Wireless Access Node Secondary Controller for Remote Maintenance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Remotely located wireless access nodes in mesh networks are difficult to maintain due to the need for physical access for rebooting or resetting, which can disrupt network performance and security, especially when primary CPUs 'hang up' or require factory settings resets.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a secondary controller that allows system operators to remotely control wireless access nodes through a separate communication mode, such as infrared, RF, or ultrasonic signals, enabling alternate control functions like rebooting, resetting, or controlling peripheral devices without interfering with primary CPU operations, even if the primary CPU is not functioning properly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If access nodes are remotely located on streetlights, then network security and transmission quality are improved, but maintenance difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork securityVSAvoidmaintenance difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The control functionality is segmented into two independent paths: primary control through the CPU for normal operations, and secondary control through a dedicated controller for maintenance operations. This segmentation allows maintenance functions to be performed remotely without requiring physical access to the remotely located access node.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A secondary controller acts as an intermediary between the remote operator and the access node's primary CPU. This intermediary enables operators to perform maintenance functions (reboot, reset, factory settings) remotely by intercepting and processing control signals without needing to physically access the node on the streetlight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If access nodes are remotely located, then unobstructed transmission paths are achieved, but physical access for maintenance becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission qualityVSAvoidphysical access

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical/physical access requirement for maintenance is replaced with wireless communication-based control. The secondary controller receives wireless commands from operators and executes maintenance functions, substituting the need for physical presence with electronic control signals transmitted through the network.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of repair

If secondary controller is added for remote control, then maintenance capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The secondary controller is designed to handle multiple maintenance functions (reboot, reset, factory settings, status monitoring) through a single device. This multi-functionality approach adds only one component to the system while providing comprehensive remote maintenance capabilities, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7580705B2Remote wireless access node control

Publication Date: 2009.08.25 HITACHI ENERGY LTD

AI summary

A wireless access node is disclosed. The wireless access node includes a primary CPU for controlling wireless data transmission and reception, of the wireless access node with other access nodes. A secondary controller provides alternate control of the wireless access node. The secondary controller is separately controllable by a system operator.