WO2012133944A1 - A wireless networking device and method preformed the device for maintaining concurrent membership in multiple networks - Google Patents

A wireless networking device and method preformed the device for maintaining concurrent membership in multiple networks Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2012133944A1
WO2012133944A1 PCT/JP2012/059425 JP2012059425W WO2012133944A1 WO 2012133944 A1 WO2012133944 A1 WO 2012133944A1 JP 2012059425 W JP2012059425 W JP 2012059425W WO 2012133944 A1 WO2012133944 A1 WO 2012133944A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
network
modem
membership
configuration information
nonvolatile memory
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PCT/JP2012/059425
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French (fr)
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Daniel J. Park
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Sharp Corp
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Sharp Corp
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W48/00—Access restriction; Network selection; Access point selection
    • H04W48/18—Selecting a network or a communication service
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W84/00—Network topologies
    • H04W84/02—Hierarchically pre-organised networks, e.g. paging networks, cellular networks, WLAN [Wireless Local Area Network] or WLL [Wireless Local Loop]
    • H04W84/10—Small scale networks; Flat hierarchical networks
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W88/00—Devices specially adapted for wireless communication networks, e.g. terminals, base stations or access point devices
    • H04W88/02—Terminal devices
    • H04W88/06—Terminal devices adapted for operation in multiple networks or having at least two operational modes, e.g. multi-mode terminals

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to wireless networking device and method and more particularly to maintaining concurrent membership in multiple networks from a single wireless modem on a wireless networking device.
  • ZigBee is a suite of communication protocols based on the IEEE 802. 15.4 standard that use low-power digital radios for low-rate wireless networking.
  • ZigBee is often deployed at the residential edges of smart energy networks which interconnect large numbers of distributed energy generation and storage devices and that manage electrical power down to the residential level.
  • a ZigBee device that is a member of a smart energy network can receive information from the network, such as grid electricity pricing, usage and events.
  • ZigBee is also commonly used in home automation networks that provide automated control of household devices .
  • a ZigBee device that is a member of home automation network may transmit information on the ZigBee network in order to control household devices such as lights, thermostats and refrigerators .
  • ZigBee device there are situations where it would be desirable to have a single-modem ZigBee device belong to a smart energy network and a home automation network at the same time. For example, it might be useful to have a ZigBee device receive real-time grid electricity pricing or usage information from a smart energy network via a ZigBee enabled electric service meter and apply the information to control household devices in a home automation network.
  • the present invention provides a method performed by a wireless networking device for maintaining concurrent membership in multiple networks from a single modem.
  • the method comprises the steps of:
  • the present invention also provides a wireless networking device, comprising:
  • a wireless modem communicatively coupled with the processor, wherein under control of the processor the device is adapted to transmit via the modem on a first network and on a second network, and wherein the modem is adapted to suspend transmission on the first network, reset in a first instance, rejoin the second network, suspend transmission on the second network after an operating interval for the second network selected to be shorter than a membership timeout period for the first network, reset in a second instance , and rejoin the first network.
  • FIG. 1 shows a wireless communication system in which the invention is operative in some embodiments.
  • FIG. 2 shows the ZigBee device of FIG. 1 in greater detail.
  • FIG. 3A and 3B show a method performed by the ZigBee device of FIG . 1 for maintaining concurrent membership in multiple networks in some embodiments of the invention.
  • FIG. 1 shows a wireless communication system in which the invention is operative in some embodiments.
  • the communication system includes a ZigBee device 1 10 having a first wireless connection to a smart energy network 120 and a second wireless connection to a home automation network 130.
  • ZigBee device 1 10 is a wireless networking device having a wireless modem that is ZigBee compliant.
  • ZigBee device 1 10 maintains concurrent membership in smart energy network 120 and home automation network 130 from a single modem by performing a method for maintaining concurrent membership on multiple networks.
  • ZigBee device 1 10 time-multiplexes between networks 120, 130 during time periods allocated to each network that are shorter than the membership timeout period for the other network.
  • ZigBee device 1 10 resets its modem and rejoins the other network using configuration information stored in a nonvolatile memory when the network being rejoined was previously quit.
  • Networks 120, 130 remain unaware of the membership by ZigBee device 1 10 in the other network and regard the absence of transmission from ZigBee device 1 10 during the time period allocated to the other network as a temporary loss of radio contact rather than a membership termination event.
  • Smart energy network 120 is a communication network that includes a large number of interconnected distributed energy generation and storage devices and manages electrical power down to the residential level. Smart energy network 120 has an advanced metering infrastructure meter 122 that transmits real-time grid information, such as grid electricity pricing, usage and events, to member devices, such as ZigBee device 1 10.
  • Home automation network 130 is a communication network that includes interconnected household devices 1 32 , such as lights, a thermostat and a refrigerator, that are remotely controllable by one or more member devices, such as ZigBee device 1 1 0.
  • Household devices 132 may be controlled based on any number of factors, such as time of day, day of week, grid electricity pricing, grid electricity usage or grid events.
  • FIG . 2 shows ZigBee device 1 10 in greater detail.
  • ZigBee device 1 10 has a wireless modem 2 10 that is communicatively coupled to a host processor 220 via one or more wired connections, such as serial RS232 , universal serial bus (USB) or serial peripheral interface (SPI) connections .
