Power line network apparatus, system and method

摘要

Various aspects of the instant disclosure are directed towards a method for communicating time-based data in a power line communication system. In accordance with one or more example embodiments, firmware is downloaded to a multitude of endpoints over power distribution lines carrying alternating current (AC) power. Endpoint devices targeted for changes to stored firmware are grouped and the firmware is delivered in chunks to each group. As devices receive a particular chunk of firmware, the device advances to a next stage and provides information indicative of this stage, based upon which subsequent chunks of firmware are communicated. This occurs (e.g., on a daily cycle) until the endpoint has received all firmware for an update, after which the endpoint(s) are re-started using the firmware. Accordingly, such updates can be carried out in a cyclic and verifiable manner.

主权项

1. A method for communicating firmware over power distribution lines carrying alternating current (AC) power, where bandwidth is shared between a plurality of endpoint devices that are configured to provide utility usage data over the power distribution lines, the method comprising:
identifying endpoint devices that are targeted for changes to stored firmware; selecting a plurality of the endpoint devices for communicating firmware sets based upon available bandwidth on the power distribution lines; and communicating, over the power distribution lines and based on timing indicated at least in part by the alternating current,
a command to the selected endpoint devices,a first subset of the firmware to the selected endpoint devices, in response to an acknowledgement from the endpoint devices of the command received via the power distribution lines, andat least one additional subset of the firmware to at least some of the selected endpoint devices, based upon a response of the endpoint devices received over the power distribution lines and interleaved with the utility usage data.