PLC Network Relay Nodes for Alternate Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power line communications systems face challenges in reliability due to noisy environments and signal strength issues, particularly when nodes on low voltage lines cannot communicate directly with access points, and the need for additional infrastructure like repeaters and specific frequency usage limits bandwidth and range.
Innovation Solution
Implementing alternate routing using available media such as broadband Internet connections or radio frequency transceivers, allowing nodes to communicate indirectly through relay nodes, and using decentralized or centralized decision-making to select communication paths based on signal quality and other criteria, enabling nodes to switch between PLC and RF or other media for reliable data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power line carrier communications are used to transmit data over power lines, then data communication between meters and utility servers is enabled, but communication reliability deteriorates due to noisy environments and signal strength issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces relay nodes as intermediary devices that receive signals from one power line segment and retransmit them to another segment. These relay nodes act as mediators to overcome signal degradation and noise accumulation over long distances, thereby improving communication reliability without requiring all nodes to communicate directly with access points
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the power line communication network into multiple segments or zones, each managed by relay nodes. Instead of treating the entire power line system as a single communication channel, the network is segmented into manageable sections where signal quality can be maintained through localized relay operations, reducing the impact of noise and interference
2Device complexity
If direct communication between all nodes and access points is required, then communication path simplicity is maintained, but network infrastructure complexity increases due to need for repeaters and specific frequency usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables relay nodes to automatically discover their role in the network and self-configure routing paths without requiring manual intervention or complex centralized control. Relay nodes autonomously determine when to act as relays based on signal quality metrics and network conditions, reducing the need for complex infrastructure management while improving coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multiple communication dimensions by allowing data to traverse different paths through the network - direct paths for nearby nodes and relayed paths for distant nodes. This multi-dimensional routing approach eliminates the need for uniform repeater installation across all segments, reducing infrastructure complexity while maintaining reliable coverage
3Productivity
If higher frequency carriers are used to increase data rate, then data transmission speed improves, but transmission range deteriorates due to limited ability of power line circuits to carry higher frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic frequency selection where relay nodes can operate at different frequency carriers depending on the specific communication segment. High-frequency carriers are used for short-range direct communications where high data rates are needed, while low-frequency carriers are used for long-range relayed communications where transmission range is prioritized. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between speed and range
Data Source
AI summary
Meter nodes in a power line carrier (PLC) network may reliably communicate with an access point by alternate routes using additional media where available. A utility network may include one or more subnetworks. Each subnetwork may include one or more meter nodes and an access point configured to communicate with the meter nodes using PLC. Meter nodes operate as relays for other meter nodes to communicate with the access point. Some or all meter nodes may be configured to communicate using a power line carrier communications link and another communications link. The network may also include a node external to the subnetwork, e.g., a utility server. The access point may be configured to communicate with the node external to the subnetwork in addition to the meter nodes.