Hybrid PLC-RF Packet Routing for Lower Fragment Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing powerline communication systems in electrical supply networks face significant latency in transmitting IP packet fragments due to fixed communication medium choices between hybrid nodes, leading to channel occupancy conflicts and increased transmission delays.
Innovation Solution
A method that alternates the communication medium between successive pairs of node devices, allowing nodes to switch between powerline and radio frequency based on availability and need, ensuring acknowledgement messages are sent on different channels to avoid conflicts and reduce latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the communication medium is fixed for route construction periods, then the system complexity is reduced and routing is simplified, but the transmission latency increases due to channel occupancy conflicts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the communication medium selection dynamic rather than static. Hybrid nodes can switch between PLC and RF media based on real-time channel availability and congestion status. This allows the system to adapt to changing network conditions, reducing transmission latency when channel conflicts occur while maintaining simplified routing logic through predefined route construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of communication medium selection from a fixed state to a variable state. Nodes can change the medium parameter (PLC or RF) based on channel occupancy conditions, allowing optimization of transmission timing without requiring complex route reconstruction. This parameter flexibility resolves the contradiction between simple routing and low latency.
2Device complexity
If the same communication medium is used for fragment transmission and acknowledgement messages, then the communication protocol is simplified, but the channel occupancy causes increased transmission delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new dimension to communication by utilizing multiple media dimensions (PLC and RF) simultaneously. When one medium is occupied for fragment transmission, the system can switch to the other medium for acknowledgement messages, effectively adding a temporal and media-dimensional alternative to avoid conflicts. This reduces transmission delays without significantly increasing protocol complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by having hybrid nodes pre-assess channel occupancy conditions before transmitting acknowledgements. If the current medium is occupied, the node proactively selects the alternative medium in advance, avoiding waiting delays. This preliminary medium selection based on predicted channel availability reduces transmission delays while keeping the protocol relatively simple.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces latency in IP packet fragment transmission by enabling flexible medium selection, optimizing communication paths and avoiding channel occupancy conflicts, thereby enhancing network efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Powerline communications PLC are developing, in particular in the context of electrical supply networks of the AMM type
Implementation Method 2
an RF (the acronym for radio-frequency) channel can be used in place of one of said PLC frequency bands
Data Source
AI summary
A transmission method for transmitting a fragment of an IP packet from a first node device to a third node device through a second node device. The first and second node devices are configured for communicating by powerline and by radio frequency. The second and third node devices can communicate only using a single communication medium from powerline and radio frequency. A first fragment sent by said first node device either by powerline or by radio frequency is received. An acknowledgement message is sent by to said first node device using a second communication medium selected from powerline and radio frequency so that it is different from said single medium. Then said first fragment is transmitted to said third node device using said single communication medium.