Cellular Connection Selection for Security Event Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security system event data transmission over cellular networks is prone to interruptions due to compromised connections with fixed cellular radio transceivers, leading to potential service disruptions when the primary cellular carrier's signal quality degrades or becomes unavailable.
Innovation Solution
A method that dynamically switches the cellular connection to an alternate carrier with better signal quality, bypassing the prioritized PLMN list, by setting a minimum acceptable signal quality threshold and continuously monitoring and ranking available carriers to ensure reliable data transmission to a remote central monitoring facility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the fixed cellular radio transceiver connects to a single cellular carrier, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of security event data transmission deteriorates when the carrier connection is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cellular carriers into a single communication system, allowing the fixed cellular radio transceiver to access both primary and alternate carriers simultaneously. This merging of carriers resolves the contradiction by providing redundancy (improving reliability) while maintaining unified management through a single SIM card and controller (avoiding excessive complexity).
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the operational parameter of cellular carrier selection based on signal quality metrics. The controller monitors signal strength and automatically switches between carriers, transforming the static single-carrier connection into a dynamic multi-carrier system that adapts to changing conditions, thereby improving reliability without requiring complex manual configuration.
2Reliability
If the system monitors and switches between multiple cellular carriers based on signal quality, then the reliability of transmission is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixed cellular radio transceiver performs self-monitoring of signal quality and automatically switches carriers without external intervention. The system services itself by continuously evaluating signal strength and autonomously selecting the optimal carrier, which improves reliability while minimizing the need for additional external monitoring equipment or complex control infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The single fixed cellular radio transceiver is designed to perform multiple functions: it can connect to multiple different cellular carriers, monitor signal quality across carriers, and automatically switch between them. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve high reliability through carrier diversity without requiring separate dedicated devices for each function, thereby controlling overall system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the fixed cellular radio transceiver uses a prioritized PLMN list for carrier selection, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates when the primary carrier signal quality degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static PLMN list approach into a dynamic carrier selection process. Instead of rigidly following a predetermined priority list, the system continuously monitors signal quality and dynamically adjusts carrier selection in real-time. This dynamic approach maintains ease of operation through automation while significantly improving reliability by selecting carriers based on current signal conditions rather than fixed priorities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring signal quality from multiple carriers and using this information to make intelligent switching decisions. The controller receives feedback about signal strength and automatically adjusts the active carrier accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that maintains reliable transmission while operating autonomously without user intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are disclosed for transferring security event data over one of a plurality of cellular networks of different cellular carrier. A minimum acceptable signal quality for a connection between a radio transceiver and a cellular network is set. The signal quality for a connection between the radio transceiver and each of a plurality of cellular network receivers for the different cellular carriers is then determined. The radio transceiver is connected to the cellular network receiver for the cellular carrier exhibiting the greatest signal quality above the minimum acceptable signal quality. If this connection fails or is lost, the radio transceiver is connected to the cellular network receiver for an alternate cellular carrier exhibiting the next greatest acceptable signal quality above the minimum acceptable signal quality. Security event data is then transmitted from the radio transceiver to a remote central monitoring facility over the established cellular connection.