Efficient communication for devices of a home network

• US 9,326,307 B2
• Filed: 05/14/2015
• Issued: 04/26/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 06/25/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Google LLC (Alphabet Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Google Inc. (Alphabet Inc.)
• Inventors: Erickson, Grant M., Logue, Jay D., Boross, Christopher J., Smith, Zachary B., Hardison, Osborne B., Schultz, Richard J., Gujjaru, Sunny P., Neeley, Matthew G.
• Primary Examiner(s): Faroul, Farah
• Application Number:
  US14/712,436
• Publication Number:
  US 20150249728A1
• Time in Patent Office: 348 Days
• Field of Search: 370/252, 370/254, 370465-467
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 8/65 Updates security arrangements therefor G06F21/57
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0415 detecting absence of activity per se
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/28 characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks] wireless communication networks H04W ; arrangements for dividing the transmission path H04W40/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2803 Home automation networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2814 Exchanging control software or macros for controlling appliance services in a home automation network arrangements for maintenance or administration involving configuration of the network and network elements H04L41/08
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2823 Reporting information sensed by appliance or service execution status of appliance services in a home automation network device-related reporting H04L43/065; arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems for selectively calling a substation from a main station, in which substation desired apparatus is selected for applying a control signal thereto or for obtaining measured values therefrom H04Q9/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/56 Packet switching systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2101/604 Address structures or formats
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2101/659 Internet protocol version 6 [IPv6] addresses
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 45/00 Routing or path finding of packets in data switching networks routing or path finding in wireless networks H04W40/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 45/74 Address processing for routing
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 49/254 Centralised controller, i.e. arbitration or scheduling
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 51/00 User-to-user messaging in packet-switching networks, transmitted according to store-and-forward or real-time protocols, e.g. e-mail
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 61/00 Network arrangements, protocols or services for addressing or naming
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 61/5038 for local use, e.g. in LAN or USB networks, or in a controller area network [CAN]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/061 for key exchange, e.g. in peer-to-peer networks cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for key agreement H04L9/0838
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0823 using certificates cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for entity authentication involving certificates H04L9/3263
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/083 using passwords cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for entity authentication using a predetermined code H04L9/3226
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/10 in which an application is distributed across nodes in the network software deployment G06F8/60; multiprogramming arrangements G06F9/46
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/12 specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/34 : involving the movement of software or configuration parameters network booting or remote initial program loading [RIPL] G06F9/4416
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/52 : specially adapted for the location of the user terminal
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/535 : Tracking the activity of the user network monitoring arrangements H04L43/00; recording of computer activity G06F11/34
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/165 : Combined use of TCP and UDP protocols; selection criteria therefor
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/22 : Parsing or analysis of headers
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/0861 : Generation of secret information including derivation or calculation of cryptographic keys or passwords
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/14 : using a plurality of keys or algorithms
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/30 : Public key, i.e. encryption algorithm being computationally infeasible to invert or user's encryption keys not requiring secrecy
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/32 : including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system or for message authentication, e.g. authorization, entity authentication, data integrity or data verification, non-repudiation, key authentication or verification of credentials
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/3247 : involving digital signatures
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/3263 : involving certificates, e.g. public key certificate [PKC] or attribute certificate [AC]; Public key infrastructure [PKI] arrangements network architectures or network communication protocols for supporting authentication of entities using certificates in a packet data network H04L63/0823
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/3265 : using certificate chains, trees or paths; Hierarchical trust model
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/0471 : Key exchange
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/069 : using certificates or pre-shared keys
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 24/04 : Arrangements for maintaining operational condition
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 24/10 : Scheduling measurement reports ; Arrangements for measurement reports
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/029 : Location-based management or tracking services
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 40/246 : Connectivity information discovery
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0212 : managed by the network, e.g. network or access point is master and terminal is slave
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/383 : power control in peer-to-peer links
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 60/00 : Affiliation to network, e.g. registration; Terminating affiliation with the network, e.g. de-registration
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/53 : based on regulatory allocation policies
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/10 : Connection setup
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/14 : Direct-mode setup
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 80/045 : involving different protocol versions, e.g. MIPv4 and MIPv6
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/12 : WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/18 : Self-organising networks, e.g. ad-hoc networks or sensor networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/02 : Terminal devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/04 : adapted for relaying to or from another terminal or user
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/06 : adapted for operation in multiple networks or having at least two operational modes, e.g. multi-mode terminals
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 30/70 : in wireless communication networks
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 40/18 : Network protocols supporting networked applications, e.g. including control of end-device applications over a network
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 40/20 : Information technology specific aspects, e.g. CAD, simulation, modelling, system security

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for efficient communication through a fabric network of devices in a home environment or similar environment. For example, an electronic device may efficiently control communication to balance power and reliability concerns, may efficiently communicate messages to certain preferred networks by analyzing Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) packet headers that use an Extended Unique Local Address (EULA), may efficiently communicate software updates and status reports throughout a fabric network, and/or may easily and efficiently join a fabric network.

