CBRS IP Network Architecture for Low-Latency PLC Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional IT infrastructure faces challenges with isolated networks and wired connections, leading to complexity, high costs, and interference issues, particularly in dynamic environments like amusement parks, where wireless networks struggle with latency and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A bi-directional Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) system is adapted for low-latency, high-bandwidth communications by stripping unnecessary LTE features like NAT and tunnelling, enabling efficient IP addressable traffic and bi-directional communication between programmable logic controllers (PLCs) using a flat network architecture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional Wi-Fi networks are used for safety systems, then network coverage can be achieved, but interference from other electronic devices and variable latency occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts safety-critical communications from the general-purpose Wi-Fi network by implementing a separate VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) dedicated exclusively to safety systems. This isolation eliminates interference from non-safety traffic and ensures predictable latency by dedicating network resources solely to safety applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The network is segmented into multiple VLANs, with one specifically dedicated to safety systems. This segmentation allows safety traffic to be handled separately from other network traffic, ensuring that safety communications receive priority treatment and experience minimal latency while maintaining reliable connection.
2Reliability
If isolated networks are used for safety tasks, then reliability is improved, but infrastructure complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional network infrastructure where a single physical network backbone supports both general-purpose Wi-Fi communications and safety-critical communications through virtualization (VLANs). This approach provides the reliability of isolated networks while avoiding the complexity and cost of completely separate physical infrastructures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a network controller as an intermediary that manages traffic routing between different VLANs and coordinates communications between the safety network and non-safety network. This intermediary enables isolated safety communications while maintaining infrastructure simplicity through centralized management.
3Reliability
If wired connections are used for safety systems, then reliability and latency requirements are met, but flexibility in re-arranging components is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical wired connections with wireless communications over a dedicated VLAN. This substitution maintains the reliability and latency performance previously achievable only through wired connections while restoring flexibility, allowing components to be repositioned without physical cable reconfiguration.
4Reliability
If separate physical networks are implemented for safety and peripheral tasks, then interference is prevented, but infrastructure costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the network infrastructure universal by enabling a single physical network to serve multiple functions - both safety-critical communications and general-purpose Wi-Fi - through VLAN virtualization. This eliminates the need for separate physical networks while maintaining the isolation and reliability of dedicated safety channels.
Data Source
AI summary
Efficient two-way communications using broadband cellular technology is provided by adapting cellular components for end-to-end Internet Protocol (IP) addressable traffic. In this manner, the broadband cellular system may be efficiently transfer data over a flat network architecture using end-to-end IP traffic, bypassing features such as network address translation (NAT), tunnelling, and other LTE cellular carrier features.