  • ZigBee device 1 10 under the control of processor 220 executing software instructions, conducts application data flows via wireless modem 2 10 on smart energy network 120 and home automation network 130.
  • Wireless modem 2 10 which may rely on custom logic, a processor executing software instructions, or a combination of custom and general purpose logic to perform the various functions attributed to wireless modem 2 10 herein, suspends transmission of application data on networks 120 , 130 , resets itself, and rejoins networks 120 , 130 in a manner that allows ZigBee device 1 10 to maintain concurrent membership in networks 120, 130 without networks 120 , 130 becoming aware of the membership in the other network, and without the need to deploy a second wireless modem on ZigBee device 1 10.
  • Wireless modem 2 10 has a nonvolatile random access memory (NVRAM) 2 12 with memory banks 2 14, 2 16.
  • NVRAM nonvolatile random access memory
  • Wireless modem 2 10 stores configuration information for networks 120 , 130 to memory banks 2 14 , 2 16 and loads configuration information for networks 120 , 130 from memory banks 2 14 , 2 16 to facilitate in maintaining the concurrent memberships.
  • storing the configuration information in NVRAM on wireless modem 2 10 provides added security as the configuration information is not easily accessible by higher-level software (e . g. , malicious code executed by processor 220) .
  • FIG. 3A and 3B show a method for maintaining concurrent membership in two networks A and B in some embodiments of the invention. While networks A and B may be of various types, the method will be described in conjunction with FIGS . 1 and 2 wherein Network A is smart energy network 120 and Network B is home automation network 130 , and wherein the method is performed by ZigBee device 1 10 to maintain concurrent membership in smart energy network 120 and home automation network 130.
  • ZigBee device 1 10 joins smart energy network 120 (Network A) (305) .
  • NVRAM 2 12 is configured with information sufficient to enable wireless modem 2 10 to contact smart energy network 120 and initiate a join procedure, resulting in membership of ZigBee device 1 10 being established via wireless modem 2 10 in smart energy network 120.
  • ZigBee device 1 10 stores configuration information for smart energy network 120 in memory bank 2 14 (3 10) .
  • Wireless modem 2 10 stores the configuration information, which may include network parameters, such as a radio channel identifier, a device identifier and encryption keys, and personality values, such as a short network address.
  • ZigBee device 1 10 sets an operating interval for home automation network 130 (Network B) to a time no greater, preferably shorter than a membership timeout period for smart energy network 120 by at least one wireless modem reset time (315) .
  • the membership timeout period for smart energy network 120 is the time allowed to elapse between transmissions by ZigBee device 1 10 on smart energy network 120 before membership in smart energy network 120 is rescinded for inactivity.
  • the modem reset time is the time that it takes wireless modem 2 10 to reset.
  • the effect of setting the operating interval to a time no greater than a membership timeout period for smart energy network 120 by at least one wireless modem reset time is to maintain membership in the "smart energy network" while the device is actively participating in the "home automation network” . If the time interval was allowed to be greater than this value (the operating interval time) , then the device would be removed from the "smart energy network” . Accordingly, the setting can maintain membership in both networks at all times for the device.
  • the operating interval for home automation network 130 may be preconfigured in NVRAM 2 12.
  • NVRAM 2 12 may be configured with information (e . g. , timeout period for smart energy network 120 and modem reset time) sufficient to enable wireless modem 2 10 to calculate the operating interval for home automation network 130.
  • ZigBee device 1 10 suspends transmission on smart energy network 120 (320) .
  • wireless modem 2 10 prevents application and control data from being transmitted to smart energy network 120.
  • ZigBee device 1 10 starts a timer (325) .
  • the timer will run until the operating interval for home automation network 130 elapses. Transmissions on home automation network 130 will be suspended in response to expiration of the operating interval for home automation network 130.
  • ZigBee device 1 10 joins home automation network 130 (330) .
  • NVRAM 2 12 is configured with information sufficient to enable wireless modem 2 10 to contact home automation network 130 and initiate a j oin procedure, resulting in membership of ZigBee device 1 10 being established via wireless modem 2 10 in home automation network 130.
  • ZigBee device 1 10 stores configuration information for home automation network 130 in memory bank 2 16 (335) .
  • Wireless modem 2 10 stores the configuration information , which may include network parameters, such as a radio channel identifier, a device identifier and encryption keys, and personality values, such as a short network address.
  • the method then waits until the timer started in Step 325 reaches the operating interval set for home automation network 130 in Step 3 15.
  • ZigBee device 1 10 sets an operating interval for smart energy network 120 to a time shorter than a membership timeout period for home automation network 130 by at least two wireless modem reset times (340) .
  • the membership timeout period for home automation network 130 is the time allowed to elapse between transmissions by ZigBee device 1 10 on home automation network 130 before membership in home automation network 130 is rescinded for inactivity.
  • the modem reset time is the time that it takes wireless modem 2 10 to reset.
  • the operating interval for smart energy network 120 may be preconfigured in NVRAM 2 12. Alternatively, NVRAM 2 12 may be configured with information (e. g. , timeout period for home automation network 130 and modem reset time) sufficient to enable wireless modem 2 10 to calculate the operating interval for smart energy network 120.
