ZigBee Network Management via TR-069 Gateway Translation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current ZigBee network management systems lack the ability to obtain network information, such as link failures, making it difficult for operators and users to efficiently manage and diagnose issues within the network.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced that provides a network object with core parameters at the ZigBee device object layer, allowing for the transmission of network protocol, topology, and failure cause information, enabling efficient management and rapid failure localization by providing this information to the auto-configuration server via TR-069 protocol.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If the auto-configuration server uses TR-069 to manage ZigBee devices, then device information can be obtained, but network information (such as link failures) cannot be obtained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork informationVSAvoidnetwork management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments network information collection by introducing intermediary nodes (ZigBee router nodes and boundary gateway nodes) that divide the large-scale ZigBee network into manageable segments. Each node collects and reports network information (including link failures) to the boundary gateway, which then forwards it to the auto-configuration server. This segmentation enables comprehensive network information collection while maintaining manageable system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces boundary gateway nodes as intermediaries between the ZigBee network and the auto-configuration server. These gateway nodes receive network information from ZigBee router nodes, translate it into TR-069 format, and forward it to the server. This intermediary layer resolves the contradiction by enabling network information transmission without requiring direct complex integration between the server and the entire ZigBee network.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If network information is collected from all ZigBee nodes, then comprehensive network management is achieved, but the complexity of information collection and processing increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork management reliabilityVSAvoidinformation collection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements segmentation by designating specific router nodes within the ZigBee network as information collection points. Instead of collecting data from all nodes, the system divides the network into segments managed by these router nodes, which then report to boundary gateways. This reduces information collection complexity while maintaining comprehensive network monitoring reliability through distributed collection points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by having boundary gateway nodes selectively collect network information from specific ZigBee router nodes rather than attempting to collect from every node in the network. This partial collection approach achieves sufficient network management reliability by monitoring key network segments without the excessive complexity of universal node monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Adaptability or versatility

If device information is translated to TR-069 format, then device management is enabled, but network information transmission to the server is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation transmission versatilityVSAvoidnetwork information
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing the boundary gateway node to handle multiple functions: it collects device information in TR-069 format, collects network information from ZigBee router nodes, translates network information into TR-069 format, and forwards both types of information to the auto-configuration server. This multi-functional gateway enables both device and network information transmission through a single universal interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by transforming network information (such as link failure status, network topology) into the TR-069 parameter format used for device management. The boundary gateway node converts ZigBee-specific network parameters into standardized TR-069 parameters, enabling network information to be transmitted using the same protocol framework as device information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2951953B1Method of managing zigbee network in the internet of things
Publication Date: 2020.06.17 ALCATEL LUCENT SA
  • EP2951953B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The present invention provides a method of reporting network information of the ZigBee network in a ZigBee coordination node of an Internet of Things, wherein the ZigBee coordination node is connected to a plurality of ZigBee nodes forming the ZigBee network, and the Internet of Things further comprises an auto-configuration server in the IP network, the ZigBee coordination node being connected to the auto-configuration server through a gateway, the method comprising the following steps: sending a first signaling based on the ZigBee device object to the gateway, the first signaling including network description information and neighbor list information of each ZigBee node in the ZigBee network. According to the solution of the present invention, it makes it possible to use TR-069 to manage the ZigBee network, and in the case of ZigBee network failure, the manager of the ZigBee network can rapidly understand the failure cause so as to be capable of rapidly locating and eliminating the failure, thereby enhancing the network management efficiency.