Communication Controller Protocol Conversion Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional communication devices face challenges in ensuring real-time and high-reliability data routing between different communication devices and protocols, particularly in wireless/wired networks, due to software-based processing which complicates handling various communication interfaces and protocols, and is costly to develop for multiple applications.
Innovation Solution
A communication device with multiple communication units and a communication controller that uses table information to associate communication paths, types of communication units, and conversion information, enabling decision-making and data format conversion to ensure reliable and real-time data processing across different networks and protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If software-based processing is used for routing between communication interfaces, then flexibility in handling various communication protocols is improved, but real-time performance and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The communication device is segmented into distinct functional units: a routing unit that handles protocol-independent packet forwarding, and protocol conversion units that handle specific protocol conversions. This segmentation allows the routing function to operate independently in hardware for real-time performance, while protocol conversions are handled separately when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
A packet buffer serves as an intermediary between the routing unit and protocol conversion units. The routing unit can forward packets immediately to the buffer without waiting for protocol conversions, ensuring real-time routing performance. Protocol conversions occur asynchronously when conversion information is available, maintaining system reliability without compromising real-time routing.
2Reliability
If multiple exclusive communication devices are prepared for different applications, then communication reliability for each application is improved, but development costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The communication device is designed as a universal router that can handle multiple communication protocols and applications simultaneously through a single device. The routing unit processes packets from various protocols (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular, etc.) through a unified routing table, eliminating the need for separate dedicated devices for each application while maintaining communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses configurable routing tables and conversion information that can be dynamically updated to adapt to different communication scenarios. By changing the routing parameters and conversion rules rather than the hardware architecture, the device can serve multiple applications reliably without requiring separate hardware for each.
3Adaptability or versatility
If protocol conversion is performed through software, then adaptability to different communication protocols is improved, but processing speed and real-time performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Protocol conversion information is pre-configured and stored in the system before actual data transmission. When a packet arrives, the routing unit checks the routing table for pre-stored conversion information, allowing rapid protocol conversion decisions without real-time software processing delays. This preliminary preparation of conversion rules enables fast protocol adaptation.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication device reduces a processing time required at the time of mutually converting different wireless or wired communication protocol and improves a real-time property. The communication device includes two or more communication units which communicate with two or more external devices and a communication controller which processes communication data. The communication controller has table information that associates a communication path, a type of the communication unit, and conversion-info, and an input and output unit that inputs and outputs the table information. According to the added conversion-info, a conversion unit sequentially performs various conversion processes (protocol conversion, routing, communication quality evaluation, fragmentation/integration of communication interface, fragment/defragment process, frame multiplication/integration, and frequency setting).