IP-Based Household Network Segmentation via Ethernet Switches

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional household automation and communication systems are inflexible and not compatible with components from different manufacturers, limiting their adaptability and scalability.

Innovation Solution

A household communications network with multiple segments connected via switches, an IP-based system that includes an access server for script-controlled data processing, allowing for scalability and compatibility with various devices, including power-over-Ethernet switches and multicast capabilities, enabling flexible configuration and integration of diverse household terminals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional household automation systems use components from a single manufacturer, then system reliability is improved, but adaptability and scalability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal communication infrastructure based on standardized Ethernet switches and IP-based networking protocols that can accommodate devices from multiple manufacturers. The network architecture uses common communication standards (Ethernet, IP addressing, DHCP, DNS) that enable any compliant device to integrate into the household network, achieving multi-functionality and broad compatibility while maintaining system reliability through standardized protocols

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional household systems are designed for specific manufacturers, then ease of manufacture is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple incompatible systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the household communication system into independent network segments using Ethernet switches, where each device operates independently on the same standardized network infrastructure. This segmentation allows manufacturers to produce devices independently using standard Ethernet interfaces, simplifying manufacturing while reducing overall system complexity through modular, independent device operation on a common network platform

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If household communication systems lack standardized protocols, then adaptability is improved for custom solutions, but ease of operation deteriorates due to configuration difficulty

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service functionality through automated network protocols including DHCP for automatic IP address assignment, DNS for automatic domain name resolution, and automated connection establishment. Devices automatically configure themselves upon network connection without manual intervention, maintaining high adaptability while significantly improving ease of operation through automation of configuration tasks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9774468B2Home communication network
Publication Date: 2017.09.26 S SIEDLE & SOHNE TELEFON UND TELEGRAFENWERKE
  • US9774468B2 patent drawing
  • US9774468B2 patent drawing
  • US9774468B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Household communications network (1) comprising a plurality of network segments (2) which are coupled to one another via switches (3), subscribers (4) of the household communications network (1) each being connected to a port of a switch (3) via a connection line and being interconnected in pairs for communication by way of the switches (3).