Multi-Subnet Access Point for Industrial Wireless QoS Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial wireless network infrastructures with a single subnet identifier face challenges in deployment and maintenance due to underutilization of access points and difficulty in identifying device groups for different applications and areas, leading to increased costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an industrial wireless network infrastructure that supports multiple subnetworks with access points configured to use multiple subnet identifiers, allowing for quality of service (QoS) enforcement based on applications, and enabling communication with device managers to manage and prioritize data traffic effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple access points with different subnet IDs are used, then different applications and areas can be identified, but the infrastructure becomes more complex and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The access point is designed to support multiple subnet IDs within a single device, enabling it to handle multiple applications and areas simultaneously. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate access points for each application, reducing overall infrastructure complexity while maintaining the ability to identify and manage different device groups.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple subnet ID functionalities are merged into a single access point device. Instead of deploying separate access points for different applications, the invention combines multiple subnet support within one access point, simplifying the infrastructure while preserving application-specific identification capabilities.
2Device complexity
If a single subnet ID is used, then infrastructure is simpler, but access points are underutilized and device groups cannot be identified
Solution Approach 1:
The access point is enhanced to support multiple subnet IDs, allowing a single device to serve multiple applications and device groups. This increases access point utilization by enabling one device to handle what previously required multiple devices, while maintaining infrastructure simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The access point continuously utilizes its capacity by handling multiple subnet IDs and application groups simultaneously. Instead of remaining underutilized with a single subnet ID, the access point maintains continuous productive action by managing diverse traffic streams across multiple applications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple access points are deployed, then application identification is improved, but installation and maintenance become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By making the access point universal with support for multiple subnet IDs, the system reduces the total number of devices that need to be installed and maintained. This single device handles multiple applications, simplifying deployment and ongoing maintenance while preserving the ability to identify and manage different device groups.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple access point functionalities into one device, reducing the number of installation and maintenance activities required. Instead of managing multiple separate access points, technicians work with a single multi-functional device, easing installation and maintenance while maintaining application identification capabilities.
4Reliability
If QoS is assigned to each wireless device, then service quality is improved, but management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
QoS management is segmented by application rather than by individual device. The system divides QoS policies into application-level segments, allowing multiple devices within the same application to share common QoS settings. This reduces management complexity while maintaining reliable quality of service for each application category.
Solution Approach 2:
The QoS management approach changes from device-level parameters to application-level parameters. By shifting the granularity of QoS assignment from individual devices to applications, the system simplifies management while preserving the ability to enforce quality of service requirements for different types of traffic.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides an industrial wireless network infrastructure supporting multiple subnetworks (subnets). An apparatus, system and method is provided that includes an access point comprising one or more wireless radios configured to communicate with one or more wireless devices; and one or more processors configured to enforce quality of service (QoS) based on multiple applications associated with the one or more wireless devices; wherein the access point is configured to use multiple subnetwork identifiers to communicate with the one or more wireless devices.