Dual-Network Load Control for Bandwidth and Latency Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Load control devices require a communication system that balances high bandwidth for software updates and configuration with low latency for operational commands, while maintaining reliability.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dual wireless communication system with different protocols for configuration data and operational data, using a first wireless communication network for high bandwidth and a second network for low latency, ensuring efficient communication for both tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single wireless communication network is used for both configuration data and operational data, then device complexity is reduced, but communication performance deteriorates due to inability to optimize for both high bandwidth and low latency simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the communication system into two separate wireless communication networks: a first network (e.g., Wi-Fi) optimized for high bandwidth configuration data transfer, and a second network (e.g., RF mesh network) optimized for low latency operational commands. This segmentation allows each network to be tuned for its specific purpose without compromise, resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and communication performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a dimensional aspect to the communication architecture by introducing multiple communication protocols and networks operating in parallel. Instead of optimizing a single network across conflicting requirements, the system operates across multiple communication dimensions (different protocols, frequencies, and network types), allowing simultaneous optimization for both bandwidth and latency.
2Quantity of substance
If high bandwidth wireless protocol (e.g., Wi-Fi) is used for configuration data, then data transfer capability is improved, but latency increases making it unsuitable for operational commands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication traffic into two categories handled by different networks: configuration data (firmware updates, settings) uses the high bandwidth Wi-Fi network, while operational commands (on/off, dimming levels) use the low latency RF mesh network. This segmentation allows each protocol to be optimized for its specific data type without the tradeoff present in a single-network approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the communication parameters (protocol, network type, transmission mode) based on the data type being transmitted. Configuration data utilizes Wi-Fi parameters optimized for high throughput, while operational data utilizes RF mesh parameters optimized for low latency and reliability, dynamically adapting communication characteristics to match operational requirements.
3Loss of time
If low latency wireless protocol is used for operational commands, then response time is improved, but bandwidth is insufficient for software updates and configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments communication responsibilities between two networks: the RF mesh network handles time-critical operational commands with its low latency characteristics, while the Wi-Fi network handles bulk data transfers like firmware updates. This segmentation prevents the bandwidth-limited low-latency network from being overwhelmed by large configuration data transfers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional communication system where the first wireless communication circuit can operate in dual modes: high bandwidth mode for configuration data and low latency mode for operational commands. The system universally supports both communication requirements through a single device architecture that interfaces with both networks, allowing the load control device to fulfill multiple communication roles.
4Adaptability or versatility
If load control devices frequently reconfigure and update software, then functionality is improved, but communication reliability deteriorates due to network bandwidth consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication load by dedicating the high bandwidth Wi-Fi network exclusively to configuration and software update operations, while the RF mesh network maintains dedicated capacity for operational commands. This segmentation ensures that frequent software updates consume Wi-Fi bandwidth without impacting the reliability of time-critical operational communications on the separate RF network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dual-network communication architecture that acts as an intermediary system between the load control device and different communication requirements. The first wireless communication circuit mediates configuration data transfers over Wi-Fi, while the second circuit mediates operational commands over the RF mesh network, preventing conflicts between update operations and operational reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for controlling the power delivered from an AC power source to an electrical load may include a controllably conductive device. The apparatus may also include a first wireless communication circuit that may be operable to communicate on a first wireless communication network via a first protocol and the first communication circuit may be in communication with the controller. The apparatus may also include a second communication circuit that may be operable to communicate on a second communication network via a second protocol. The controller may be further operable to control the first wireless communication circuit to communicate configuration data with the first wireless communication network via the first protocol. The controller may also be operable to control the second wireless communication circuit to communicate operational data with the second communication network via the second protocol.