Micro-Net Wireless Bridging for Low-Latency Industrial Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless communication networks in industrial facilities face challenges in achieving ultra-low latency for mission-critical applications due to significant end-to-end latency in conventional communication methods, especially when user devices are located far from the central network core, and wired network deployment in remote locations is expensive and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method for micro-nets to communicate independently using dedicated user equipment and radio units, establishing a wireless connection between micro-nets without relying on the central core, thereby abstracting each micro-net from the other and providing redundant radio links for increased reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If communication between user devices in different micro-nets is routed through the central network core, then authentication and network management are centralized and controlled, but end-to-end latency increases significantly (average 168 ms)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecentralized controlVSAvoidend-to-end latency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the centralized network core functionality into distributed micro-nets, where each micro-net replicates essential network functions locally. This allows communication to be handled within the distributed network rather than routing all traffic through the central core, reducing latency while maintaining centralized management capabilities for critical operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dedicated user equipment and radio units as intermediaries between micro-nets. These intermediaries establish direct communication paths between micro-nets, acting as mediators that enable low-latency data transmission while the central network core retains control over authentication and management functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If wired networks are deployed to connect micro-nets in remote locations, then network connectivity is stable and reliable, but deployment cost and time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork connectivityVSAvoiddeployment cost and time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless communication system using dedicated radio units and user equipment. This substitution eliminates the need for physical cable deployment in remote locations, significantly reducing deployment cost and time while maintaining reliable network connectivity through established wireless communication protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If dedicated user equipment and radio units are used to establish wireless connections between micro-nets, then deployment flexibility and speed improve, but network complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment flexibilityVSAvoidnetwork configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs universal dedicated user equipment and radio units that can operate across multiple micro-nets and scenarios. These multi-functional devices simplify network configuration by providing standardized interfaces and protocols, reducing the complexity that would otherwise arise from custom configurations for each wireless connection between micro-nets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20260012876A1Method for communicating between two micro-nets

Publication Date: 2026.01.08 SIEMENS AG

AI summary

A method of communicating with a first user equipment of a first micro-net. The method includes receives one or more packets from the second user equipment associated with the second micro-net and transmitting the one or more packets to a first user plane function of the first micro-net, wherein the first user plane function is configured to transmit the one or more packets to the first user equipment of the first micro net based on the destination information of the one or more packets. The second user plane function is connected to the first user plane function via a first pair of first dedicated user equipment and first radio unit and a second pair of second dedicated user equipment and second radio unit.