  • ZigBee device 1 10 suspends transmission on home automation network 130 (345) .
  • wireless modem 2 10 prevents application and control data from being transmitted to home automation network 130.
  • Application and control data awaiting transmission may be queued until the suspension is lifted or discarded .
  • ZigBee device 1 10 sets a pointer to memory bank 2 14 (350) .
  • This pointer will cause wireless modem 2 10 , during a reset sequence that follows, to load configuration information from memory bank 2 14 that allows ZigBee device 1 10 to rejoin smart energy network 120 in a well-known state .
  • the pointer may be stored in a known location in NVRAM 2 12 accessed by wireless modem 2 10 during the reset sequence, or provided on hardware pin to wireless modem 2 10 during the reset sequence, or provided in a communication signal received by wireless modem 2 10 during the reset sequence, by way of example .
  • ZigBee device 1 10 resets wireless modem 2 10 (355) .
  • wireless modem 2 10 loads configuration information from memory bank 2 14.
  • ZigBee device 1 10 starts a timer (360) .
  • the timer will run until the operating interval for smart energy network 120 elapses .
  • Transmission on smart energy network 120 will be suspended in response to expiration of the operating interval for smart energy network 120.
  • ZigBee device 1 10 rejoins smart energy network 120 (365) .
  • wireless modem 120 loads configuration information from memory bank 2 14 that allows ZigBee device 1 10 to rejoin smart energy network 120 in a well-known state .
  • the devices on smart energy network 120 will be unaware of the membership by ZigBee device 1 10 in home automation network 130 and may regard the absence of transmission from ZigBee device 1 10 during the time slot allocated to home automation network 130 as a temporary loss of radio contact rather than a membership termination event. The temporary loss of contact will be compensated with retransmission of messages lost or delayed during the time slot allocated to home automation network 130.
  • the method then waits until the timer started in Step 360 reaches the operating interval set for smart energy network 120 in Step 340.
  • ZigBee device 1 10 sets an operating interval for home automation network 130 to a time no greater, preferably shorter than a membership timeout period for smart energy network 120 by at least two wireless modem reset times (370) .
  • the membership timeout period for smart energy network 120 is the time allowed to elapse between transmissions by ZigBee device 1 10 on smart energy network 120 before membership in smart energy network 120 is rescinded for inactivity.
  • the modem reset time is the time that it takes wireless modem 2 10 to reset.
  • the effect of setting the operating interval no greater than a membership timeout period for smart energy network 120 by at least two wireless modem reset times is to maintain membership in the "home automation network" while the device is actively participating in the "smart energy network” . If the time interval was allowed to be greater than this value (the operating interval time) , then the device would be removed from the "home automation network” . Accordingly, the setting can maintain membership in both networks at all times for the device.
  • the operating interval for home automation network 130 may be preconfigured in NVRAM 2 12.
  • NVRAM 2 12 may be configured with information (e.g. , timeout period for smart energy network 120 and modem reset time) sufficient to enable wireless modem 2 10 to calculate the operating interval for home automation network 130.
  • ZigBee device 1 10 suspends transmission on smart energy network 120 (375) .
  • wireless modem 2 10 prevents application and control data from being transmitted to smart energy network 120.
  • Application and control data awaiting transmission may be queued until the suspension is lifted or discarded.
  • ZigBee device 1 10 sets a pointer to memory bank 2 16 (380) .
  • This pointer will cause wireless modem 2 10 , during a reset sequence that follows, to load configuration information from memory bank 2 16 that allows ZigBee device 1 10 to rej oin home automation network 130 in a well-known state .
  • the pointer may be stored in a known location in NVRAM 2 12 accessed by wireless modem 2 10 during the reset sequence, or provided on hardware pin to wireless modem 2 10 during the reset sequence , or provided in a communication signal received by wireless modem 2 10 during the reset sequence, by way of example .
  • ZigBee device 1 10 resets wireless modem 2 10 (385) .
  • wireless modem 2 10 loads configuration information from memory bank 2 16.
  • ZigBee device 1 10 starts a timer (390) .
  • the timer will run until the operating interval for home automation network 130 elapses, at which point transmissions on home automation network 130 will be suspended.
  • ZigBee device 1 10 rej oins home automation network (395) .
  • wireless modem 120 loads configuration information from memory bank 2 16 that allows ZigBee device 1 10 to rej oin home automation network 130 in a well-known state .
  • Application data flows between ZigBee device 1 10 and home automation network 130 recommence .
  • the devices on home automation network 130 will be unaware of the membership by ZigBee device 1 10 in smart energy network 120 and may regard the absence of transmission from ZigBee device 1 10 during the time slot allocated to smart energy network 120 as a temporary loss of radio contact rather than a membership termination event. The temporary loss of contact will be compensated with retransmission of messages lost or delayed during the time slot allocated to smart energy network 120.
  • the method then waits until the timer started in Step 390 reaches the operating interval set for home automation network 130 in Step 370.
  • Step 340 the process returns to Step 340 and Steps 340-395 are reperformed in a continuous loop.
