METHOD AND SYSTEM TO ENHANCE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN MULTIPLE PARTIES

Synopsis

Patent US 11,012,559 B2 describes a method and system designed to enhance communication between multiple network components using a network bridge architecture. The invention addresses the challenges of efficient data transfer and reduced latency in complex network environments, particularly where various network protocols or physical layers coexist.
A key novel aspect of this patent is its sophisticated network bridge design, which facilitates communication between two or more local area networks (LANs) that may utilize different protocols or physical interfaces. The system incorporates a control module that manages data flow by distinguishing between broadcast/multicast messages and unicast messages. This intelligent routing prevents unnecessary flooding of broadcast traffic across the entire network, thereby reducing network congestion and improving overall efficiency. Furthermore, the bridge can implement a "silent listening" mode where it learns the MAC addresses of connected devices without actively participating in data forwarding until a specific condition is met, such as detecting traffic destined for a particular network segment. This adaptive learning and forwarding mechanism optimizes network performance by ensuring that data is directed only to the necessary segments, minimizing idle listening and power consumption. The patent details the use of a micro-controller or processor within the bridge, enabling it to intelligently manage data packets, perform address learning, and implement various communication rules to enhance throughput and reduce latency.
The commercial potential of this invention is significant across various industries that rely on robust, high-performance, and scalable network infrastructures. The ability to seamlessly bridge disparate network segments while optimizing data flow offers substantial advantages.

Possible applications include:
Industrial Automation and IoT (Internet of Things): Connecting diverse industrial control systems (e.g., PLCs, sensors, actuators) that may operate on different network protocols within a factory or smart facility. This can improve real-time data exchange, enable remote monitoring, and enhance overall operational efficiency for applications like smart manufacturing and predictive maintenance.
Building Management Systems (BMS): Integrating various building subsystems (e.g., HVAC, lighting, security cameras, access control) that might use different communication standards. The bridge can provide a unified communication backbone, leading to more efficient energy management, improved comfort, and enhanced security.
Smart Grid Infrastructure: Facilitating communication between different components of a smart grid, such as smart meters, distributed energy resources, and grid control centers, which often employ a mix of communication technologies. This can enhance grid reliability, enable demand response, and support renewable energy integration.
Data Centers: Optimizing internal network traffic within data centers by intelligently routing data between different server racks or network segments, thereby reducing latency and improving overall throughput for cloud computing and high-performance computing tasks.
Transportation Systems: Enabling communication between various networked components in intelligent transportation systems, including traffic management, vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication, and public transport monitoring.
Military and Defense Networks: Providing robust and secure communication bridging for heterogeneous tactical networks, ensuring reliable data exchange between diverse command, control, and sensor systems in complex operational environments.

This patent offers a versatile and intelligent solution for network communication, providing a pathway to more efficient, scalable, and adaptable network infrastructures across a broad spectrum of critical applications.