G.HN Node MAC Relaying via IEEE 1905.1 Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems implementing the G.hn standard for data communication lack control over data packet relaying across different communication domains, as the IEEE 1905.1 layer is not aware of relay operations, limiting network metrics and connectivity options.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that enable nodes to operate in multiple modes, allowing data packets to be relayed between source and destination nodes using both G.hn and non-G.hn connections, with the IEEE 1905.1 layer controlling the relaying process by selectively providing data packets to the abstraction layer, enabling modification of relay paths and protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If G.hn standard is implemented for data communication, then equipment cost and development cost are reduced, but control over data packet relaying across different communication domains is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges G.hn relay functionality with IEEE 1905.1 abstraction layer by integrating a relay module within the G.hn layer that can be controlled by the 1905.1 layer. This allows legacy G.hn devices to maintain their cost advantages while gaining enhanced control capabilities through the unified architecture where the relay module responds to control messages from the abstraction layer, enabling multi-domain packet relaying control.
2Productivity
If IEEE 1905.1 layer controls relaying process, then network performance and flexibility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex control logic into a separate relay module within the G.hn layer that can be independently managed. The IEEE 1905.1 abstraction layer sends control messages to this dedicated relay module, which handles the complex relay operations. This modular extraction allows the control functionality to be improved without proportionally increasing the complexity of the entire device, as the relay module can be implemented as a distinct functional block.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay module acts as an intermediary between the IEEE 1905.1 abstraction layer and the G.hn communication domain. It receives control messages from the abstraction layer and translates them into appropriate relay actions for G.hn packets. This intermediary structure allows the system to achieve enhanced network performance and flexibility while managing device complexity by confining the complex control logic to a specialized intermediate component rather than distributing it throughout the entire system.
3Reliability
If data packets are relayed using only G.hn connections, then connectivity is maintained, but network metrics and connectivity options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality in the relay module, enabling it to handle both G.hn domain packets and non-G.hn domain packets through the same hardware infrastructure. The relay module can be controlled by the IEEE 1905.1 abstraction layer to relay packets across different communication domains including G.hn, Wi-Fi, and other networks. This universal relay capability maintains reliable G.hn connectivity while simultaneously expanding connectivity options to multiple communication domains without requiring separate dedicated hardware for each domain.
Data Source
AI summary
A device including a first node configured to communicate, over a first connection, with a second node and a third node in a network. The first node includes a first network layer associated with a first communication domain. The first communication domain corresponds to the first connection. A second network layer is associated with the first communication domain and a second communication domain. The first communication domain and the second communication domain are different. The first network layer is configured to receive, from the second node, a data packet to be relayed to the third node, in a first mode, forward the data packet to the third node, and in a second mode, selectively provide the data packet to the second network layer. The second network layer is configured to, in the second mode, forward the data packet to the third node.