  • the operating interval of the current network may be adapted to expire early (e . g. , before the membership timeout period of the suspended network is approached) , prompting early suspension of the current network and early lifting of the suspension on the suspended network, when wireless modem 2 10 detects the following conditions: (ij a predetermined minimum amount of time has elapsed since the current network was rej oined; (ii) no application data are awaiting transmission on the current network; and (iii) application data are awaiting transmission on the suspended network.
  • the present invention provides a method and system for maintaining concurrent membership in multiple networks from a single wireless modem on a wireless networking device .
  • the device time-multiplexes between the networks during time periods allocated to each network that are shorter than the membership timeout period for the other network. Moreover, whenever the device switches between the networks , the device resets the modem and rejoins the other network using configuration information stored in a nonvolatile memory when the network being rej oined was previously quit. Each network remains unaware of the device' s membership in the other network and regards the absence of transmission from the device during the time period allocated to the other network as a temporary loss of radio contact rather than a membership termination event.
  • the invention enables a single-modem wireless networking device to maintain concurrent ZigBee sessions on a smart energy network and a home automation network.
  • a method performed by a wireless networking device for maintaining concurrent membership in multiple networks from a single wireless modem comprises the steps of suspending transmission on a first network; resetting the modem in a first instance; rej oining a second network; suspending transmission on the second network in response to expiration of an operating interval for the second network selected to be shorter than a membership timeout period for the first network; resetting the modem in a second instance; and rejoining the first network.
  • the first resetting step comprises accessing a pointer to a location in a nonvolatile memory where configuration information for the second network is stored
  • the second resetting step comprises accessing a pointer to a location in the nonvolatile memory where configuration information for the first network is stored
  • the first rej oining step comprises loading from a nonvolatile memory configuration information for the second network
  • the second rejoining step comprises loading from the nonvolatile memory configuration information for the first network
  • the configuration information includes an encryption key.
  • the configuration information further includes a radio channel identifier, a device identifier or a short network address.
  • the nonvolatile memory resides on the modem.
  • the operating interval for the second network is selected to be shorter than the membership timeout period of the first network by at least two modem reset times.
  • the operating interval for the second network is further selected to expire in response to detecting that a predetermined minimum amount of time has elapsed since the second network was rej oined, that no application data are awaiting transmission on the second network and that application data are awaiting transmission on the first network.
  • the method further comprises the steps of suspending, by the device, transmission on the first network in response to expiration of an operating interval for the first network selected to be shorter than a membership timeout period for the second network, resetting the modem in a third instance , and rejoining the second network.
  • the modem is ZigBee compliant.
  • the first network is a smart energy network and the second network is a home automation network.
  • a wireless networking device comprises a processor; and a wireless modem communicatively coupled with the processor, wherein under control of the processor the device is adapted to transmit via the modem on a first network and on a second network, and wherein the modem is adapted to suspend transmission on the first network, reset in a first instance , rejoin the second network, suspend transmission on the second network after an operating interval for the second network selected to be shorter than a membership timeout period for the first network, reset in a second instance , and rejoin the first network.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Mobile Radio Communication Systems (AREA)
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Abstract

Method and system for maintaining concurrent membership in multiple networks from a single wireless modem on a wireless networking device. The device time-multiplexes between the networks according to time slots allocated to each network that are shorter than the membership timeout period for the other network. Moreover, whenever the device switches between the networks, the device resets the modem and rejoins the other network using configuration information stored in a nonvolatile memory when the network being rejoined was previously quit. Each network remains unaware of the device's membership in the other network and regards the absence of transmission from the device during the time slot allocated to the other network as a temporary loss of radio contact rather than a membership termination event. The invention enables a single-modem wireless networking device to maintain concurrent ZigBee sessions on a smart energy network and a home automation network.

Description

DESCRIPTION
TITLE OF INVENTION:
A WIRELESS NETWORKING DEVICE AND METHOD PREFORMED THE DEVICE FOR MAINTAINING CONCURRENT MEMBERSHIP IN MULTIPLE NETWORKS
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to wireless networking device and method and more particularly to maintaining concurrent membership in multiple networks from a single wireless modem on a wireless networking device.
BACKGROUND ART
ZigBee is a suite of communication protocols based on the IEEE 802. 15.4 standard that use low-power digital radios for low-rate wireless networking.
ZigBee is often deployed at the residential edges of smart energy networks which interconnect large numbers of distributed energy generation and storage devices and that manage electrical power down to the residential level. A ZigBee device that is a member of a smart energy network can receive information from the network, such as grid electricity pricing, usage and events.
ZigBee is also commonly used in home automation networks that provide automated control of household devices . A ZigBee device that is a member of home automation network may transmit information on the ZigBee network in order to control household devices such as lights, thermostats and refrigerators .
There are situations where it would be desirable to have a single-modem ZigBee device belong to a smart energy network and a home automation network at the same time. For example, it might be useful to have a ZigBee device receive real-time grid electricity pricing or usage information from a smart energy network via a ZigBee enabled electric service meter and apply the information to control household devices in a home automation network.
However, maintaining concurrent membership in a smart energy ZigBee network and home automation ZigBee network from a single wireless modem using conventional means is oftentimes not feasible due to security restrictions imposed by smart energy network operators (e. g. , public utilities) that prohibit certain household devices from belonging to the smart energy network.
