Gateway Device Redundant Routing for Wireless Network Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless control network management systems face reliability issues due to wireless communication errors, such as obstruction and noise, especially in mesh networks, which can lead to data loss and increased communication failures, particularly when wireless communication failures occur at large areas or near gateway devices, and the complexity of maintaining optimal routing in varying environments.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of gateway devices that manage data communication between a monitoring/controlling host and wireless nodes by using wireless communication means to send data to selected gateway devices connected via a wired network, employing wireless node list management, routing selection based on communication quality, and protocol conversion to ensure robust data transmission routes, thereby reducing the risk of communication failures and enhancing network reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication is used to connect sensors and actuators in the plant, then installation flexibility and control accuracy are improved, but communication reliability deteriorates due to obstruction and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway device as an intermediary between the wireless sensor network and the wired control system. The gateway receives data from wireless sensors, converts protocols, and transmits through wired connections, thereby protecting the wireless communication from direct exposure to noise and obstruction while maintaining installation flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct wireless and wired zones. Wireless communication is used only for the final segment from sensor to gateway, while the critical data transmission path from gateway to control system uses wired connections, thus isolating the reliability-critical path from wireless interference
2Adaptability or versatility
If mesh-type multi-hop wireless network is used to extend communication range, then installation flexibility is improved, but data loss risk increases due to communication failures
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway device serves as a mediator that consolidates data from multiple wireless nodes before transmission to the control system. This reduces the number of hops in the critical path and集中s the data aggregation function, thereby reducing cumulative data loss risk while maintaining extended communication range through the mesh network
3Adaptability or versatility
If gateway devices are used to implement communication between wired and wireless networks, then protocol compatibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway device is designed with multi-functionality, serving as protocol converter, data aggregator, and network bridge simultaneously. This consolidates multiple functions into a single device, reducing the number of components needed and thereby offsetting the complexity introduced by protocol conversion capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
An object of the invention is to improve the reliability of a wireless control network management system. Gateway devices for relaying data communication between a monitoring/controlling host connected thereto via a wired network and a plurality of wireless nodes connected thereto via wireless circuit and constituting a wireless network, wherein the gateway device comprises wireless communication means for sending data from the host to at least any one of the wireless nodes, and redirect means for causing the wireless communication means to send the data to one of the wireless nodes and to transfer the data to the other gateway device connected to the wired network.