Intermediate functional device and method
First Claim
1. A wireless intermediate functional device for wireless communication in a cargo conveyance security system comprising:
- a processor with memory;
a radio frequency transceiver front end communicating with the processor;
an antenna coupled to the front end; and
a power source providing power to the processor and front end;
wherein the processor executes computer instructions stored in the memory for;
selectively scanning a predetermined set of radio frequency channels for network discovery;
selecting a channel with best signal characteristics;
discovering a first network access device configured for a first network topology;
discovering a second network access device configured for a network topology different from the first network topology;
establishing communication with the first and second network access devices; and
sending data to at least one of the network access devices.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A wireless intermediate functional device (IFD) for wireless communication between reduced functional devices in a star topology network having a central coordinator capable of operating as a network access device (NAD), and with fully functional devices in a mesh topology network also capable of operating as a NAD is described. The IFD is a wireless system that executes IEEE 802.15.4 standard compliant operations and operates as an intermediary between non-compatible devices. Various communication and protocol handshaking and management is facilitated by the IFD, allowing end devices in heterogeneous networks to communicate.
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Citations
2 Claims
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1. A wireless intermediate functional device for wireless communication in a cargo conveyance security system comprising:
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a processor with memory; a radio frequency transceiver front end communicating with the processor; an antenna coupled to the front end; and a power source providing power to the processor and front end; wherein the processor executes computer instructions stored in the memory for; selectively scanning a predetermined set of radio frequency channels for network discovery; selecting a channel with best signal characteristics; discovering a first network access device configured for a first network topology; discovering a second network access device configured for a network topology different from the first network topology; establishing communication with the first and second network access devices; and sending data to at least one of the network access devices.
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2. A method for wireless communication in a cargo conveyance security system between reduced functional devices in a star topology network having a central coordinator capable of operating as a network access device, and with fully functional devices in a mesh topology network, comprising:
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providing an intermediary functional device comprising; a processor with memory; a radio frequency transceiver front end communicating with the processor; an antenna coupled to the front end; and a power source providing power to the processor and front end; into the star topology and mesh topology networks; selectively scanning a predetermined set of radio frequency channels for network discovery; selecting a channel with best signal characteristics; discovering a network access device announcement from a network access device via the intermediary functional device; determining whether the network access device is from a star or mesh network via the intermediary functional device; establishing communication with a designated reduced functional device via the intermediary functional device; forwarding the network access device announcement to the designated reduced functional device; and sending data to the reduced functional device.
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Specification