PLC Subnetwork Routing Device for On-Demand Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Powerline communication (PLC) technologies in domestic networks consume electricity continuously and generate unwanted electromagnetic waves, and there is no effective way to limit PLC communication to only the rooms that need it, leading to inefficiencies and interference between subnetworks.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for selectively activating and deactivating PLC subnetworks based on the presence and state of connected equipment, using intelligent circuit breakers and a service gateway to manage PLC signals, ensuring they are only active when necessary, thereby reducing energy consumption and electromagnetic radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If PLC communication is continuously active in all subnetworks, then communication availability is improved, but energy consumption increases and electromagnetic interference is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic activation and deactivation of PLC subnetworks based on real-time communication needs. The system monitors communication requests and automatically activates only the necessary subnetworks, transforming the static continuous operation into dynamic on-demand operation, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining communication availability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic monitoring of communication requests and status changes to determine when to activate or deactivate subnetworks. By checking for communication needs at specific intervals and responding to status changes, the system achieves periodic activation patterns that balance energy savings with communication availability.
2Reliability
If PLC communication is continuously active in all subnetworks, then communication availability is improved, but electromagnetic interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically controls the activation state of each subnetwork based on actual communication requirements. By switching subnetworks on and off in response to communication requests, the system minimizes the time that electromagnetic waves are generated, thereby reducing overall electromagnetic interference while ensuring communication availability when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and isolates the PLC communication function to only those subnetworks that currently require it. By separating active communication subnetworks from inactive ones, the system confines electromagnetic radiation to specific areas only when necessary, reducing overall electromagnetic interference in the home environment.
3Area of stationary object
If PLC communication is activated in multiple subnetworks, then communication coverage is improved, but interference between subnetworks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic subnetwork activation where each subnetwork is enabled only when there is a specific communication need. The routing device monitors communication requests and activates subnetworks on-demand, preventing simultaneous activation of multiple subnetworks unless absolutely necessary, thereby reducing interference while maintaining adequate communication coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by enabling PLC communication in specific subnetworks based on local communication needs rather than globally across all subnetworks. Each subnetwork's activation state is independently controlled according to its specific requirements, allowing communication coverage where needed while minimizing interference in areas where it is not required.
4Speed
If PLC adapters are always powered on, then communication responsiveness is improved, but unnecessary energy consumption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms the static always-on state of PLC adapters into a dynamic state where power consumption is adjusted based on communication needs. Adapters are powered on only when communication requests are detected and powered off when not needed, eliminating unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining responsiveness when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The routing device performs preliminary detection of communication needs before activating PLC adapters. By monitoring for communication requests in advance and activating adapters only when needed, the system avoids unnecessary energy consumption while ensuring that adapters are ready to respond when communication is actually required.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns a method and a device (6) for routing power-line communications (PLC) in a residential site (1) equipped with a plurality of electrical equipment (2-4, Ti) that is capable of communicating on a plurality of subnetworks (CP2-CP4) by means of power-line communications. The method is characterised in that it comprises the following steps for at least one subnetwork: - obtaining (E1, E10) a communication request comprising an identifier of a second item of electrical equipment (T2); - obtaining an association data structure of the subnetwork associating the subnetwork (CP2-CP4) with an identifier (MAC) of at least one first item of electrical equipment (T1); - comparing the obtained identifier of the second item of electrical equipment with the identifier of said at least one first item of electrical equipment associated with the subnetwork; - depending on the results of the comparison, commanding (E6) activation of the subnetwork.