Load Control Network Coordination Beyond Wi-Fi Router Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Home Wi-Fi routers often have practical capacity limitations, unable to support the large number of Wi-Fi-enabled load control devices commonly found in residential and commercial settings, exceeding the router's traffic capacity.
Innovation Solution
Implement a load control device with dual wireless communication circuits capable of communicating via multiple protocols, allowing it to join a wireless network efficiently and manage network access, and a controller to determine conditions for network communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple Wi-Fi-enabled load control devices are connected to a home Wi-Fi router, then network connectivity and control capability are improved, but the router's traffic capacity is exceeded and network performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the network communication function into two separate communication circuits: one dedicated to Wi-Fi network communication and another dedicated to load control communication. This segmentation allows load control devices to communicate with each other and with controllers without all traffic passing through the Wi-Fi router, thereby resolving the router capacity limitation while maintaining network connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication protocol and communication circuit that mediates between the Wi-Fi network and the load control functions. This intermediary layer enables direct peer-to-peer communication between load control devices, reducing the burden on the Wi-Fi router and maintaining reliable network performance even with multiple devices.
2Ease of operation
If load control devices communicate exclusively via Wi-Fi network, then network management is simplified, but communication reliability fails when router capacity is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes load control devices multi-functional by equipping them with dual communication circuits: one for Wi-Fi network communication and another for direct load control communication. This universality allows devices to switch between communication paths or use both simultaneously, ensuring communication reliability while maintaining simplified network management through standardized protocols.
3Adaptability or versatility
If each load control device has wireless communication capability, then control flexibility is improved, but the number of devices exceeds router addressable capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication function by implementing separate communication circuits for different purposes: Wi-Fi connectivity for network integration and a second communication protocol for local load control operations. This allows numerous load control devices to operate beyond router addressable limits by reducing the number of devices that need unique Wi-Fi addresses while maintaining control flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus may control the power delivered from an AC power source to an electrical load, and may comprise a controllably conductive device. The apparatus may also comprise a controller that may be operatively coupled to a control input of the controllably conductive device. The apparatus may also include a first wireless communication circuit operable to communicate via a first protocol and to join a first wireless communication network operable to communicate via the first protocol. The first wireless communication circuit may be in communication with the controller. The controller may be operative to determine a first condition for communicating via the first protocol. The controller may also be operable to control the first wireless communication circuit to join the first wireless communication network upon the first condition being satisfied.