Single Radio Sharing for Multi-Network IEEE 802.15.4 Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
IEEE802.15.4 networks, such as ZigBee networks, are incompatible, requiring cumbersome, costly, and complex configurations to exchange information between Smart Energy (SE) and Home Automation (HA) networks, necessitating special adaptations for data transfer between different standards.
Innovation Solution
A single device is designed to operate on multiple IEEE802.15.4 networks using a single radio portion, processing unit, and computer-readable medium with instructions that allow it to share the radio among various networks, enabling it to function as a sleepy end device or coordinator node on different networks by polling parent nodes and reconfiguring the radio portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single device operates on multiple IEEE802.15.4 networks by sharing a radio portion, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but network compatibility and data exchange efficiency deteriorate due to standard incompatibilities between SE and HA networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single device that can operate on multiple IEEE802.15.4 networks (both SE and HA networks) by sharing a radio portion among different network protocols. The device is designed with universal functionality to participate in multiple network types simultaneously, reducing the need for separate dedicated devices for each network standard.
Solution Approach 2:
The device acts as an intermediary between incompatible SE and HA networks. By having a single device participate in both networks, it serves as a bridge that enables data exchange between the two incompatible standards without requiring complex gateway infrastructure or multiple specialized devices.
2Productivity
If a device polls parent nodes frequently to retrieve communications from multiple networks, then data exchange efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases due to repeated radio reconfiguration and polling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The device implements periodic polling of parent nodes on different networks rather than continuous monitoring. It systematically cycles through each network, polling parent nodes at regular intervals to retrieve available communications. This periodic approach balances data exchange efficiency with energy conservation by avoiding constant radio activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device dynamically reconfigures its radio portion based on current operational needs. When polling a specific network, the radio is configured for that network's frequency and parameters, then reconfigured for the next network. This dynamic adaptation optimizes communication efficiency while minimizing energy waste by only activating radio functions when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method whereby a device may operate on two IEEE802.15.4 networks is disclosed. In one embodiment, the multi-network device comprises exactly one radio portion, a processing unit and a computer readable medium, in communication with the processing unit The computer read medium comprises instructions which, when executed, allow the device to share the radio portion among a plurality of IEEE802.15.4 networks. In a further embodiment, the multi-network device acts as a sleepy end device on one of the IEEE802.15.4 networks in which it participates. In another embodiment, it may operate as a coordinator node on one of the plurality of IEEE802.15.4 networks.