While these security restrictions might be worked-around by adding a second modem to the ZigBee device and having the ZigBee device join the smart energy network via the first modem and the home automation network via the second modem, installing a second modem on the ZigBee device would add cost and complexity
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
The present invention provides a method performed by a wireless networking device for maintaining concurrent membership in multiple networks from a single modem.
The method comprises the steps of:
suspending, by the device, transmission on a first network;
resetting, by the device, the modem in a first instance; rejoining, by the device, a second network;
suspending, by the device, transmission on the second network in response to expiration of an operating interval for the second network selected to be shorter than a membership timeout period for the first network;
resetting, by the device, the modem in a second instance; and
rejoining, by the device, the first network.
The present invention also provides a wireless networking device, comprising:
a processor; and
a wireless modem communicatively coupled with the processor, wherein under control of the processor the device is adapted to transmit via the modem on a first network and on a second network, and wherein the modem is adapted to suspend transmission on the first network, reset in a first instance, rejoin the second network, suspend transmission on the second network after an operating interval for the second network selected to be shorter than a membership timeout period for the first network, reset in a second instance , and rejoin the first network.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows a wireless communication system in which the invention is operative in some embodiments.
FIG. 2 shows the ZigBee device of FIG. 1 in greater detail.
FIG. 3A and 3B show a method performed by the ZigBee device of FIG . 1 for maintaining concurrent membership in multiple networks in some embodiments of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
FIG. 1 shows a wireless communication system in which the invention is operative in some embodiments. The communication system includes a ZigBee device 1 10 having a first wireless connection to a smart energy network 120 and a second wireless connection to a home automation network 130.
ZigBee device 1 10 is a wireless networking device having a wireless modem that is ZigBee compliant. ZigBee device 1 10 maintains concurrent membership in smart energy network 120 and home automation network 130 from a single modem by performing a method for maintaining concurrent membership on multiple networks. In the method, ZigBee device 1 10 time-multiplexes between networks 120, 130 during time periods allocated to each network that are shorter than the membership timeout period for the other network. Moreover, whenever ZigBee device 1 10 switches between networks 120 , 130 , ZigBee device 1 10 resets its modem and rejoins the other network using configuration information stored in a nonvolatile memory when the network being rejoined was previously quit. Networks 120, 130 remain unaware of the membership by ZigBee device 1 10 in the other network and regard the absence of transmission from ZigBee device 1 10 during the time period allocated to the other network as a temporary loss of radio contact rather than a membership termination event.
Smart energy network 120 is a communication network that includes a large number of interconnected distributed energy generation and storage devices and manages electrical power down to the residential level. Smart energy network 120 has an advanced metering infrastructure meter 122 that transmits real-time grid information, such as grid electricity pricing, usage and events, to member devices, such as ZigBee device 1 10.
Home automation network 130 is a communication network that includes interconnected household devices 1 32 , such as lights, a thermostat and a refrigerator, that are remotely controllable by one or more member devices, such as ZigBee device 1 1 0. Household devices 132 may be controlled based on any number of factors, such as time of day, day of week, grid electricity pricing, grid electricity usage or grid events.
FIG . 2 shows ZigBee device 1 10 in greater detail. ZigBee device 1 10 has a wireless modem 2 10 that is communicatively coupled to a host processor 220 via one or more wired connections, such as serial RS232 , universal serial bus (USB) or serial peripheral interface (SPI) connections . ZigBee device 1 10, under the control of processor 220 executing software instructions, conducts application data flows via wireless modem 2 10 on smart energy network 120 and home automation network 130. Wireless modem 2 10 , which may rely on custom logic, a processor executing software instructions, or a combination of custom and general purpose logic to perform the various functions attributed to wireless modem 2 10 herein, suspends transmission of application data on networks 120 , 130 , resets itself, and rejoins networks 120 , 130 in a manner that allows ZigBee device 1 10 to maintain concurrent membership in networks 120, 130 without networks 120 , 130 becoming aware of the membership in the other network, and without the need to deploy a second wireless modem on ZigBee device 1 10. Wireless modem 2 10 has a nonvolatile random access memory (NVRAM) 2 12 with memory banks 2 14, 2 16. Wireless modem 2 10 stores configuration information for networks 120 , 130 to memory banks 2 14 , 2 16 and loads configuration information for networks 120 , 130 from memory banks 2 14 , 2 16 to facilitate in maintaining the concurrent memberships. Notably, storing the configuration information in NVRAM on wireless modem 2 10 provides added security as the configuration information is not easily accessible by higher-level software (e . g. , malicious code executed by processor 220) .
FIG. 3A and 3B show a method for maintaining concurrent membership in two networks A and B in some embodiments of the invention. While networks A and B may be of various types, the method will be described in conjunction with FIGS . 1 and 2 wherein Network A is smart energy network 120 and Network B is home automation network 130 , and wherein the method is performed by ZigBee device 1 10 to maintain concurrent membership in smart energy network 120 and home automation network 130.
First, ZigBee device 1 10 joins smart energy network 120 (Network A) (305) . NVRAM 2 12 is configured with information sufficient to enable wireless modem 2 10 to contact smart energy network 120 and initiate a join procedure, resulting in membership of ZigBee device 1 10 being established via wireless modem 2 10 in smart energy network 120. One or more application data flows between ZigBee device 1 10 and smart energy network 120 commence.
