Proxy Coordination Device Link Overhead Calculation for Hybrid PLC-RF Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid networking between Power Line Communication (PLC) and Radio Frequency (RF) networks is challenging due to differences in physical and link layers, packet formats, and routing methods, making it difficult to implement optimal network access paths in hybrid networks.
Innovation Solution
A method for calculating a network access parameter, such as a RANK value, for proxy coordination devices with PLC-RF dual-mode functions, which includes determining link overheads based on link quality parameters to help station devices select better network access paths, thereby improving operation efficiency in hybrid networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If PLC network is used for hybrid networking, then bandwidth and penetration capability are improved, but device complexity and network access difficulty increase due to different physical and link layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a unified network access mechanism that acts as an intermediary between PLC and RF networks. This mechanism standardizes the access process by defining common procedures for network entry, authentication, and resource allocation, thereby reducing the complexity caused by heterogeneous network layers while preserving the high bandwidth capabilities of PLC.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal network access framework that can handle both PLC and RF networks through the same procedures. By designing multi-functional access protocols that work across different physical layers, the system reduces access complexity without sacrificing the performance advantages of either network type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If RF network is used for hybrid networking, then device deployment flexibility is improved, but communication quality deteriorates in underground and tunnel scenarios due to physical obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic network selection and switching mechanisms that allow the system to adapt communication paths in real-time. When RF signals are blocked by physical obstacles, the system dynamically switches to PLC transmission through power lines, thereby maintaining communication reliability while preserving deployment flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission medium parameter from electromagnetic waves (RF) to electrical signals through conductors (PLC) when environmental conditions deteriorate. This parameter change allows the system to overcome physical obstacle blockages while maintaining the same network architecture and device deployment flexibility.
3Reliability
If PLC and RF networks are combined for hybrid networking, then mutual advantages are achieved, but network access difficulty increases due to different packet formats and routing manners
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity by standardizing packet formats and routing procedures across PLC and RF networks. By defining unified data structures, addressing schemes, and routing algorithms that work identically on both network types, the system achieves reliable hybrid networking while reducing access complexity through consistent handling procedures.
Data Source
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AI summary
This application provides a network access method for hybrid networking, a proxy coordination device, and a station device. The method includes: calculating, by a proxy coordination device, a network access parameter based on a link quality parameter of the proxy coordination device in a PLC network, where the network access parameter includes link overheads, and the link overheads are used to indicate overheads for performing network access by a station device through the proxy coordination device based on radio frequency RF communication; and sending, by the proxy coordination device, a DIO packet, where the DIO packet includes the link overheads. In the method provided in this application, the proxy coordination device calculates, based on the link quality parameter in the PLC network, the link overheads used to indicate link overheads for performing network access by the station device through the proxy coordination device based on RF communication, adds the link overheads to the DIO packet, and sends the DIO packet to the station device, so that the station device can select a better network access path based on the link overheads, helping to improve operation efficiency of a hybrid network.