Communication Control Device Wireless Redundancy
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional communication networks struggle to achieve redundancy due to the need for multiple communication ports in each node, which is often impractical due to space and resource constraints.
Innovation Solution
A communication control device equipped with multiple wired communication units and a wireless communication unit, capable of identifying adjacent devices with the same function and establishing wireless communication to create a redundant network configuration, even with limited physical ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple wired communication ports are provided in each node to achieve network redundancy, then network reliability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical wired connections with wireless communication to achieve network redundancy. The communication control device establishes wireless connections with adjacent devices, substituting the mechanical/physical wired system with a wireless electromagnetic field-based system. This allows redundancy without adding physical communication ports to nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication control device acts as an intermediary that manages both wired and wireless connections. It identifies adjacent devices, establishes wireless communication links, and routes traffic through appropriate paths (wired or wireless), thereby enabling redundancy without requiring multiple physical ports at each node.
2Reliability
If multiple wired communication ports are provided in each node to create redundant network paths, then network stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to installation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical process of physically connecting multiple wired ports with automated wireless connection establishment. The communication control device automatically identifies adjacent devices and establishes wireless links, eliminating the need for manual cable routing and physical port connections, thereby greatly simplifying installation while maintaining network stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication control device performs automatic device identification and wireless connection establishment without requiring manual configuration or complex installation procedures. The system self-configures the redundant paths by automatically detecting adjacent devices and setting up wireless communication links.
3Adaptability or versatility
If communication ports are increased to achieve redundancy, then network adaptability is improved, but downsizing capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes physical expansion (adding more communication ports and cables) with wireless communication to achieve network redundancy. This allows the node to maintain compact size while gaining adaptability through software-controlled wireless connection management, enabling redundancy without increasing physical volume.
Data Source
AI summary
A first wired communication unit 511 has a wired connection function. A second wired communication unit 512 has the wired connection function. A third wired communication unit 513 has the wired connection function and is connected to a node 21. A wireless communication unit 514 has a wireless communication function connectable to a plurality of the wireless networks. An identification unit 5161 identifies whether an adjacent device connected to the first wired communication unit 511 or the second wired communication unit 512 via a wired network is a communication control device having the same function. A communication control unit 5162 establishes communication with another communication control device via the wireless network, and has a bridge function of transferring a communication frame to an appropriate destination among the first wired communication unit 511, the second wired communication unit 512, the third wired communication unit 513, and the wireless communication unit 514.