PLC Network Partitioning via Dedicated Filters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power Line Communications (PLC) networks face conflicts and incompatibilities due to uncontrolled signal propagation across shared wired networks, leading to reliability and control issues, especially when multiple PLC sub-networks are deployed on the same electric-power distribution network.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of dedicated filters, such as passive or active filters, opto-insulators, or switches, associated with specific nodes in the PLC network to selectively attenuate or block PLC signals, allowing for the partitioning of the network into isolated sub-networks, enabling controlled bidirectional communication and node management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If PLC networks share a common wired network infrastructure, then deployment flexibility and resource utilization improve, but signal collisions and network conflicts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the PLC network into multiple virtual sub-networks using virtualization techniques. Each virtual sub-network operates independently with its own time slots and communication parameters, preventing signal collisions while sharing the physical wired infrastructure. This segmentation approach allows multiple PLC networks to coexist on the same power line network without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a network manager or coordinator as an intermediary that manages time slot allocation and signal coordination across different virtual sub-networks. This intermediary ensures that signals from different PLC networks are transmitted in designated time slots, preventing collisions and maintaining communication reliability while allowing shared infrastructure usage.
2Area of stationary object
If PLC signals propagate freely over the wired network, then network coverage extends, but signal collisions and interference between sub-networks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic time slot allocation where different virtual sub-networks are assigned specific time windows for signal transmission. During its allocated time slot, a virtual sub-network can propagate signals freely across the wired network infrastructure, while other sub-networks remain silent. This periodic action pattern extends effective coverage while preventing signal collisions through temporal separation.
3Productivity
If multiple PLC sub-networks are deployed on the same wired network, then resource utilization improves, but management complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal network manager that handles multiple functions across all virtual sub-networks including time slot allocation, signal coordination, node registration, and conflict resolution. This single multi-functional controller simplifies management of multiple PLC sub-networks by providing centralized control mechanisms that work uniformly across all virtual networks deployed on the shared wired infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a Power Line Communications (PLC) network including a plurality of nodes having wirelines extending therebetween for propagating PLC signals between said nodes over said wirelines. The method includes coupling to a set of nodes of the PLC network respective partitioning filters, which can be activated for countering propagation of the PLC signals through the nodes to which said partitioning filters are coupled. The method also includes selectively activating filters chosen from among said partitioning filters, so that said PLC network is partitioned into a plurality of sub-networks with the propagation of PLC signals between the various sub-networks countered by the activated partitioning filters.