the command sent by the new hub device) without requiring any on-site intervention, thus enabling a fast and seamless protocol migration and switchover process.

[0110] The algorithm for performing an update of a communication network (corresponding, for example, to a protocol migration) can thus be summarized as follows: - before updating the (new) concentrator device (i.e. before switching the concentrator device protocol, for example from the M&M protocol to the PRIME 1.4 protocol or vice versa), the concentrator device implements (see steps 1401, 1402 and 1403) a first communication protocol (for example M&M) to communicate with node devices, among the plurality of node devices, which have registered with it using this first communication protocol; - after the hub device is updated, the hub device implements (see step 1404) the second communication protocol (e.g., PRIME 1.4) to communicate with node devices, among the plurality of node devices, that have registered with it using this second communication protocol; and - by executing the protocol switching procedure described above (in any of its various embodiments), each node device registered with the concentrator device using the first communication protocol switches protocol stacks (see step 1404), in order to change the current communication protocol implemented by the node device to the second communication protocol (for example, switching from M&M).

Claims

Demands

1. A method for configuring a current communication protocol of a node device (130 to 139), to communicate with a concentrator device (110) via a communication network (121) implemented on a power supply network, characterized in that the method is implemented by the node device which includes electronic circuitry (400) and stores two protocol stacks (302, 303), each protocol stack enabling, when executed by the electronic circuitry of the node device, the implementation of a distinct communication protocol with the concentrator device on the communication network, and in that the method includes: - detecting (501) a predetermined event; and - if said event is detected, switching (502) from one of the protocol stacks to the other, in order to modify the current communication protocol implemented by the node device.

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the node device (130 to 139) is a communicating counter.

3. A method according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein one of the protocol stacks (303) enables the implementation of the PRIME communication protocol, for "Powerline Intelligent Metering Evolution", and the other of the protocol stacks (302) enables the implementation of the M&M communication protocol, for "Meters & More".

4. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the detection of a predetermined event comprises: - listening to the communication network to detect (602, 606; 902) the communication protocol implemented by the concentrator device; and - detecting (603, 607) whether the current communication protocol implemented by the node device is different from the current communication protocol implemented by the concentrator device; and in which the predetermined event is a detection that the current communication protocol implemented by the device node is different from the communication protocol implemented by the concentrator device.

5. A method according to claim 4, wherein listening to the communication network is only performed if (701; 801) the node device has not already registered with the communication network by using the current communication protocol implemented by the node device.

6. A method according to any one of claims 4 and 5, wherein listening to the communication network to detect the communication protocol implemented by the concentrator device comprises: - detecting (702 to 707; 802 to 806) whether, before the elapse of a first time interval, the node device has successfully registered with the communication network using the current communication protocol implemented by the node device; and - detecting the communication protocol implemented by the concentrator device as being: • identical to the current communication protocol implemented by the node device if, before the elapse of the first time interval, the node device has successfully registered with the communication network;• different from the current communication protocol implemented by the node device if, before the first timeout expires, the node device has not succeeded in registering with the communication network.

7. A method according to any one of claims 4 and 5, wherein listening to the communication network to detect the communication protocol implemented by the concentrator device comprises: - detecting (1002, 1003) a frame received via the communication network; - analyzing (1004, 1005, 1007, 1008) a preamble of the received frame; and - based on the structure of the preamble of the received frame, detect (1006, 1009) the communication protocol implemented by the concentrator device.

8. A method according to any one of claims 4 and 5, wherein listening to the communication network to detect the communication protocol implemented by the concentrator device comprises: - triggering a second timeout; - during the second timeout, upon each detection of a frame received via the communication network: • analyze (1104, 1105, 1107, 1108) a preamble of the received frame; and • depending on the structure of the preamble of the received frame, increment (1106) a first counter associated with a first communication protocol, if the structure of the preamble of the received frame corresponds to a frame according to said first communication protocol or increment (1109) a second counter associated with a second communication protocol, if the structure of the preamble of the received frame corresponds to a frame according to the second communication protocol;- after the second time delay has elapsed (1110), detect (1111, 1112, 1113) the communication protocol implemented by the concentrator device as being the protocol associated with the first and second counters having the highest value.

9. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the predetermined event is the reception (1404) by the node device, via a particular communication channel of the communication network, of a protocol switching command transmitted by the concentrator device.

10. Node device (130 to 139) configured to communicate with a hub device (110) via a communication network (121) implemented on a power supply network, the node device storing two protocol stacks (302, 303) and comprising of the electronic circuitry (400) configured to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. Product computer program, comprising instructions causing a processor (401) to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, when said instructions are executed by the processor.

12. Storage medium (403), storing a computer program comprising instructions causing a processor (401) to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, when said instructions are read and executed by the processor.

13. Method of carrying out an update of a communication network comprising a concentrator device (110) and a plurality of node devices (130 to 139), each node device comprising electronic circuitry (400) configured to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, each node device storing two protocol stacks (302, 303) each enabling the implementation of a distinct communication protocol from among first and second communication protocols, characterized in that: - before updating the concentrator device, the concentrator device implements (1401 to 1403) the first communication protocol to communicate with node devices, among said node devices, which have registered with it using the first communication protocol;- after updating the concentrator device, the concentrator device implements (1404) the second communication protocol to communicate with node devices, among said node devices, which have registered with it using the second communication protocol; and - by performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, each node device registered with the concentrator device using the first communication protocol switches (1404) protocol stack, in order to change the protocol of;

14. current communication implemented by the node device towards the second communication protocol. A communication network update system comprising a hub device (110) and a plurality of node devices (130 to 139), each node device comprising electronic circuitry (400) configured to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, each node device storing two protocol stacks (302, 303), each enabling the implementation of a distinct communication protocol from among first and second communication protocols, characterized in that the hub device (110) comprises electronic circuitry (400) configured to: - before updating the hub device, implement (1401 to 1403) the first communication protocol to communicate with node devices, among said node devices, that have registered with it using the first communication protocol; and - after updating the concentrator device, implement (1404) the second communication protocol to communicate with node devices, among said node devices, which have registered with it using the second communication protocol; and in that the electronic circuitry (400) of each node device (130 to 139) is configured to, after updating the hub device: - if said node device is registered with the concentrator device using the first communication protocol, perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 to switch (1404) from one of the protocol stacks to the other, in order to change the current communication protocol implemented by the node device to the second communication protocol.