Apparatus for and method of using an intelligent network and RFID signal router
Apparatuses, systems for, and methods of transporting digital signals and radio-frequency (“RF”) signals are disclosed. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, an intelligent network (e.g., a combination router) and corresponding method are provided for transporting RF signals to, for example, an RFID antenna and transporting digital signals to, for example, a controller. In a preferred embodiment, the intelligent network is implemented with a manager unit for controlling a plurality of network devices to facilitate the efficient management of RFID-enabled devices. The network devices may include a combination router/switch, which has the capability of switching both digital data and RF data, RFID readers, RFID reader/writer pads, and other devices. In accordance with preferred embodiments, the intelligent network allows enhanced flexibility in controlling systems for interrogation of RFID antennae.
1 . A method of transporting signals to an RFID reader antenna, the method comprising the steps of:
selecting a first communication route for transporting at least one RF signal from an RFID reader to at least one RFID antenna;
selecting a second communication route for transporting at least one digital signal from a first controller to a second controller;
transporting the at least one RF signal to the RFID antenna along the first communication route; and
transporting the at least one digital signal to the second controller along the second communication route.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the steps of selecting a first and second communication route respectively comprises selecting a communication route in accordance with a routing method.
3 . The method of claim 2 , wherein the routing method is selected from the group consisting of: operational readiness, RIP, IGRP, OSPF and EIGRP.
4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the steps of selecting a first communication route and selecting a second communication route result in selection of first and second communication routes sharing substantially the same communication route for transporting both digital signals and RF signals.
5 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the steps of selecting a first communication route and selecting a second communication route result in selection of first and second communication routes substantially different for transporting digital signals than for transporting RF signals.
6 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising a step of dividing the digital signal into data packets for transporting over the second communication route.
7 . The method of claim 6 , further comprising a step of dividing the data packets into smaller packets.
8 . The method of claim 6 , further comprising a step of combining the data packets into larger data packets.
9 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of providing a first controller is performed by a controller selected from the group consisting of a shelf controller, a gondola controller, and a primary controller.
10 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising a step of providing a combination router for performing the steps of transporting the at least one RF signal and transporting the digital signal from the combination router to the second controller.
11 . The method of claim 10 , further comprising transporting the at least one digital signal to a third controller; and wherein the combination router switches a plurality of routes at the same time.
12 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least one digital signal comprises at least one data signal.
13 . A method of transporting signals to an RFID reader antenna through a network, the method comprising the steps of:
selecting a first communication route for transporting at least one RF signal output from an RFID reader to at least one RFID antenna;
selecting a second communication route for transporting at least one digital signal from a first controller to a second controller;
transporting the at least one RF signal to the RFID antenna along the first communication route;
transporting the at least one digital signal to the second controller along the second communication route;
detecting the at least one RF signal output at at least one location in the network; and
controlling the RFID reader based on the detecting step.
14 . The method of transporting signals as recited in claim 13 , wherein:
the detecting step detects, at the location of the at least one RFID antenna, the signal characteristics of the at least one RF signal output from the RFID reader and received at the at least one RFID antenna; and
the controlling step comprises controlling RF power level of the output from the RFID reader based on the detecting step.
15 . The method of transporting signals as recited in claim 14 , wherein the detecting step uses a sensor located at the location of the at least one RFID antenna to detect the signal characteristics of the at least one RF signal output from the RFID reader.
16 . The method of transporting signals as recited in claim 13 , wherein the controlling step comprises controlling a frequency of activation of the RFID reader based on the detecting step.