Next, ZigBee device 1 10 stores configuration information for smart energy network 120 in memory bank 2 14 (3 10) . Wireless modem 2 10 stores the configuration information, which may include network parameters, such as a radio channel identifier, a device identifier and encryption keys, and personality values, such as a short network address.
Next, ZigBee device 1 10 sets an operating interval for home automation network 130 (Network B) to a time no greater, preferably shorter than a membership timeout period for smart energy network 120 by at least one wireless modem reset time (315) . The membership timeout period for smart energy network 120 is the time allowed to elapse between transmissions by ZigBee device 1 10 on smart energy network 120 before membership in smart energy network 120 is rescinded for inactivity. The modem reset time is the time that it takes wireless modem 2 10 to reset.
The effect of setting the operating interval to a time no greater than a membership timeout period for smart energy network 120 by at least one wireless modem reset time is to maintain membership in the "smart energy network" while the device is actively participating in the "home automation network" . If the time interval was allowed to be greater than this value (the operating interval time) , then the device would be removed from the "smart energy network" . Accordingly, the setting can maintain membership in both networks at all times for the device.
The operating interval for home automation network 130 may be preconfigured in NVRAM 2 12. Alternatively, NVRAM 2 12 may be configured with information (e . g. , timeout period for smart energy network 120 and modem reset time) sufficient to enable wireless modem 2 10 to calculate the operating interval for home automation network 130.
Next, ZigBee device 1 10 suspends transmission on smart energy network 120 (320) . To effect the suspension, wireless modem 2 10 prevents application and control data from being transmitted to smart energy network 120. Application and control data awaiting transmission to smart energy network
120 may be queued until the suspension is lifted or discarded .
Next, ZigBee device 1 10 starts a timer (325) . The timer will run until the operating interval for home automation network 130 elapses. Transmissions on home automation network 130 will be suspended in response to expiration of the operating interval for home automation network 130.
Next, ZigBee device 1 10 joins home automation network 130 (330) . NVRAM 2 12 is configured with information sufficient to enable wireless modem 2 10 to contact home automation network 130 and initiate a j oin procedure, resulting in membership of ZigBee device 1 10 being established via wireless modem 2 10 in home automation network 130. One or more application data flows between ZigBee device 1 10 and home automation network 130 commence .
Next, ZigBee device 1 10 stores configuration information for home automation network 130 in memory bank 2 16 (335) . Wireless modem 2 10 stores the configuration information , which may include network parameters, such as a radio channel identifier, a device identifier and encryption keys, and personality values, such as a short network address.
The method then waits until the timer started in Step 325 reaches the operating interval set for home automation network 130 in Step 3 15.
At that point, ZigBee device 1 10 sets an operating interval for smart energy network 120 to a time shorter than a membership timeout period for home automation network 130 by at least two wireless modem reset times (340) . The membership timeout period for home automation network 130 is the time allowed to elapse between transmissions by ZigBee device 1 10 on home automation network 130 before membership in home automation network 130 is rescinded for inactivity. The modem reset time is the time that it takes wireless modem 2 10 to reset. The operating interval for smart energy network 120 may be preconfigured in NVRAM 2 12. Alternatively, NVRAM 2 12 may be configured with information (e. g. , timeout period for home automation network 130 and modem reset time) sufficient to enable wireless modem 2 10 to calculate the operating interval for smart energy network 120.
Next, ZigBee device 1 10 suspends transmission on home automation network 130 (345) . To effect the suspension, wireless modem 2 10 prevents application and control data from being transmitted to home automation network 130. Application and control data awaiting transmission may be queued until the suspension is lifted or discarded .
Next, ZigBee device 1 10 sets a pointer to memory bank 2 14 (350) . This pointer will cause wireless modem 2 10 , during a reset sequence that follows, to load configuration information from memory bank 2 14 that allows ZigBee device 1 10 to rejoin smart energy network 120 in a well-known state . The pointer may be stored in a known location in NVRAM 2 12 accessed by wireless modem 2 10 during the reset sequence, or provided on hardware pin to wireless modem 2 10 during the reset sequence, or provided in a communication signal received by wireless modem 2 10 during the reset sequence, by way of example .
Next, ZigBee device 1 10 resets wireless modem 2 10 (355) . During the reset sequence, wireless modem 2 10 loads configuration information from memory bank 2 14.
Next, ZigBee device 1 10 starts a timer (360) . The timer will run until the operating interval for smart energy network 120 elapses . Transmission on smart energy network 120 will be suspended in response to expiration of the operating interval for smart energy network 120.
Next, ZigBee device 1 10 rejoins smart energy network 120 (365) . Using the pointer set in Step 350, wireless modem 120 loads configuration information from memory bank 2 14 that allows ZigBee device 1 10 to rejoin smart energy network 120 in a well-known state . Application data flows between ZigBee device 1 10 and smart energy network 120 resume. Notably, the devices on smart energy network 120 will be unaware of the membership by ZigBee device 1 10 in home automation network 130 and may regard the absence of transmission from ZigBee device 1 10 during the time slot allocated to home automation network 130 as a temporary loss of radio contact rather than a membership termination event. The temporary loss of contact will be compensated with retransmission of messages lost or delayed during the time slot allocated to home automation network 130.
