Field Device Dynamic Provider Selection for Wireless Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication technologies for field devices in industrial settings lack reliability, leading to potential process failures or downtime due to signal loss, as they typically lock onto a preferred provider without considering stronger alternatives or network availability during maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A method for field devices to periodically assess and select the strongest data communication provider among available options, switching if necessary, and logging these changes, while also considering network quality and historical performance for decision-making.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless field devices lock onto a preferred data communication provider, then device operation is simplified, but communication reliability deteriorates when the preferred provider experiences signal loss or maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The field device dynamically selects data communication providers based on real-time signal strength assessments rather than statically locking onto a single preferred provider. The device periodically evaluates available providers and switches to the strongest signal source, making the system adaptive to changing communication conditions while maintaining simplified operation through automated selection
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the parameter of provider selection from a fixed preferred provider to a dynamic selection based on signal strength parameters. By continuously monitoring signal strength and switching providers based on this parameter, the system maintains communication reliability without complicating device operation
2Adaptability or versatility
If field devices use wireless communication technologies, then installation flexibility is improved, but communication reliability deteriorates due to signal loss and provider maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains installation flexibility by continuing to use wireless communication while adding dynamic provider selection. The device automatically adapts to different providers based on signal availability, preserving the versatility benefit while mitigating the reliability drawback through automated switching capability
Solution Approach 2:
The device prepares for potential communication failures by having multiple provider options ready and assessing their signal strengths in advance. When the current provider experiences signal loss or maintenance, the device can switch to a pre-evaluated alternative, cushioning against communication interruptions
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus are provided for allowing a field device to select a data communication provider among a plurality of available data communication providers. Preferably, the method includes periodically, or selectively, assessing the strengths and efficacy of data communication on one or more alternate data communication providers. The data communication provider with the strongest signal and/or most effective data communication is selected for use by the field device. Preferably, the field device logs events where it switches among data communication providers.