Dual Protocol Stack Switching for Power Network Node Migration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication networks in power supply networks require costly replacements or software updates to migrate node devices to different communication protocols, leading to reliability risks and inefficiencies in performance, throughput, and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

Node devices equipped with two protocol stacks can automatically or manually switch between communication protocols, allowing seamless migration without hardware or software changes, ensuring uninterrupted communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If node devices use a single protocol stack, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability to different communication protocols deteriorates and costly replacements are required for protocol migration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The node device is designed with multiple protocol stacks (first and second protocol stacks) integrated into a single device, enabling it to support multiple communication protocols simultaneously. This multi-functionality allows the device to adapt to different communication standards without requiring replacement, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining ease of manufacture through a unified hardware platform.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If protocol migration is performed by replacing node devices, then adaptability to new protocols is achieved, but reliability deteriorates due to installation disruptions and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The node device incorporates dynamic protocol switching capability, allowing it to transition between different communication protocols during operation. The device can detect protocol compatibility issues and automatically switch from an inactive protocol stack to an active one, ensuring continuous communication without interruption. This dynamic adaptation maintains reliability during protocol migration while achieving adaptability to new protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If software updates are performed to change protocol stacks, then adaptability is improved, but reliability worsens due to update failures and maintenance complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidease of repair
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The node device is pre-configured with both a first and second protocol stack during manufacturing, with one stack designated as active and the other as inactive. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex software updates during protocol migration. The device can simply switch between pre-loaded protocol stacks, significantly reducing maintenance complexity and improving ease of repair while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4668715A1Method for configuring a communication protocol of a node device
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 SAGEMCOM ENERGY & TELECOM SAS
  • EP4668715A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4668715A1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4668715A1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

A method is proposed for configuring a node device's current communication protocol to communicate with a hub device via a communication network implemented on a power supply network. The method is implemented by the node device, which includes electronic circuitry and stores two protocol stacks. Each protocol stack, when executed by the node device's electronic circuitry, enables the implementation of a distinct communication protocol with the hub device. The method includes: detecting (501) a predetermined event; and if the event is detected, switching (502) from one of the protocol stacks to the other, thereby changing the current communication protocol implemented by the node device. This allows migration to the use of a different communication protocol without requiring replacement of the node device or a software update.This also ensures that there is no loss of communication for the node device.