Heterogeneous M2M Device Management via Relay Proxy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing M2M gateways often cannot support new network interfaces of heterogeneous M2M devices, requiring separate gateways and additional interfaces, which increases costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using network interfaces of other M2M devices to facilitate connections between new M2M devices and gateways through a Device Relay Proxy (DRP) function, allowing for communication even when the new device's interface is not directly supported by the gateway.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate M2M gateways are installed to support new network interfaces, then device compatibility is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables existing M2M gateways to support multiple network interfaces by allowing M2M devices to act as relay nodes. Instead of requiring separate gateways for each interface type, the system allows any M2M device with a compatible interface to forward communications, making the gateway infrastructure universal and multi-functional.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces M2M devices as intermediary relay nodes between the gateway and other devices. When a gateway cannot directly communicate with a device using a new interface, the communication is routed through an M2M device that has both the gateway's interface type and the new interface type, solving the compatibility issue without adding new gateways.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate M2M gateways are installed for each interface type, then interface support is improved, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing M2M gateways universal by enabling them to communicate with devices using various network interfaces through relay mechanisms. Instead of installing separate gateways for WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, and other interfaces, a single gateway can support all interfaces by routing communications through appropriate M2M relay devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables M2M devices to automatically function as relay nodes when needed. The system self-organizes by having devices advertise their interface capabilities and allowing the network to dynamically route communications through appropriate relays, eliminating the need for manual gateway installation and configuration for each interface type.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional interfaces are implemented for interworking among gateways, then interoperability is improved, but implementation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses M2M devices as intermediary relay nodes to handle interface interworking. Instead of implementing complex multi-interface support directly in gateways, the system routes communications through M2M devices that naturally support the required interfaces, simplifying gateway implementation while maintaining full interoperability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is related to managing heterogeneous M2M devices in a machine to machine (M2M) area network. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to supporting heterogeneous M2M devices (i.e., M2M devices not being supported in an M2M gateway) by employing a variety of network interfaces of other M2M devices in an M2M area network.