The method then waits until the timer started in Step 360 reaches the operating interval set for smart energy network 120 in Step 340.
At that point, ZigBee device 1 10 sets an operating interval for home automation network 130 to a time no greater, preferably shorter than a membership timeout period for smart energy network 120 by at least two wireless modem reset times (370) . The membership timeout period for smart energy network 120 is the time allowed to elapse between transmissions by ZigBee device 1 10 on smart energy network 120 before membership in smart energy network 120 is rescinded for inactivity. The modem reset time is the time that it takes wireless modem 2 10 to reset.
The effect of setting the operating interval no greater than a membership timeout period for smart energy network 120 by at least two wireless modem reset times is to maintain membership in the "home automation network" while the device is actively participating in the "smart energy network" . If the time interval was allowed to be greater than this value (the operating interval time) , then the device would be removed from the "home automation network" . Accordingly, the setting can maintain membership in both networks at all times for the device.
The operating interval for home automation network 130 may be preconfigured in NVRAM 2 12. Alternatively, NVRAM 2 12 may be configured with information (e.g. , timeout period for smart energy network 120 and modem reset time) sufficient to enable wireless modem 2 10 to calculate the operating interval for home automation network 130.
Next, ZigBee device 1 10 suspends transmission on smart energy network 120 (375) . To effect the suspension, wireless modem 2 10 prevents application and control data from being transmitted to smart energy network 120. Application and control data awaiting transmission may be queued until the suspension is lifted or discarded.
Next, ZigBee device 1 10 sets a pointer to memory bank 2 16 (380) . This pointer will cause wireless modem 2 10 , during a reset sequence that follows, to load configuration information from memory bank 2 16 that allows ZigBee device 1 10 to rej oin home automation network 130 in a well-known state . The pointer may be stored in a known location in NVRAM 2 12 accessed by wireless modem 2 10 during the reset sequence, or provided on hardware pin to wireless modem 2 10 during the reset sequence , or provided in a communication signal received by wireless modem 2 10 during the reset sequence, by way of example .
Next, ZigBee device 1 10 resets wireless modem 2 10 (385) . During the reset sequence, wireless modem 2 10 loads configuration information from memory bank 2 16.
Next, ZigBee device 1 10 starts a timer (390) . The timer will run until the operating interval for home automation network 130 elapses, at which point transmissions on home automation network 130 will be suspended.
Next, ZigBee device 1 10 rej oins home automation network (395) . Using the pointer set in Step 380, wireless modem 120 loads configuration information from memory bank 2 16 that allows ZigBee device 1 10 to rej oin home automation network 130 in a well-known state . Application data flows between ZigBee device 1 10 and home automation network 130 recommence . Notably, the devices on home automation network 130 will be unaware of the membership by ZigBee device 1 10 in smart energy network 120 and may regard the absence of transmission from ZigBee device 1 10 during the time slot allocated to smart energy network 120 as a temporary loss of radio contact rather than a membership termination event. The temporary loss of contact will be compensated with retransmission of messages lost or delayed during the time slot allocated to smart energy network 120.
The method then waits until the timer started in Step 390 reaches the operating interval set for home automation network 130 in Step 370.
At that point, the process returns to Step 340 and Steps 340-395 are reperformed in a continuous loop.
It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential character hereof. For example, in some embodiments, the operating interval of the current network may be adapted to expire early (e . g. , before the membership timeout period of the suspended network is approached) , prompting early suspension of the current network and early lifting of the suspension on the suspended network, when wireless modem 2 10 detects the following conditions: (ij a predetermined minimum amount of time has elapsed since the current network was rej oined; (ii) no application data are awaiting transmission on the current network; and (iii) application data are awaiting transmission on the suspended network.
The present invention provides a method and system for maintaining concurrent membership in multiple networks from a single wireless modem on a wireless networking device .
The device time-multiplexes between the networks during time periods allocated to each network that are shorter than the membership timeout period for the other network. Moreover, whenever the device switches between the networks , the device resets the modem and rejoins the other network using configuration information stored in a nonvolatile memory when the network being rej oined was previously quit. Each network remains unaware of the device' s membership in the other network and regards the absence of transmission from the device during the time period allocated to the other network as a temporary loss of radio contact rather than a membership termination event. In one application, the invention enables a single-modem wireless networking device to maintain concurrent ZigBee sessions on a smart energy network and a home automation network.
In one aspect of the invention, a method performed by a wireless networking device for maintaining concurrent membership in multiple networks from a single wireless modem comprises the steps of suspending transmission on a first network; resetting the modem in a first instance; rej oining a second network; suspending transmission on the second network in response to expiration of an operating interval for the second network selected to be shorter than a membership timeout period for the first network; resetting the modem in a second instance; and rejoining the first network.
In some embodiments , the first resetting step comprises accessing a pointer to a location in a nonvolatile memory where configuration information for the second network is stored, and the second resetting step comprises accessing a pointer to a location in the nonvolatile memory where configuration information for the first network is stored .
In some embodiments, the first rej oining step comprises loading from a nonvolatile memory configuration information for the second network, and the second rejoining step comprises loading from the nonvolatile memory configuration information for the first network.
