ZigBee Control Device Route Management for Large Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large ZigBee networks, the limited memory capacity of ZigBee modules makes it difficult to manage route information for a maximum of 65536 equipment, leading to inadequate route control.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus and communication control method that select between a first mode and a second mode based on the number of equipment in the network, where the first mode relies on the communication control unit for route control and the second mode involves the application processing unit deciding the communication route, with threshold-based mode selection and timeout periods for route resolution and response.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the ZigBee module manages route information for a large number of equipment (up to 65536), then the network coverage and equipment capacity are improved, but the limited memory capacity of the ZigBee module makes it difficult to manage such a large amount of route information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the route control function into two parts: the communication control unit manages route information for equipment within the same network using a routing table, while the application processing unit manages route information for equipment in other networks using a network address translation (NAT) table. This segmentation allows the system to handle a large number of equipment across multiple networks without overwhelming the limited memory of individual ZigBee modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The application processing unit acts as an intermediary between the communication control unit and external networks. It maintains a NAT table that maps network addresses to equipment addresses, enabling route control for equipment in other networks without requiring the communication control unit to store extensive route information. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by distributing the routing burden.
2Ease of operation
If the communication control unit manages all route information, then route control is simplified, but the application processing unit cannot make decisions about communication routes for large networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides route control responsibilities between two units: the communication control unit handles local route management through the routing table, while the application processing unit handles external route decisions through the NAT table. This segmentation enables both simplified local control and adaptable external routing decisions to coexist effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of route control by adding the application processing unit's NAT table functionality alongside the communication control unit's routing table. This dimensional expansion allows the system to manage both local and external network routes simultaneously, enhancing adaptability without compromising ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the application processing unit decides communication routes, then adaptability to different network configurations is improved, but the communication control unit cannot properly perform route control without sufficient route information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments route information management between the application processing unit (NAT table for external networks) and the communication control unit (routing table for local networks). This segmentation ensures that each unit has the necessary route information to perform its specific function reliably, while the application processing unit maintains adaptability for external network configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The NAT table in the application processing unit serves as an intermediary that provides external network route information to the communication control unit. This intermediary mechanism ensures that the communication control unit has the necessary route information to execute route control reliably, while the application processing unit maintains adaptability for different external network configurations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A HEMS 100 constituting a ZigBee network with at least one of equipment, comprises a processing unit 122 processing an application to control the equipment, and a ZigBee control unit 112 managing route information by each of the equipment 200 according to a ZigBee protocol. The processing unit 122 selects one of either a first mode or a second mode in accordance with the number of the equipment 200 included in the ZigBee network, In the first mode, notification of the equipment 200 to be controlled is sent from the processing unit 122 to the ZigBee control unit 112, and the ZigBee control unit 112 controls communication route to the equipment 200 to be controlled. In the second mode, the processing unit 122 decides the communication route to the equipment 200 to be controlled, and notification of the communication route is sent from the processing unit 122 to the ZigBee control unit 112.