IoT Border Router Automating Mesh Network Commissioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large-scale IoT-network installations, manual commissioning of numerous IoT-devices is impractical due to time constraints and organizational overhead, especially when staff responsible for installation and commissioning differ, and existing methods are inefficient for handling high numbers of devices like 5 to 1000 or more.
Innovation Solution
A building technology device communication system that includes a border router, remote server, and commissioning device, utilizing a wireless mesh network and ad-hoc communication mode to automate the configuration and commissioning process by collecting and associating identifier information data with signal strength indicators, allowing selective device joining and authorization, and employing a remote server for authorization data management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual commissioning is used for each IoT-device individually, then identification information can be obtained from each device, but the commissioning process becomes extremely time-consuming and impractical for large numbers of devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the commissioning process for multiple IoT-devices into a single automated operation. The border router collects identification information from multiple devices simultaneously through wireless communications, and the external system processes all devices in batch, eliminating the need for individual manual commissioning of each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a border router as an intermediary between the IoT-network devices and the external commissioning system. The border router facilitates automated information exchange by collecting identification data from multiple devices and transmitting it to the external system, enabling streamlined batch commissioning without direct manual intervention for each device.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual commissioning is performed by installation staff, then devices can be configured, but additional organizational overhead is generated when installation and commissioning staff differ
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables IoT-devices to be self-configuring through automated processes. Devices transmit their identification information automatically to the border router, which then facilitates their integration into the network without requiring manual configuration by specialized staff, thereby eliminating organizational overhead between installation and commissioning teams.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary automated configuration actions during the installation phase itself. The border router collects identification information and initiates the commissioning process automatically as devices are added to the network, eliminating the need for subsequent manual commissioning by separate staff members.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing commissioning methods are used, then small numbers of devices can be managed, but scalability to large installations of 5 to 1000 or more devices is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the commissioning mode from manual individual processing to automated batch processing. The system parameters are adjusted to handle large volumes of devices simultaneously through automated information collection and processing, enabling scalability from small to large installations while maintaining high commissioning efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal commissioning system that can handle any number of IoT-devices from small to large installations through the same automated border router mechanism. The system is designed to be multi-functional, accommodating different network sizes and device types without requiring different commissioning approaches.
Data Source
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AI summary
A building technology device communication system is provided, comprising at least one border router comprising a first network interface configured to connect to an external network, and a second network interface configured to connect to an IoT- network, and wherein the border router is configured to logically and/or physically connect the external network to the IoT-network, preferably in a wireless mesh network, and a plurality of IoT-network devices in the IoT-network connected directly and/or indirectly to the at least one boarder router by wired and/or wireless connection, wherein the plurality of IoT- network devices is adapted to selectively operate in an ad-hoc communication mode.