IoT Communication Path Switching for Signal Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional IoT systems face challenges in cost-effectiveness and power consumption when communicating between devices, especially when signal quality from base stations is poor, leading to inefficient data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A communication method and system that dynamically switches between two communication paths based on signal quality or user demand, using an antenna switching circuit and control processor to establish connections between devices and base stations, allowing for efficient message transmission via HD-FDD mode without additional hardware costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If devices connect directly to base station for Internet access, then Internet connectivity is achieved, but data transmission fails when base station signal quality is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two communication paths based on real-time conditions: direct base station connection for Internet access, or device-to-device connection for local communication. This dynamic adaptation ensures reliable data transmission regardless of base station signal quality by selecting the appropriate communication mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes communication parameters by switching between different connection modes (base station routed vs. direct device-to-device) based on signal quality conditions. When base station signal is poor, the system transitions to alternative communication parameters that maintain connectivity.
2Reliability
If separate WWAN and LAN systems are used for base station connection and device communication, then connectivity is achieved, but cost and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines base station communication and device-to-device communication into a single integrated system. The same hardware components (antenna, RF circuit, processor) are used for both communication modes, eliminating the need for separate WWAN and LAN systems, thereby reducing cost and power consumption while maintaining connectivity reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication device is designed with multi-functionality to perform both base station communication and direct device-to-device communication using the same hardware resources. This universal design allows the system to adapt to different communication scenarios without requiring dedicated hardware for each function, reducing overall system complexity and power consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dual communication paths are established for different communication needs, then communication flexibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic path selection controlled by a processor that monitors communication conditions and automatically switches between base station connection and direct device-to-device connection. This dynamic control mechanism provides communication flexibility without requiring complex static dual-path infrastructure, simplifying the overall system structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication method in an Internet of Things environment is for transmitting an outgoing message to the Internet. The communication method includes a device status acquiring step, a switch process determining step and a message transmitting step. The device status acquiring step is performed to obtain a signal connecting status between a demand device and a first base station. The switch process determining step is performed to determine whether a switch process of the demand device is activated according to the signal connecting status. In response to determining that the switch process of the demand device is activated, establishing a first communication path to connect the demand device, a target device, a second base station, and the Internet. The message transmitting step is performed to transmit the outgoing message from the demand device to the Internet via one of the first communication path and the second communication path.