Mesh Network Interoperation via Protocol Translation Bridges
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radio communication systems face challenges in interoperation and cooperation between devices using different protocols due to differences in electronic interface standards, communication protocols, radio frequencies, and vendor-specific implementations, limiting their ability to communicate across different mesh networks and physical radio ranges.
Innovation Solution
A mesh network system with central controlling units configured to communicate via an external network, utilizing interaction matrices to manage device identities and interconnections, and employing protocol translation bridges to facilitate communication between devices operating on various RF protocols, thereby enabling interoperation and extending radio communication ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If devices use different radio communication protocols (KNX RF, ZigBee, Bluetooth, Z-Wave), then each protocol can be optimized for specific applications and regions, but interoperation and cooperation between devices from different protocols and vendors is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway device as an intermediary that translates between different radio communication protocols. The gateway receives messages from devices using one protocol, translates them to another protocol, and forwards them to target devices. This mediator approach enables interoperation between devices using different protocols (KNX RF, ZigBee, Bluetooth, Z-Wave) without requiring changes to the devices themselves, thus maintaining protocol-specific optimization while enabling cross-protocol communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway device is designed with multi-functionality to support multiple radio communication protocols simultaneously. It can operate as a protocol translator between any supported protocol combinations and provide additional functions like message routing, device management, and network coordination. This universal approach allows a single device to enable interoperation across multiple protocol ecosystems.
2Device complexity
If radio communication is limited to direct logical operational conformity between devices within specific physical radio range, then protocol implementation is simplified, but network coverage and device connectivity are constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the network into multiple segments or zones, each managed by a gateway device. Devices within a segment communicate using direct logical operational conformity, maintaining simple protocol implementation. The gateway acts as a bridge between segments, forwarding messages between devices in different physical locations. This segmentation allows the network to cover larger areas while keeping individual protocol implementations simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway serves as an intermediary that extends the communication range beyond direct radio contact. It receives messages from devices within its radio range, processes and translates them, and forwards them to devices in other segments that may be outside direct radio range. This mediator approach enables network coverage to extend far beyond the physical radio range of individual devices while maintaining simple protocol implementations at the device level.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A mesh network system comprising at least a first mesh network controlled by a first central controlling unit CU and at least a second mesh network controlled by a second central controlling unit CU is disclosed. The at least first central controlling unit and the at least second central controlling unit is configured to communicate via an external network. Respective central controlling units CU are configured to facilitate interoperations between devices located in different mesh networks.