Backbone Router Self-Reconfiguration for Wireless Network Outages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial wireless networks experience outages in backbone connectivity, disrupting communication between field devices and the backbone network, leading to unreliable data transmission.
Innovation Solution
The system automatically reconfigures backbone routers to function as field routers when backbone connections fail, allowing data to be routed through alternate paths to other backbone routers, maintaining network connectivity without the need for backup routers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If backbone routers are configured to automatically reconfigure as field routers when backbone connection fails, then network reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The backbone router is designed with multi-functionality to operate in two modes: backbone router mode for normal operation and field router mode for failure conditions. The router automatically transitions between these modes based on backbone connection status, allowing a single device to fulfill multiple roles and eliminate the need for separate backup routers.
Solution Approach 2:
The backbone router performs self-reconfiguration when backbone connection fails. The system automatically detects the failure condition, triggers the reconfiguration process, and transitions to field router operation without external intervention, thereby serving itself during failure conditions.
2Loss of time
If automatic reconfiguration is implemented, then loss of time during outages is reduced, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The alternate wireless path and routing configuration are established in advance as part of the router's normal operational setup. When backbone connection fails, the pre-configured alternate path is immediately activated without requiring real-time routing calculations or manual reconfiguration, thereby reducing outage time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the status of the backbone connection and uses this feedback to automatically trigger reconfiguration when failure is detected. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures rapid response to failures while maintaining simple operation through automated decision-making.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes wirelessly receiving first data at a first backbone router and routing the first data from the first backbone router to a backbone network using a backbone connection of the first backbone router when the backbone connection is operational. The method also includes detecting a failure of the backbone connection after routing of the first data and automatically reconfiguring the first backbone router to function as a field router that does not route data using the backbone connection. The method further includes wirelessly receiving second data at the first backbone router and wirelessly routing the second data along an alternate path from the first backbone router to a second backbone router without using the backbone connection. The method could also include establishing the alternate path between the first backbone router and the second backbone router based on whether the first and second backbone routers are within wireless range.