Multiprotocol Wireless Backbone for Industrial Network Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing industrial control and monitoring systems face challenges in efficiently integrating and updating older systems, particularly due to the complexity and reduced reliability and security at higher network levels when combining wireless and wired communication protocols.
Innovation Solution
A multiprotocol wireless backbone system is introduced, utilizing devices capable of communicating via multiple wireless protocols, such as 802.11, Bluetooth, and ZigBee, which segregate and secure networks while acting as gateways between different communication systems, reducing the need for redundant nodes and enhancing flexibility and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate controllers are provided for each subsystem at the lowest network level, then communication control and monitoring can be achieved, but device complexity and system integration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple protocol capabilities (802.11, Bluetooth, ZigBee) into a single wireless communication device that can operate across different network levels. This merging eliminates the need for separate controllers for each protocol, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable communication control through a unified multi-protocol platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless communication device is designed with universal multi-functionality, capable of supporting multiple wireless protocols simultaneously. This allows a single device to perform various communication tasks across different network levels (sensing/control level, supervisory level, enterprise level) without requiring protocol-specific hardware, thereby reducing system integration difficulty.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication protocols are integrated at higher network levels, then system expansion and updating become easier, but reliability and security are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into different virtual channels or logical layers within the multi-protocol device, allowing wireless communication functions to be isolated and managed separately. This segmentation enables system expansion and updating through wireless protocols while maintaining security by preventing unauthorized access between different network levels through proper protocol isolation and authentication mechanisms.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple wireless protocols are supported by a single device, then the number of devices required is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal wireless communication device with integrated multi-protocol support, incorporating multiple radio transceivers and protocol stacks within a single hardware platform. This universal design reduces the total number of devices needed in the network while managing protocol integration complexity through modular architecture and standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-protocol wireless device acts as an intermediary between different network levels and protocols, translating and bridging communications between 802.11, Bluetooth, and ZigBee protocols. This intermediary function consolidates multiple protocol handling capabilities into a single device, reducing device quantity while managing complexity through centralized protocol translation and routing logic.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, devices and systems for integrating multiple communication systems including multiple wireless communication protocols into a single system are discussed. In an illustrative example, a communication system includes a device adapted to communicate via first and second wireless communication protocols. The system may further include local area network or other wired sub-network, with the device adapted for first and second protocols also being adapted to operate using the local area network or other wired sub-network.