Dynamic Medium Switch in PLC and RF Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Narrow-band power line communication (PLC) and low-power RF transceivers in hybrid devices face interference from noise sources like WLAN transmissions and appliances, leading to fluctuations in communication quality, which existing technologies fail to effectively manage, resulting in disruptions and inefficiencies in data transmission.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a control logic with a convergence layer in hybrid devices that incorporates both PLC and RF transceivers, allowing for dynamic switching between communication mediums based on noise conditions, ensuring continuous and efficient data transmission by monitoring link quality and adapting communication sessions between PLC and RF links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If PLC transceiver is used for communication, then data transmission can occur over power lines, but communication quality deteriorates due to impulsive noises from appliances
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between PLC and RF communication mediums based on real-time noise conditions and link quality assessments. The control logic monitors the PLC medium for impulsive noises and transitions to RF transmission when PLC quality deteriorates, ensuring continuous reliable communication adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If RF transceiver is used for communication, then wireless data transmission is enabled, but communication quality deteriorates due to interference from WLAN transmissions
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between RF and PLC communication mediums based on real-time interference conditions. The control logic monitors RF medium for WLAN interference and transitions to PLC transmission when RF quality deteriorates, ensuring continuous reliable communication adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hybrid devices incorporate both PLC and RF transceivers, then network connectivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid device incorporates both PLC and RF transceivers with a unified control logic that manages both communication mediums. This multi-functionality allows the single device to operate on multiple network types (PLC and RF), improving network connectivity while the integrated control logic minimizes the complexity increase.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic communication device comprises a first transceiver capable of a bi-directional communication session on a first communication medium; a second transceiver capable of a bi-directional communication session on a second communication medium; and a control logic coupled to the first transceiver and the second transceiver and capable of implementing a convergence layer, wherein the control logic is configured to receive, from the first transceiver, a first signal; and cause, in response to the first signal, data received and transmitted by the first transceiver on the first communication medium as part of a communication session to be received and transmitted instead by the second transceiver on the second communication medium.