Auto-configuring Multi-layer Network Wired Wireless Redundancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions do not enable the use of an autonomous wired sub-network within a wireless environment, limiting redundancy and communication reliability in critical systems.
Innovation Solution
An auto-configuring multi-layer network method using different communication protocols, where nodes exchange information packets with unique identifiers, link quality, and time-to-live counters, allowing virtualization of nodes across layers and enabling communication between wired and wireless protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a redundant setup with both wired and wireless networks communicating with every node is implemented, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into multiple layers (wired layer and wireless layer) with different communication protocols. Each layer operates independently but provides redundant communication paths, allowing nodes to switch between layers if one fails, thereby improving reliability without requiring every node to handle both protocols simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
A gateway node is introduced as an intermediary between the wired and wireless networks. This gateway performs protocol conversion and routing functions, allowing seamless communication between the two network types while keeping the complexity localized to the gateway rather than distributed across all nodes
2Adaptability or versatility
If different communication protocols are used for wired and wireless networks, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway node is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple communication protocols (wired and wireless). It performs protocol conversion, routing, and network management functions universally, allowing the system to adapt to different protocol requirements while presenting a unified interface for operation
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-layer network system automatically configures itself by detecting which layer (wired or wireless) is available and routing communications accordingly. Nodes do not need manual configuration for different protocols; the system self-adjusts based on layer availability, improving ease of operation while maintaining protocol adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
An auto-configuring multi-layer network including different communication protocols, namely both wired and wireless protocols, interchangeably and indifferently to interconnect various devices such as, for example, controllers, actuators, alarms, sensors, interfaces, etc. The auto-configuring multi-layer network uses a virtualization functionality that mirrors devices from one layer having a given communication protocol unto another layer having a different communication protocol.