Cloud-Networked Stand-Alone Dual Modulation LAN Hub
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless local area networks (LANs) for home and commercial device automation rely on the Internet for control and communication, leading to system inoperability when the Internet is down, and require expensive mesh networks for full signal coverage.
Innovation Solution
A cloud-networked, stand-alone dual modulation network with hubs connected to cloud-based servers via long-range transceivers using spread spectrum or frequency shift keying signals, allowing for independent operation and updates without internet connectivity, and equipped with off-grid power sources for continued functionality during outages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless LANs rely on the Internet for control and communication, then device automation control is enabled, but system inoperability occurs when the Internet goes down
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the network into two independent segments: a cloud-connected segment for updates and a stand-alone LAN segment for operation. The hubs can function independently on the LAN without requiring Internet connectivity, separating control functions from communication dependencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the hubs by enabling dual modes: cloud-connected mode for receiving updates and stand-alone mode for independent operation. This parameter switching allows the system to adapt between Internet-dependent and Internet-independent operation.
2Reliability
If long range transceivers use spread spectrum or frequency shift keying signals, then communication robustness is improved, but signal frequency range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the modulation parameters by using frequency shift keying at lower frequencies (900 MHz ISM band) instead of higher frequency protocols. This parameter change prioritizes communication robustness and range over maximum data transmission speed.
3Length of stationary object
If dual modulation is used for long range communication, then communication range is extended, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by using long range spread spectrum or frequency shift keying signals only when necessary for extended range communication, rather than continuously. This allows the system to extend communication range when needed while conserving power during normal operation.
4Reliability
If hubs store system operation information locally, then stand-alone operation is enabled, but update distribution complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the information storage function: hubs store complete system operation information locally for stand-alone operation, while the cloud stores update information. This segmentation enables independent operation while simplifying the update distribution process through centralized cloud management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by having hubs store complete system operation information in advance before Internet connectivity is lost. This preliminary storage enables immediate stand-alone operation without requiring real-time cloud connectivity.
5Reliability
If off-grid power sources are installed in hubs and peripheral devices, then operation during power outages is enabled, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the power supply architecture by providing off-grid power sources (batteries) only to hubs and select peripheral devices that require continuous operation, rather than equipping all devices. This selective segmentation achieves power outage reliability while controlling costs.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables continuous operation and control of automation devices even without internet access, with robust long-range communication and extended battery life, reducing the need for extensive mesh networks and ensuring system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The hub microcontrollers are also programmed with firmware that instructs the Long range transceivers to use either a long range spread spectrum (SS) signal for communicating information
Implementation Method 2
or a narrowband frequency shift keying (FSK) signal
Data Source
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AI summary
A cloud-networked stand-alone local area network (LAN) is disclosed. A stand-alone LAN is networked to a server outside the stand-alone LAN, and the server is part of a cloud of servers. The server includes hardware processors that process system operation information updates from a user for the stand-alone LAN, hardware memory that stores the system operation information updates; and a transceiver for communicating the system operation information updates to the stand-alone LAN. The stand-alone LAN includes a primary network hub (PNH) having a microcontroller that stores the system operation information, a cloud-side transceiver networked to the cloud of servers for receiving the system operation information updates from the server, and a PNH LAN long range transceiver that communicates via a long range spread spectrum or a narrowband frequency shift keying signal. The stand-alone LAN also includes a peripheral device having a microcontroller and an actuation mechanism.