IP–RF4CE Gateway Pairing for Cross-Network Device Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network device management mechanisms struggle to effectively manage communications between devices connected via multiple network types, such as IP and RF4CE networks, leading to inefficiencies and challenges in device association and authentication.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for managing network devices that involve receiving and matching device identifiers across multiple networks, authenticating devices, and establishing associations using IP and RF4CE networks, allowing for seamless communication and command transmission between devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If devices communicate via multiple network types (IP and RF4CE), then communication versatility is improved, but device management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication versatilityVSAvoiddevice management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a gateway device as an intermediary between IP network devices and RF4CE network devices. The gateway receives device identifiers from both networks, performs matching operations, and establishes associations between devices across the different network types. This mediator approach resolves the management complexity by centralizing the cross-network coordination function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The gateway device performs multiple functions: it operates as an IP network device, an RF4CE network device, and a matching server simultaneously. By consolidating these functions in a single device, the system achieves multi-functionality that simplifies the overall management architecture while supporting communication across multiple network types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If device identifiers are matched across multiple networks, then association accuracy is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassociation accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The gateway device performs device identifier matching as a preliminary action during the initial association setup phase. By pre-matching device identifiers from IP and RF4CE networks and establishing associations in advance, the system ensures accurate device pairing before actual communication begins, reducing the need for repeated matching operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12439317B2Systems and methods for managing network devices

Publication Date: 2025.10.07 COMCAST CABLE COMM LLC

AI summary

Methods and systems for pairing two or more devices are described. A user device may pair with one or more other devices. An identifier may be utilized to pair the user device with the one or more other devices.