System and method for using a device to operate on multiple networks

摘要

A system and method whereby a device may operate on two IEEE802.15.4 networks is disclosed. In one embodiment, the multi-network device comprises exactly one radio portion, a processing unit and a computer readable medium, in communication with the processing unit The computer read medium comprises instructions which, when executed, allow the device to share the radio portion among a plurality of IEEE802.15.4 networks. In a further embodiment, the multi-network device acts as a sleepy end device on one of the IEEE802.15.4 networks in which it participates. In another embodiment, it may operate as a coordinator node on one of the plurality of IEEE802.15.4 networks.

主权项

1. A device, comprising:
exactly one radio portion, wherein the radio portion comprises: an antenna; a radio circuit; protocol interfacing and processing circuitry; and one or more configuration registers; a processing unit; and a non-transitory computer readable medium, in communication with the processing unit, comprising instructions which, when executed, allow the device to share the radio portion among a first IEEE802.15.4 network and a second IEEE802.15.4 network by: configuring the radio portion to operate as a parent node on the second IEEE802.15.4 network; setting a timer to a predetermined value; and upon expiration of the timer, reconfiguring the radio portion to operate as a sleepy end device on the first IEEE802.15.4 network, wherein the device performs a function as a sleepy end device, and configuring the radio portion to operate on the second IEEE802.15.4 network after the function is performed, and wherein each time the timer expires, the radio portion is reconfigured to operate as a sleepy end device on the first IEEE802.15.4 network.