Wireless Barrier Bridging via Local Power and Wired Link
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for interconnecting wireless field device networks across barriers, such as physical obstacles or different network protocols, are inefficient and costly, often requiring expensive wiring and external power sources, which are not readily available in many locations.
Innovation Solution
The use of locally-powered wireless devices connected by a wired link that spans the barrier, allowing messages to be routed between networks, enabling communication between otherwise isolated wireless field device networks while reducing power consumption and installation costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gateways connected by intranet backbone or separate wireless backbone are used to interconnect independent wireless networks, then network interconnectivity is achieved, but installation cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a wired link as an intermediary medium to connect two wireless field device networks that are separated by a barrier. Instead of implementing complex gateway infrastructure with intranet backbones or separate wireless backbones, the invention introduces a simple wired connection (such as Ethernet cable) that spans the barrier between the two networks, enabling communication while avoiding the complexity of traditional interconnection methods.
2Length of moving object
If radio repeaters are used to extend wireless network range across barriers, then communication range is improved, but power requirements and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the wireless radio repeater system with a wired link connection. Instead of using high-power wireless transmission to overcome the barrier, the invention substitutes the wireless-to-wireless relay approach with a wired connection that physically spans the barrier, thereby eliminating the need for high-power radio repeaters and their associated power consumption requirements.
3Reliability
If home run network cabling is installed to interconnect wireless networks, then network reliability is improved, but installation cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the interconnection solution into a localized wired link that only spans the barrier between two networks, rather than implementing comprehensive home run cabling from every node to a central location. This segmented approach provides reliable wired connection where needed (across the barrier) while avoiding the extensive installation time and cost of full home run infrastructure.
4Reliability
If externally-powered devices are used to bridge networks across barriers, then communication reliability is improved, but availability and installation flexibility decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs locally-powered wireless devices that obtain power from local sources (such as battery-powered field devices) rather than requiring external power infrastructure. The wired link carries both data and power, enabling the bridging devices to serve themselves with power locally, which eliminates the need for external power sources and significantly increases installation flexibility in remote or hazardous locations where external power is unavailable.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for bridging a barrier to wireless communication between wireless field device networks includes a pair of locally-powered wireless devices connected by a wired link spanning the barrier. At least one of the locally-powered wireless devices is in wireless communication with each of the wireless networks intended to be interconnected. The wireless devices include a wireless transceiver and an antenna. Messages from one wireless field device network addressed to a member node of another wireless field device network are received by a wireless device on one side of the barrier and transmitted via the wired link to another wireless device on the other side of the barrier for routing to the member node of the other wireless field device network.