PoE Injector With Remote Reset And Wireless Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) injectors do not provide wireless access to local-area networks and require physical access to reset network devices to factory-default settings, which can be difficult for remotely installed devices.

Innovation Solution

A PoE injector with a power-converting module, Ethernet ports for data and power transmission, and an external-reset mechanism that sends a reset control command via a floating DC-voltage bias signal on data pins, allowing remote rebooting of network devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a typical PoE injector is used to provide power to a remote network device, then the network device can receive electrical power without being near a power outlet, but the user cannot reset the device remotely and must physically access the device at a hard-to-reach location

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote reset capabilityVSAvoidPoE injector functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The PoE injector is enhanced with multiple functions: it provides power injection through the Ethernet cable, wireless LAN access point functionality for network connectivity, and remote device control capability through external reset buttons that send control signals to reset the network device without physical access to the device itself

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary wireless access point component that bridges the gap between the PoE injector and the remote network device. This intermediary provides both network connectivity and serves as a control interface, allowing users to remotely trigger reset commands on the network device through the wireless access point without needing to physically reach the device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a wireless access point is added to provide wireless LAN access, then wireless connectivity is available, but an additional power outlet is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless access capabilityVSAvoidpower infrastructure requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the PoE injector and wireless access point into a single integrated device. The PoE injector provides both power injection and wireless connectivity functions through one unit, eliminating the need for a separate wireless access point and its associated power outlet requirement. The device can draw power from the same Ethernet cable it uses for data transmission

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the network device is installed at a remote location for maximal coverage, then network coverage is optimized, but physical access for maintenance and resetting becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork coverageVSAvoiddevice accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service remote management capabilities where the network device can be reset and controlled remotely through the integrated PoE injector and wireless access point. The external reset buttons on the injector allow users to trigger reset commands on the remote network device without needing to physically access the device's reset button, enabling maintenance operations from a remote location

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables wireless access to local-area networks and remote resetting of network devices without physical access, simplifying maintenance and reducing costs associated with accessing hard-to-reach installations.

Implementation Method 1

a power-converting module for converting the first electric power signal to a second electric power signal. The second power electric signal is a direct current, DC, signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPower conversion:

Implementation Method 2

the external-reset mechanism is configured to generate and send a reset-control command to the network device via a floating DC-voltage bias signal on the data pins of the second Ethernet port

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical signal transmission: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP2909968B1Power over ethernet apparatuses and method for resetting a configuration of a remote device
Publication Date: 2020.09.23 UBIQUITI INC
  • EP2909968B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2909968B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~1D
  • EP2909968B1 patent drawingFigure 1E~1F

AI summary

A PoE-enabled wireless device facilitates providing wireless access to a local area network (LAN) by receiving power from an Ethernet cable. The device includes a first Ethernet port that can receive a power signal. The device also includes a second Ethernet port that facilitates coupling the apparatus to the LAN, and includes a wireless module to provide a wireless network connection to the LAN. Specifically, the wireless module receives power from the power signal of the first Ethernet port to provide the wireless network connection. The wireless device can also include a third Ethernet port for providing power and a network connection to a remote network device. The wireless device can use the third Ethernet port to send an external-reset signal to the remote network device, which facilitates remotely resetting a configuration of the remote network device without having to physically access the remote network device.