18465219. ADVANCED SWITCH NODE SELECTION FOR POWER LINE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK simplified abstract (Texas Instruments Incorporated)

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ADVANCED SWITCH NODE SELECTION FOR POWER LINE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK

Organization Name

Texas Instruments Incorporated

Inventor(s)

Ramanuja Vedantham of Allen TX (US)

Kumaran Vijayasankar of Dallas TX (US)

Xiaolin Lu of Plano TX (US)

ADVANCED SWITCH NODE SELECTION FOR POWER LINE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18465219 titled 'ADVANCED SWITCH NODE SELECTION FOR POWER LINE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK

Simplified Explanation

The abstract of the patent application describes an algorithm designed to improve the efficiency of a PLC (Power Line Communication) network by promoting terminal nodes to switch nodes. This algorithm aims to reduce network overhead, collisions, and the number of levels in the network, while ensuring the selection of appropriate switch nodes based on signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs).

  • The algorithm promotes terminal nodes to switch nodes in a PLC network.
  • It reduces overall network overhead and collisions.
  • The algorithm ensures the appropriate selection of switch nodes based on SNRs.
  • It minimizes the number of levels in the PLC network.
  • The algorithm favors nodes closer to the DC (Direct Current) to promote them as switch nodes.
  • Nodes closer to the DC require a smaller number of PNPDUs (Physical Network Protocol Data Units) compared to nodes farther away from the DC.

Potential Applications

This technology can be applied in various industries and scenarios where PLC networks are used, such as:

  • Smart grid systems
  • Home automation
  • Industrial control systems
  • Building management systems
  • Internet of Things (IoT) applications

Problems Solved

The algorithm addresses several problems in PLC networks:

  • Network overhead: By promoting terminal nodes to switch nodes, the algorithm reduces the overall network overhead, leading to improved efficiency.
  • Collisions: The algorithm helps minimize collisions in the network, enhancing data transmission reliability.
  • Number of levels: By minimizing the number of levels in the PLC network, the algorithm simplifies the network structure and reduces complexity.

Benefits

The algorithm offers several benefits to PLC networks:

  • Improved efficiency: By reducing network overhead and collisions, the algorithm enhances the overall efficiency of the PLC network.
  • Optimal node selection: The algorithm ensures the appropriate selection of switch nodes based on SNRs, leading to better network performance.
  • Simplified network structure: By minimizing the number of levels in the network, the algorithm simplifies the network structure, making it easier to manage and maintain.


Original Abstract Submitted

An algorithm for the promotion of terminal nodes to switch nodes in a PLC network reduces overall network overhead and collisions, while ensuring the appropriate selection of a switch node and minimizing the number of levels in a PLC network. It also ensures that the terminal nodes with appropriate signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) are promoted. It is desirable to have a network with fewer levels. The disclosed approach favors the nodes that are closer to the DC to promote them as switch nodes. This is achieved by waiting for a smaller number of PNPDUs for a node that is closer to the DC in comparison to a node that is farther away from the DC.