Wireless Topology Configuration for Time-Sensitive Industrial Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in configuring optimal topologies for time-sensitive industrial applications, where deterministic communication is required, as they struggle to translate industrial field-level requirements into effective network configurations that ensure high reliability and availability.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine a wireless communication topology for time-sensitive applications by mapping industrial field-level communication requirements to network requirements, including a master device, field devices, network devices, and wireless communication links, and transmitting communication parameters to configure the links based on these requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication systems use generic topology configurations, then device compatibility is improved, but communication reliability for time-sensitive applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring different topology parameters for different communication requirements within the same wireless network. The system identifies time-sensitive applications and applies specific topology configurations (such as mesh topology with redundant paths) only to those applications that require high reliability, while other applications can use simpler configurations. This resolves the contradiction by making the network adaptable through localized optimization rather than uniform configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling the wireless communication system to dynamically select and switch between different topology configurations based on real-time application requirements. The system can adapt the network topology structure, transmission parameters, and routing paths according to the specific needs of time-sensitive applications, thereby maintaining both device compatibility and communication reliability through flexible, context-aware configuration.
2Reliability
If wireless communication systems configure optimal topologies for time-sensitive applications, then communication reliability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component that acts as a topology configuration manager or translation layer between the application layer and the physical wireless network. This intermediary translates high-level communication requirements (such as deterministic timing, reliability levels) into specific topology parameters and configuration settings, thereby reducing the complexity burden on individual devices while still achieving optimal reliable configurations for time-sensitive applications.
3Loss of time
If industrial field-level requirements are directly translated to network configurations, then communication determinism is improved, but configuration difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining a library of validated topology configurations and translation rules that map industrial field-level requirements to network parameters. Instead of performing complex real-time translations, the system selects from pre-configured templates that have been optimized for deterministic communication, thereby maintaining communication determinism while significantly reducing configuration difficulty and complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, methods, and systems are disclosed for configuring a wireless communication topology. One method includes obtaining an industrial field level communication requirement for configuring a wireless communication topology. The method includes determining the wireless communication topology based on the industrial field level communication requirement. The wireless communication topology includes a master device, at least one field device, at least one network device, and at least one wireless communication link. The method includes mapping the industrial field level communication requirement to a network requirement. The method includes determining at least one communication parameter for the at least one configured wireless communication link based on the network requirements, the wireless communication topology, or a combination thereof. The method includes transmitting the at least one communication parameter to at least one device.