Wireless Network Node Switching When Control Hub Fails

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication networks face challenges in maintaining functionality when the application control hub becomes unavailable, leading to increased network traffic and disrupted data exchange.

Innovation Solution

A network node capable of switching between centralized and distributed operation modes based on the availability of the application control hub, allowing direct communication with target nodes when the hub is unavailable, thereby maintaining functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the network operates in centralized mode through the application control hub, then centralized control of data exchange is achieved, but network functionality is disrupted when the hub becomes unavailable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork functionalityVSAvoidoperation mode management
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The network node dynamically switches between centralized and distributed operation modes based on the availability of the application control hub. The operation control unit monitors hub availability and automatically transitions the application unit from centralized mode (communicating through the hub) to distributed mode (direct node-to-node communication) when the hub is unavailable, and vice versa when the hub becomes available again.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameter of communication path selection based on hub availability status. When the hub is available, communication routes through the centralized hub; when unavailable, the parameter changes to enable direct peer-to-peer communication between nodes, maintaining network functionality under varying conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If direct communication between nodes is enabled when the hub is unavailable, then network resilience is improved, but network traffic management becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork resilienceVSAvoidcommunication path management
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication functionality is segmented into two distinct modes: centralized communication through the application control hub and distributed direct communication between nodes. The operation control unit segments the decision-making process by monitoring hub availability and routing communications appropriately, allowing the network to maintain resilience through distributed paths while managing complexity through automated mode selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Duration of action of stationary object

If the network switches to distributed mode automatically, then continuous operation is maintained, but control precision is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous operationVSAvoidcontrol precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The network control mechanism dynamically adjusts between centralized and distributed modes based on real-time hub availability. When the hub is available, centralized mode provides precise control through the control hub. When the hub is unavailable, the system dynamically transitions to distributed mode to maintain continuous operation, accepting reduced control precision as a necessary trade-off for availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4136807B1Network node for operation under non-availability of application control hub
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV
  • EP4136807B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4136807B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4136807B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention is directed to a network node (100) for communicating in a wireless communication network (150) that comprises an application unit (102) for performing one or more predetermined application functions. The network node comprises an input interface (104) for receiving availability signals (AS) indicative of an availability or non-availability of a respective application control hub for centralized control of data exchange (130) with respect to the respective application function. An operation-control unit (106) is configured to switch operation of the application unit from a centralized-operation mode to a distributed operation mode upon determining that the availability signal is indicative of the non-availability of the respective application control hub thus implementing an alternative operation mode where instead of providing first wireless communication signals (S1) to the application control hub, second communication signals (S2) are sent directly to one or more of the target network nodes (132).