Zigbee Network Node Commissioning State Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the presence of multiple networks, network nodes frequently rejoin undesired networks during commissioning, leading to inefficiencies and potential interference.
Innovation Solution
Introduce a pre-factory-new state (PFNS) for network nodes that have left an undesired network, making them unresponsive to join requests until a predetermined condition is met, allowing them to join the desired network without rejoining the undesired one.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the auto-join commissioning method is used to allow network nodes to join networks automatically, then the commissioning process is simplified and productivity is improved, but network nodes may incorrectly rejoin undesired networks leading to reliability deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by introducing a pre-factory-new state (PFNS) that network nodes enter before attempting to join a network. In this intermediate state, nodes perform preliminary checks and receive preliminary join requests with unique identifiers. This preliminary action prevents nodes from automatically rejoining undesired networks while maintaining the simplified auto-join process, thus resolving the contradiction between commissioning efficiency and joining accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If network nodes are allowed to roam between multiple networks during commissioning, then adaptability is improved, but network stability deteriorates due to frequent rejoining of undesired networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing the pre-factory-new state as an intermediate stage between the factory-new state and the commissioned state. This intermediary state acts as a buffer that allows nodes to evaluate network options adaptively while preventing unstable rejoining behavior. The intermediary state with its preliminary join request mechanism maintains network stability while preserving adaptability.
3Device complexity
If the conventional factory-new and commissioned states are used, then device complexity is minimized, but the ability to prevent rejoining of undesired networks is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the commissioning process into three distinct states: factory-new state, pre-factory-new state, and commissioned state. This segmentation of the state management process introduces a dedicated intermediate stage for preliminary verification without significantly increasing overall system complexity. The segmented approach enables reliable prevention of undesired rejoining while maintaining manageable device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to commissioning in the presence of multiple networks. A network node, which is expected to join a second network, joins a first network and enters a second state from a first state once it has joined the first network. Once it has received from the first network a message to leave it, it enters a third state from the second state. The network node entered the third state becomes responsive with respect to the first network and/or the second network by receiving a dedicated message to join network or is unresponsive with respect to the first network. Then, it enters the first state from the third state once the network node has received the dedicated message from a coordinator of the first network after closing the first network and/or from a coordinator of the second network, or upon expiry of a timer.