Multi-band Node Device Frequency Selection for Power Line Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The G3-PLC standard for power line communications limits node devices to a single frequency band, making network reconfiguration complex and hindering capacity expansion in Automated Meter Management (AMM) networks, as devices struggle to adapt and maintain communication after frequency band changes, leading to capacity constraints.
Innovation Solution
A method allowing node devices to transmit and receive messages on multiple frequency bands by estimating theoretical transmission duration, integrating occupancy rates across different time scales, and selecting the optimal frequency band for message transmission, enabling efficient use of various frequency bands like CENELEC A, CENELEC B, and FCC.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If node devices are limited to a single frequency band according to G3-PLC standard, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but network adaptability deteriorates and reconfiguration complexity increases when frequency band changes are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The node device is designed to support multiple frequency bands (CENELEC A, CENELEC B, FCC, ARIB) simultaneously, making it universal and adaptable to different frequency environments. The device can select and operate on any supported frequency band based on network conditions, eliminating the need for specialized single-band devices and simplifying network reconfiguration.
2Productivity
If frequency band reconfiguration is implemented in the network, then network capacity and functionality can be expanded, but device complexity increases and communication reliability deteriorates due to devices becoming incapable of communicating after frequency changes
Solution Approach 1:
The node device performs preliminary actions by maintaining capability to operate on multiple frequency bands before reconfiguration occurs. When network reconfiguration is needed, the device can already operate on the new frequency band without requiring complex reconfiguration procedures, ensuring continuous communication and maintaining reliability while enabling network capacity expansion.
3Productivity
If multiple frequency bands are supported by node devices, then throughput and resistance to disturbances are improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The node device employs feedback mechanisms to monitor occupancy rates of different frequency bands and automatically selects the most suitable frequency band for transmission. By continuously gathering information about network conditions and using this feedback for automatic frequency selection, the device achieves high throughput and disturbance resistance while keeping operation simple and automated.
4Measurement precision
If frequency band occupancy rates are monitored on single time scale, then measurement precision is improved for that specific scale, but adaptability to cyclical variations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The solution adds a time scale dimension by monitoring occupancy rates across multiple time scales (short-term, medium-term, long-term) simultaneously. This multi-dimensional approach allows precise measurement at each time scale while capturing cyclical variations in network usage patterns, enabling the device to adapt to different temporal patterns in frequency band occupancy.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and device for transmitting a message from a first node device to a second node device belonging to a neighborhood of said first node device, said first and second node devices belonging to an electrical power supply network using line carrier communications.The first node device is capable of transmitting and receiving messages on several frequency bands of a set of frequency bands, and prior to the transmission of the message the first node device: - estimates, for each frequency band, the duration of transmission of the message in each frequency band, - obtains (E34) from a database, integration results of occupancy rates of each frequency band determined over several time scales corresponding to the theoretical transmission duration of the message in each frequency band, - selects (E35) from the integration results of occupancy rates, a frequency band, and - transmits (E36) the message in the selected frequency band.