In some embodiments, the configuration information includes an encryption key.
In some embodiments, the configuration information further includes a radio channel identifier, a device identifier or a short network address. In some embodiments, the nonvolatile memory resides on the modem.
In some embodiments, the operating interval for the second network is selected to be shorter than the membership timeout period of the first network by at least two modem reset times.
In some embodiments, the operating interval for the second network is further selected to expire in response to detecting that a predetermined minimum amount of time has elapsed since the second network was rej oined, that no application data are awaiting transmission on the second network and that application data are awaiting transmission on the first network.
In some embodiments , the method further comprises the steps of suspending, by the device, transmission on the first network in response to expiration of an operating interval for the first network selected to be shorter than a membership timeout period for the second network, resetting the modem in a third instance , and rejoining the second network.
In some embodiments, the modem is ZigBee compliant.
In some embodiments, the first network is a smart energy network and the second network is a home automation network.
In another aspect of the invention, a wireless networking device comprises a processor; and a wireless modem communicatively coupled with the processor, wherein under control of the processor the device is adapted to transmit via the modem on a first network and on a second network, and wherein the modem is adapted to suspend transmission on the first network, reset in a first instance , rejoin the second network, suspend transmission on the second network after an operating interval for the second network selected to be shorter than a membership timeout period for the first network, reset in a second instance , and rejoin the first network.
These and other aspects of the invention will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings that are briefly described below. Of course , the invention is defined by the appended claims .
The present description is thus considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive . The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims , and all changes that come with in the meaning and range of equivalents thereof are intended to be embraced therein .

Claims

CLAIMS :
1 . A method performed by a wireless networking device for maintaining concurrent membership in multiple networks from a single modem, comprising the steps of:
suspending, by the device , transmission on a first network;
resetting, by the device, the modem in a first instance; rejoining, by the device, a second network;
suspending, by the device, transmission on the second network in response to expiration of an operating interval for the second network selected to be shorter than a membership timeout period for the first network;
resetting, by the device, the modem in a second instance; and
rejoining, by the device, the first network.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first resetting step comprises accessing a pointer to a location in a nonvolatile memory where configuration information for the second network is stored, and
the second resetting step comprises accessing a pointer to a location in the nonvolatile memory where configuration information for the first network is stored.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first rejoining step comprises loading from a nonvolatile memory configuration information for the second network, and the second rejoining step comprises loading from the nonvolatile memory configuration information for the first network.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the configuration information includes an encryption key.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the configuration information further includes a radio channel identifier, a device identifier or a short network address.
6. The method of claim 3 , wherein the nonvolatile memory resides on the modem.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the operating interval for the second network is selected to be shorter than the membership timeout period of the first network by at least two modem reset times.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the operating interval for the second network is further selected to expire in response to detecting that a predetermined minimum amount of time has elapsed since the second network was rej oined, that no application data are awaiting transmission on the second network and that application data are awaiting transmission on the first network.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the method further comprises the steps of suspending, by the device, transmission on the first network in response to expiration of an operating interval for the first network selected to be shorter than a membership timeout period for the second network, resetting the modem in a third instance, and rej oining the second network.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first network is a smart energy network, the second network is a home automation network and the modem is ZigBee compliant.
1 1. A wireless networking device, comprising:
a processor; and
a wireless modem communicatively coupled with the processor, wherein under control of the processor the device is adapted to transmit via the modem on a first network and on a second network, and wherein the modem is adapted to suspend transmission on the first network, reset in a first instance, rej oin the second network, suspend transmission on the second network after an operating interval for the second network selected to be shorter than a membership timeout period for the first network, reset in a second instance , and rej oin the first network.
12. The device of claim 1 1 , wherein the modem is adapted to access a pointer to a location in a nonvolatile memory where configuration information for the second network is stored, and is adapted to access a pointer to a location in the nonvolatile . memory where configuration information for the first network is stored .
13. The device of claim 1 1 , wherein the modem is adapted to load from a nonvolatile memory configuration information for the second network, and is adapted to load the from the nonvolatile memory configuration information for the first network.
14. The device of claim 13 , wherein the configuration information includes an encryption key.
1 5. The device of claim 14, wherein the configuration information further includes a radio channel identifier, a device identifier or a short network address.
The device of claim 13 , wherein the nonvolatile memory resides on the modem.
17. The device of claim 1 1 , wherein the operating interval for the second network is selected to be shorter than the membership timeout period of the first network by at least two modem reset times .
18. The device of claim 1 1 , wherein the operating interval for the second network is further selected to expire in response to detecting that a predetermined minimum amount of time has elapsed since the second network was rej oined, that no application data are awaiting transmission on the second network and that application data are awaiting transmission on the first network.
19.. The device of claim 1 1 , wherein the modem is further adapted to suspend transmission on the first network in response to expiration of an operating interval for the first network selected to be shorter than a membership timeout period for the second network, reset in a third instance, and rejoin the second network.
20. The device of claim 1 1 , wherein the first network is a smart energy network, the second network is a home automation network and the modem is ZigBee compliant.
PCT/JP2012/059425 2011-03-30 2012-03-30 A wireless networking device and method preformed the device for maintaining concurrent membership in multiple networks Ceased WO2012133944A1 (en)

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