Claims

1. An electronic device comprising:

a storage element configured to store instructions to operate at least a portion of a network stack;

a processor configured to execute the instructions to operate at least the portion of the network stack; and

a network interface configured to communicate a message to a target device based on at least the portion of the network stack;

wherein the network stack comprises;

an application layer configured to provide an application payload comprising data to be transmitted in the message;

a transport layer configured to selectively transport the message using either a User Datagram Protocol (UDP) or a Transmission Control Protocol (TCP); and

a network layer configured to communicate the message

wherein the processor is configured to vary selection of a transportation protocol of the message using TCP or UDP depending on an urgency of the message, wherein the message comprises an urgent message when the message communicates a device alarm and wherein the message comprises a non-urgent message when the message communicates an indication of a non-hazardous environmental condition without a device alarm.

2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the network interface is configured to communicate the message to the target device via an intervening device.

3. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein the network interface is configured to cause the device to join a network-connected fabric of devices comprising the target device and the intervening device.

4. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to determine whether to transport the message using TCP or UDP based on an amount of available power of the electronic device, wherein the processor is configured to vary the selection of transportation of the message using TCP or UDP based in part on an amount of power to be consumed by an intervening device.

5. The electronic device of claim 4, wherein the processor is configured to vary the selection of transportation of the message using TCP or UDP based in part on an amount of power to be consumed by the electronic device.

6. The electronic device of claim 4, wherein the processor is configured to vary the selection of transportation of the message using TCP or UDP based in part on an amount of power to be consumed by the target device.

7. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the message is configured to be transported using TCP when the message comprises an urgent message, wherein the message is configured to be transported using UDP when the message comprises a non-urgent message.

8. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the message is configured to be transported using TCP when the device is powered by a power source external to the device, wherein the message is configured to be transported using UDP when the device is powered by a power source internal to the device.

9. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the application layer is configured to is configured to vary the selection of transportation of the message using TCP or UDP depending on whether the device is transmitting the message to the target device comprises a service.

10. The tangible non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 9, wherein the network layer configured to communicate the message using Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) via an 802.11 wireless network, an 802.15.4 wireless network, a powerline network, a cellular network, an Ethernet network, a low-power wireless network, or any combination thereof.

11. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the network layer is configured to communicate the message via an 802.11 wireless network, an 802.15.4 wireless network, a powerline network, a cellular network, an Ethernet network, a low-power wireless network, or any combination thereof.

12. An electronic device comprising:

a storage element configured to store instructions to operate at least a portion of a network stack;

a processor configured to execute the instructions to operate at least the portion of the network stack; and

a network interface configured to communicate a message to a target device based on at least the portion of the network stack;

wherein the network stack comprises;

an application layer configured to provide an application payload comprising data to be transmitted in the message;

a transport layer configured to selectively transport the message using either a User Datagram Protocol (UDP) or a Transmission Control Protocol (TCP); and

a network layer configured to communicate the message;

wherein the processor is configured to determine whether to transport the message using TCP or UDP based on a type of network over which the message is to be sent, wherein the message is configured to be transported using TCP when the network over which the message is to be sent comprises a WiFi network, wherein the message is configured to be transported using UDP when the network over which the message is to be sent comprises an 802.15.4 wireless network.

13. The electronic device of claim 12, wherein the target device comprises at least one of a refrigerator, a stove, an oven, a television, a washer, a dryer, one or more lights, a stereo, an intercom system, a garage-door opener, a floor fan, a ceiling fan, a whole-house fan, a wall air conditioner, a pool heaters, an irrigation system, or a security system.

14. The electronic device of claim 12, wherein the electronic device comprises a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet, or a smartphone.

15. The electronic device of claim 12, wherein the electronic device comprises a light switch configured to detect ambient lighting conditions, detect room-occupancy states, control a power and/or dim state of one or more lights, or control a power state and/or speed of a fan.

16. An electronic device comprising:

a storage element configured to store instructions to operate at least a portion of a network stack;

a processor configured to execute the instructions to operate at least the portion of the network stack; and

a network interface configured to communicate a message to a target device based on at least the portion of the network stack;

wherein the network stack comprises;

an application layer configured to provide an application payload comprising data to be transmitted in the message;

a transport layer configured to selectively transport the message using either a User Datagram Protocol (UDP) or a Transmission Control Protocol (TCP); and

a network layer configured to communicate the message;

wherein the processor is configured to determine whether to transport the message using TCP or UDP based on a distance over which the message may travel to reach its destination, wherein the message is configured to be transported using TCP when the distance over which the message may travel through the fabric network is greater than a threshold, wherein the message is configured to be transported using UDP when the distance over which the message may travel through the fabric network is less than a threshold.

