Network Installation Configuration Stack With Adapter Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
The configuration of network components in building services is complex due to the need to manage multiple parameters and their interdependencies, leading to increased installer effort and inefficiency, particularly when frequent configurations are required.
Innovation Solution
Implementing two parallel protocol stacks with an adapter module that maps between a complete and a reduced parameter set, allowing simplified configuration through the reduced set while ensuring compatibility and flexibility with updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complete parameter set is stored in the component's firmware for full configuration flexibility, then configuration versatility is improved, but device complexity and installer effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The parameter set is segmented into two distinct sets: a complete parameter set stored in the component's firmware for full configuration flexibility, and a reduced parameter set stored in a database for simplified installer access. This segmentation allows different user groups to access appropriate levels of complexity without overwhelming them.
Solution Approach 2:
A mapping mechanism acts as an intermediary between the complete parameter set in firmware and the reduced parameter set in the database. This mapping allows the reduced set to reference and control the relevant parameters in the complete set, providing simplified access while maintaining full functionality when needed.
2Reliability
If all parameters are stored in the component's firmware to ensure complete functionality, then reliability is improved, but loss of information increases due to redundant storage
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the complete parameter set stored in firmware with a reduced parameter set stored in a database. The mapping mechanism combines these two storage locations into a unified configuration system, eliminating redundant storage while ensuring that all parameters remain accessible and functional.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of storing complete parameter sets in multiple locations, the system creates a reduced copy in the database that references the complete set in firmware. This copying approach minimizes redundant storage while preserving access to all necessary parameters through the mapping mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If simplified parameter sets are used to reduce installer effort, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability decreases for complex configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration system is made dynamic by allowing installers to access either the reduced parameter set for simple configurations or the complete parameter set for complex configurations. The mapping mechanism dynamically routes parameter access based on which set is being modified, providing adaptability without increasing operational complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If frequent configuration changes are required to adapt to updates, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time increases due to reconfiguration effort
Solution Approach 1:
The complete parameter set is pre-configured in the firmware during manufacturing, with all possible configuration options already available. When updates are required, the mapping mechanism allows selective modification of only the necessary parameters in the reduced set, rather than requiring complete reconfiguration, thus saving time while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
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Figure 3
AI summary
A device for use as a network node in a computer network, comprising: a memory containing a first configuration stack, a second configuration stack, and an adapter module; and an interface module; wherein the first configuration stack contains a first plurality of parameters with associated parameter values and communication data points; wherein the second configuration stack contains a second plurality of parameters with associated parameter values and communication data points; wherein the second plurality of parameters with associated parameter values and communication data points is a real or improper subset of the first plurality of parameters; wherein the adapter module contains a data structure that maps the first plurality to the second plurality;and wherein the device is configured to receive read and write accesses from other network nodes in a computer network via the interface module and, in response to a read access, to provide parameters and associated parameter values of the first and second plurality and, in response to a write access, to set parameter values of the first or second plurality to parameter values specified in the write access.