Mesh Router Protocol Conversion for Controller-Free T&M Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing test and measurement (T&M) systems require complex manual configuration and re-configuration when devices are added or changed, and often rely on a central controller that can introduce a single point of failure.
Innovation Solution
A mesh router with multiple communication interfaces for IP and non-IP protocols that adapt data streams between different communication protocols, enabling devices to form a mesh network without a central controller, allowing seamless interconnection and dynamic network adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a central controller is used to control T&M systems, then system control capability is improved, but system reliability deteriorates due to single point of failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized control function into distributed control nodes. Each T&M device or gateway can independently make routing and configuration decisions, eliminating the single point of failure while maintaining control capability through decentralized intelligence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control where control functions can adapt and relocate based on network conditions. Control capabilities are not fixed to a single node but can dynamically shift to different devices, providing both ease of operation and high reliability through flexible, adaptive control architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration is used for T&M systems, then system adaptability is improved, but device complexity and time consumption worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service configuration through automated discovery and negotiation protocols. Devices automatically detect each other's capabilities, negotiate communication parameters, and configure themselves without manual intervention, maintaining adaptability while eliminating configuration complexity and time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring devices with capability profiles and negotiation protocols before actual connection. This allows devices to automatically adapt to each other upon connection without requiring complex real-time manual configuration, reducing both complexity and time while preserving adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If protocol conversion is implemented in mesh routers, then network interoperability is improved, but router processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces gateway devices as intermediaries that specialize in protocol conversion. These gateways act as mediators between different protocol domains, handling the complex translation tasks while regular mesh routers maintain simpler forwarding logic. This distributes processing complexity to specialized nodes while maintaining high interoperability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality in mesh routers by enabling them to perform both native protocol forwarding and learned protocol translation. Routers can dynamically adapt to handle multiple protocol types through learning and adaptation mechanisms, providing universal interoperability capability while maintaining relatively simple base architecture that only becomes complex when actually needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a mesh router (10) for connecting to a mesh network. The mesh router (10) comprises a plurality of communication interfaces comprising: at least a first communication interface (12a, 12b) adapted to receive and/or transmit data according to an IP based communication protocol, and at least a second communication interface (11a, 11b, 11c) adapted to receive and/or transmit data according to a non-IP based communication protocol. The mesh router (10) is further directly or indirectly connected to at least one further node in the mesh network via at least one of the communication interfaces; and is configured to: adapt a data stream received via the first communication interface (12a, 12b) according to the non-IP based communication protocol and forward said data stream via the second communication interface (11a, 11b, 11c), and to adapt a data stream received via the second communication interface (11a, 11b, 11c) according to the IP based communication protocol and forward said data stream via the first communication interface (12a, 12b). The present disclosure further relates to a measurement and/or auxiliary device comprising at least one mesh router (10) and to a mesh communication system.