17. The electronic device of claim 16, wherein the distance represents a number of hops to reach the target device.

18. The electronic device of claim 16, wherein the distance represents a number of different types of networks that are traversed to reach the target device.

19. The electronic device of claim 16, wherein the distance represents an actual distance through the network, or any combination thereof.

20. A tangible non-transitory machine readable medium configured to store instructions thereon, wherein the instructions comprise:

a network stack, utilized to communicate a message to a target device from an electronic device, wherein the network stack comprises;

an application layer configured to provide an application payload comprising data to be transmitted in the message;

a transport layer configured to selectively transport the message using either a User Datagram Protocol (UDP) or a Transmission Control Protocol (TCP); and

a network layer configured to communicate the message using Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6);

wherein the instructions are configured to allow for a determination of whether to transport the message using TCP or UDP based on a type of network over which the message is to be sent, wherein the message is configured to be transported using TCP when the network over which the message is to be sent comprises a WiFi network, wherein the message is configured to be transported using UDP when the network over which the message is to be sent comprises an 802.15.4 wireless network.

21. The tangible non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 20, wherein the instructions are configured to allow the message to be communicated to the target device in a network-connected fabric of devices via an intervening device of the network-connected fabric of devices.

22. The tangible non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 21, wherein the instructions are configured to vary the selection of transportation of the message using TCP or UDP based in part on at least one of:

an amount of power to be consumed by the electronic device, the intervening device, and the target device.

23. A method, comprising:

storing instructions, at a storage element of an electronic device, to operate a network stack;

executing, via a processor of the electronic device, the instructions to operate the network stack;

communicating, via a network interface of the electronic device, a message to a target device based on at least the portion of the network stack, wherein the network stack comprises;

an application layer configured to provide an application payload comprising data to be transmitted in the message;

a transport layer configured to selectively transport the message using either a User Datagram Protocol (UDP) or a Transmission Control Protocol (TCP); and

a network layer configured to communicate the message using Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6);

determining whether to transport the message using TCP or UDP based on a distance over which the message may travel to reach its destination, wherein the message is configured to be transported using TCP when the distance over which the message may travel through the fabric network is greater than a threshold, wherein the message is configured to be transported using UDP when the distance over which the message may travel through the fabric network is less than a threshold.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein determining the property of the manner of communication includes:

a determination to select Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) to transport the message;

a determination to select User Datagram Protocol (UDP) to transport the message;

a determination to communicate the message using a lower-power network;

a determination to communicate the message using a higher-power network;

a determination to select a preferred network of the target device as a higher-power network indicated in an Extended Unique Local Address (EULA) encoded in an IPv6 packet header of the message;

a determination to select a preferred network of the target device as a lower-power network indicated in the Extended Unique Local Address (EULA) encoded in the IPv6 packet header of the message;

or

any combination thereof.

25. The method of claim 23, comprising joining, via the electronic device, a network-connected fabric of devices comprising the target device.

26. The method of claim 23, wherein the network layer is configured to communicate the message using Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) via an 802.11 wireless network, an 802. 15.4 wireless network, a powerline network, a cellular network, an Ethernet network, a low-power wireless network, or any combination thereof.

27. A tangible non-transitory machine readable medium configured to store instructions thereon, wherein the instructions comprise:

a network stack, utilized to communicate a message to a target device from an electronic device, wherein the network stack comprises;

an application layer configured to provide an application payload comprising data to be transmitted in the message;

a transport layer configured to selectively transport the message using either a User Datagram Protocol (UDP) or a Transmission Control Protocol (TCP); and

a network layer configured to communicate the message using Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6);

wherein the instructions are configured to vary selection of a transportation protocol of the message using TCP or UDP depending on an urgency of the message, wherein the message comprises an urgent message when the message communicates a device alarm and wherein the message comprises a non-urgent message when the message communicates an indication of a non-hazardous environmental condition without a device alarm.

28. The tangible non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 27, wherein the urgent message is communicated using TCP.

29. The tangible non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 27, wherein the non-urgent message is communicated using UDP.

30. The tangible non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 27, wherein the device alarm is an alarm from a device having at least one of a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a hazard-related sensor, an environmental sensor, an accelerometer, a microphone, an optical sensor, an active or passive radiation sensor, a GPS receiver, or a radiofrequency identification detector.

