Network Map Generation for Home Device Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current home networks face challenges in predicting the performance of devices like PLC modems and WLANs, as it depends on power line installation and distance/walls, making it difficult to optimize device placement and choose the best access technology.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for generating network maps that automatically determine the optimal placement of home networking devices and recommend the best access technology by measuring channel properties and physical characteristics using two home networking units that support multiple technologies, allowing for simultaneous consideration of wireless and wired technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If home networking devices are deployed without automated measurement, then device placement and technology selection are made easily, but network performance prediction becomes unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing the network units to automatically perform measurements and generate network maps without requiring manual intervention or complex external measurement equipment. The units autonomously probe channel properties, determine performance parameters, and create comprehensive network maps that enable reliable performance prediction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurements of channel properties and network characteristics before final device placement and technology selection are made. By conducting these measurements in advance and generating network maps that visualize performance parameters, the system enables informed decision-making about optimal device placement and access technology selection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple access technologies are considered simultaneously, then optimal technology selection is improved, but measurement and analysis complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network units are designed with multi-functionality to support multiple access technologies (wireless and wired) simultaneously. The units can probe and measure different channel properties across various technologies using the same measurement framework, enabling comprehensive comparison and selection without requiring separate measurement systems for each technology type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the measurement and analysis of multiple access technologies into a unified process. By combining wireless and wired technology measurements within a single network map generation process, the system provides comprehensive technology selection guidance while avoiding the complexity of separate measurement and analysis procedures for each technology.
3Ease of operation
If automated network map generation is implemented, then device placement optimization is improved, but implementation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by enabling network units to automatically generate network maps and determine optimal device placement without requiring manual configuration or complex external tools. The units autonomously perform measurements, process data, and provide placement recommendations, simplifying the overall implementation while maintaining optimization capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present invention relate to a method, and various systems operable or arranged to implement that method, of generating a network map illustrating availability of network access technologies in various locations of the network. The method may comprise the following steps: (a) sending, by a first network unit, the location of which is identified by a first identifier, first data to a second network unit, the location of which is identified by a second identifier, whereby the first data is sent using at least two different network access technologies and is sent to at least two different possible locations for the second network unit; (b) receiving by the first network unit from the second network unit, first measurement data relating to the sent first data; and (c) generating the network map based on the measurement data, the first identifier and the second identifier.