Wireless Network Configuration System for Stand-Alone to Connected Merging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Merging multiple stand-alone wireless networks into a connected system is challenging due to differences in wireless channels and network parameters, leading to communication issues and difficulties in implementing central override controls.
Innovation Solution
A portable configuration device and configuration manager select compatible configuration parameters, such as radio frequency information and network identifiers, to facilitate the merging of stand-alone networks into a connected network, ensuring seamless communication and future upgrades.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stand-alone wireless networks are configured with default parameters to ensure independent operation, then network reliability is improved, but future network merging becomes difficult due to channel conflicts and parameter incompatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration manager performs preliminary actions by storing configuration parameters of existing stand-alone networks before merging occurs. It proactively identifies compatible frequency ranges and prepares merged network configuration parameters in advance, enabling smooth transition to connected networks without retroactive reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes network parameters dynamically during the merging process. It selects frequency ranges that are compatible with both stand-alone and connected network requirements, and adjusts configuration parameters such as PAN IDs and channel settings to ensure seamless integration while maintaining network reliability
2Reliability
If multiple stand-alone networks use different wireless channels to avoid interference, then communication reliability is improved, but network merging complexity increases due to channel reconfiguration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration manager performs preliminary channel compatibility analysis by storing and comparing frequency range information of existing networks. It identifies overlapping compatible channels before merging occurs, preventing communication conflicts and reducing the complexity of channel reconfiguration during the merging process
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes wireless channel parameters strategically during merging. It selects frequency ranges that maintain communication reliability while being compatible with merged network requirements, adjusting channel assignments to minimize reconfiguration complexity and device intervention
3Ease of manufacture
If stand-alone networks are configured independently without considering future connectivity, then installation simplicity is improved, but upgrading to connected networks becomes difficult requiring extensive reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration manager performs preliminary actions by storing configuration parameters of stand-alone networks and pre-calculating compatible merged network parameters. This preliminary preparation enables straightforward upgrading to connected networks without requiring extensive reconfiguration or device intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration system is designed with multi-functionality to handle both stand-alone and connected network scenarios. It provides universal configuration management that works for independent networks while simultaneously preparing for and enabling seamless transition to connected networks, eliminating the need for separate reconfiguration processes
Data Source
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AI summary
A configuration system (100) is provided arranged to configure a first set (112, 114, 116, 118, 117, 119) of wireless network devices to form a first stand-alone wireless network. A configuration device (140) is arranged to wirelessly connect with the first set of wireless network devices and to transfer the first configuration parameters to the first set of wireless network devices forming the first stand-alone wireless network. The first configuration parameters are selected to be compatible with a future connected wireless network if the first set of wireless network devices and a second set of wireless network devices are placed so that they may be connected to a same gateway device (129) forming a future connected wireless network.