Parent Node Selection in Power Line Communication Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Node devices in power line communication networks often disconnect due to crosstalk and interference, leading to instability and delayed reconnection, which affects the hierarchy and stability of the communication network.

Innovation Solution

A method for selecting a parent node device based on statistical knowledge of transmission quality organized by calendar periods, where node devices verify potential transmission disturbances and switch to a more stable parent node to ensure network stability, using a calendar monitoring mechanism to anticipate and mitigate disturbances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If node devices use PLC line carriers for communication in a tree-shaped network, then communication range is extended and hierarchical structure is established, but node devices experience disconnection due to crosstalk and interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication rangeVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by collecting statistical knowledge of transmission quality before disconnection occurs. The calendar monitoring mechanism proactively identifies periods with expected transmission disturbances and pre-selects alternative parent nodes, allowing node devices to switch connections before actual disconnection happens, thus maintaining network reliability while preserving the extended communication range of the tree-shaped topology

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If node devices switch parent nodes reactively after disconnection, then reconnection is achieved, but significant time delay occurs and network stability is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereconnection capabilityVSAvoidreconnection time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by continuously collecting statistical knowledge of transmission quality between each node device and potential parent nodes, organized by calendar periods. Before disconnection occurs, the system identifies alternative parent nodes that would provide stable connection, enabling immediate switching without time delays when disturbances occur

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where transmission quality statistics are continuously monitored and used to inform parent node selection decisions. The calendar monitoring mechanism uses historical transmission quality data to predict future performance and adjust parent node selection accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that reduces reconnection time by anticipating problems before they occur

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of information

If statistical knowledge is collected continuously without time organization, then transmission quality data is available, but transmission disturbances cannot be anticipated for specific periods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission quality informationVSAvoiddisturbance anticipation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the continuous statistical knowledge into discrete calendar periods, organizing transmission quality data by time intervals. This segmentation allows the calendar monitoring mechanism to identify patterns and predict which specific periods are likely to experience transmission disturbances, enabling proactive parent node selection for each calendar period rather than treating all time equally

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements periodic action by organizing statistical knowledge according to calendar periods and using this periodic structure to anticipate transmission disturbances. The calendar monitoring mechanism evaluates transmission quality statistics for upcoming calendar periods and proactively selects parent nodes before disturbances occur, transforming continuous data collection into periodic, actionable insights

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3122006B1Method for selecting a parent node device in a tree-shaped communication network
Publication Date: 2018.04.18 SAGEMCOM ENERGY & TELECOM SAS
  • EP3122006B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3122006B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3122006B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

In a tree-like communication network implemented on an electrical power supply network, a first node device obtains (503) statistical knowledge of transmission quality between said first node device and each second node device that can take the role of parent node device for said first node device, said statistical knowledge being organized according to a division of time into calendar periods.The said first node device implements a calendar monitoring mechanism such that, for each switchover to a new calendar period, the said first node device checks (504), based on statistical data, whether transmission disturbances are envisaged between the said first node device and the parent node device to which the said first node device is attached; and selects, if checked positively, another parent node device for the said new calendar period.