31. The tangible non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 27, wherein the device alarm is an alarm from at least one of a garage device or a hallway device.

32. A tangible non-transitory machine readable medium configured to store instructions thereon, wherein the instructions comprise:

a network stack, utilized to communicate a message to a target device from an electronic device, wherein the network stack comprises;

an application layer configured to provide an application payload comprising data to be transmitted in the message;

a transport layer configured to selectively transport the message using either a User Datagram Protocol (UDP) or a Transmission Control Protocol (TCP); and

a network layer configured to communicate the message using Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6);

wherein the instructions are configured to allow for a determination of whether to transport the message using TCP or UDP based on a distance over which the message may travel to reach its destination, wherein the message is configured to be transported using TCP when the distance over which the message may travel through the fabric network is greater than a threshold, wherein the message is configured to be transported using UDP when the distance over which the message may travel through the fabric network is less than a threshold.

33. The tangible non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 32, wherein the target device comprises at least one of a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a hazard-related sensor, an environmental sensor, an accelerometer, a microphone, an optical sensor, an active or passive radiation sensor, a GPS receiver, or a radiofrequency identification detector.

34. The tangible non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 32, wherein the target device comprises at least one of a refrigerator, a stove, an oven, a television, a washer, a dryer, one or more lights, a stereo, an intercom system, a garage-door opener, a floor fan, a ceiling fan, a whole-house fan, a wall air conditioner, a pool heaters, an irrigation system, or a security system.

35. The tangible non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 32, wherein the target device comprises a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet, or a smartphone.

36. The tangible non-transitory machine readable medium of claim 32, wherein the distance represents a number of hops to reach the target device, a number of different types of networks that are traversed to reach the target device, an actual distance through the network, or any combination thereof.

37. A method, comprising:

storing instructions, at a storage element of an electronic device, to operate a network stack;

executing, via a processor of the electronic device, the instructions to operate the network stack;

communicating, via a network interface of the electronic device, a message to a target device based on at least the portion of the network stack, wherein the network stack comprises;

an application layer configured to provide an application payload comprising data to be transmitted in the message;

a transport layer configured to selectively transport the message using either a User Datagram Protocol (UDP) or a Transmission Control Protocol (TCP); and

a network layer configured to communicate the message using Internet Protocol Version 6 (Ipv6);

varying selection of a transportation protocol of the message using TCP or UDP depending on an urgency of the message, wherein the message comprises an urgent message when the message communicates a device alarm and wherein the message comprises a non-urgent message when the message communicates an indication of a non-hazardous environmental condition without a device alarm.

38. The method of claim 37, comprising transporting the message using TCP when the message comprises an urgent message and comprising transporting the message using UDP when the message comprises a non-urgent message.

39. The method of claim 37, wherein the electronic device comprises at least one of a refrigerator, a stove, an oven, a television, a washer, a dryer, one or more lights, a stereo, an intercom system, a garage-door opener, a floor fan, a ceiling fan, a whole-house fan, a wall air conditioner, a pool heaters, an irrigation system, or a security system.

40. The method of claim 37, wherein the electronic device comprises a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet, or a smartphone.

41. The method of claim 37, wherein the electronic device comprises a sensor configured to detect a user approaching a front door.

42. A method, comprising:

storing instructions, at a storage element of an electronic device, to operate a network stack;

executing, via a processor of the electronic device, the instructions to operate the network stack;

communicating, via a network interface of the electronic device, a message to a target device based on at least the portion of the network stack, wherein the network stack comprises;

an application layer configured to provide an application payload comprising data to be transmitted in the message;

a transport layer configured to selectively transport the message using either a User Datagram Protocol (UDP) or a Transmission Control Protocol (TCP); and

a network layer configured to communicate the message using Internet Protocol Version 6 (Ipv6);

determining whether to transport the message using TCP or UDP based on a type of network over which the message is to be sent, wherein the message is configured to be transported using TCP when the network over which the message is to be sent comprises a WiFi network, wherein the message is configured to be transported using UDP when the network over which the message is to be sent comprises an 802.15.4 wireless network.

43. The method of claim 42, wherein the electronic device comprises at least one of a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a hazard-related sensor, an environmental sensor, an accelerometer, a microphone, an optical sensor, an active or passive radiation sensor, a GPS receiver, or a radiofrequency identification detector.

44. The method of claim 42, wherein the electronic device comprises a sensor configured to detect at least one of acceleration, temperature, humidity, water, supplied power, proximity, external motion, device motion, sound signals, ultrasound signals, light signals, fire, smoke, carbon monoxide, global-positioning-satellite (GPS) signals, or radio-frequency (RF) signals.

45. The method of claim 42, wherein the electronic device comprises a pool heater or an irrigation system.