Powerline Communication Device Multi-Standard Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current powerline communication systems face challenges in achieving high throughput and wide coverage while maintaining compatibility with existing technologies, and they struggle with mobility issues in wired technologies and coverage holes and interference in wireless technologies.
Innovation Solution
A Powerline Communications (PLC) device that includes a processing module, memory, and a PLC interface, capable of transmitting and receiving queries and communications in multiple incompatible PLC standards, such as HomePlug and ITU G.hn, by allocating time slots and frequency bands based on link quality, throughput, security, and Quality of Service requirements to avoid conflicts and optimize data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If PLC systems transmit signals at low frequencies (below 30 MHz) to obtain suitable transmission distances, then transmission coverage is improved, but maximum data throughput is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts transmission frequency based on channel conditions and distance requirements. Different frequency ranges are selected depending on whether the priority is coverage or throughput, allowing the system to optimize performance for specific application scenarios rather than being constrained to a fixed frequency range
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission frequency parameter to resolve the contradiction. By operating in higher frequency ranges (above 30 MHz) when appropriate, the system achieves both extended coverage and high throughput simultaneously, rather than being limited to low frequencies for coverage extension
2Productivity
If PLC systems extend beyond 30 MHz to achieve high data throughput, then productivity is improved, but additional demands are placed on the dynamic range of transceivers
Solution Approach 1:
The frequency spectrum is segmented into different ranges (below and above 30 MHz), each serving different throughput requirements. The system selectively activates appropriate frequency segments based on application needs, avoiding the need for transceivers to handle the full dynamic range continuously
Solution Approach 2:
The PLC system is designed to operate universally across multiple frequency ranges, allowing a single transceiver design to serve both low-frequency (coverage-oriented) and high-frequency (throughput-oriented) applications without requiring excessive dynamic range capability
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple incompatible PLC communication standards operate simultaneously on the same powerline, then adaptability is improved, but communication conflicts increase
Solution Approach 1:
A coordination mechanism acts as an intermediary between different PLC standards operating on the same powerline. This mediator manages spectrum allocation and transmission timing to prevent conflicts, allowing multiple standards to coexist reliably while maintaining their individual adaptability benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic time-slot allocation where different PLC standards are granted transmission opportunities in alternating time periods. This periodic scheduling prevents simultaneous transmissions that would cause conflicts, enabling multi-standard operation while maintaining communication reliability
Data Source
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AI summary
A Powerline Communications (PLC) device includes a processing module, memory coupled to the processing module, and a PLC interface coupled to the processing module. The PLC device transmits a plurality of PLC queries, two of the plurality of PLC queries complying with differing and incompatible PLC communication standards. It then receives a plurality of responses from a plurality of other PLC devices, two responses received from respective PLC devices complying with two differing and incompatible PLC communication standards. The PLC device then directs each of the two PLC devices to transmit communications of the differing and incompatible PLC communication standards in an attempt to avoid PLC communication conflicts. The PLC device may establish non-PLC communications with a remote communications device. The PLC device may bridge communications between remote PLC devices and between a remote PLC device and a remote non-PLC device.