Method, system, device and medium for MAC layer session asynchronous synchronization of wireless mesh networks
By introducing a globally incrementing session token at the MAC layer of the wireless mesh network, fast and lightweight MAC/RLC layer state synchronization is achieved, solving the problem of long link recovery time and improving network reliability and real-time performance.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- INSPUR INTELLIGENT TECHNOLOGY (JIANGSU) CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2026-03-18
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-23
Smart Images
Figure CN122269429A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of wireless communication technology, specifically to a data link layer protocol in a wireless mesh network, and more specifically to a method, system, device, and medium for asynchronous synchronization of MAC layer sessions in a wireless mesh network. Background Technology
[0002] In existing wireless mesh networks, end-to-end connections between communication nodes typically require multiple layers of protocols (such as the MAC layer (Media Access Control layer), RLC layer (Radio Link Control layer), PDCP layer, etc.) to work together to maintain state consistency. When the communication link is interrupted due to system failure, environmental interference, or temporary offline status of a node, the states of the protocol layers (especially the MAC and RLC layers) at both ends of the peer communication may become out of sync.
[0003] Traditional solutions rely on complex end-to-end coordination and handshakes using higher-level protocols (such as RLC layer and above) to reset and synchronize the protocol states at both ends. This cross-layer, end-to-end coordination mechanism incurs high signaling overhead and is time-consuming, severely impacting the connection recovery speed after link failure and reducing network reliability and real-time performance.
[0004] Therefore, how to quickly and lightweightly achieve MAC / RLC layer state synchronization, reduce higher-layer intervention, and accelerate link recovery is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The technical objective of this invention is to provide a method, system, device, and medium for asynchronous synchronization of MAC layer sessions in wireless mesh networks, in order to solve the problem of how to quickly and lightweightly achieve MAC / RLC layer state synchronization, reduce higher-layer intervention, and accelerate link recovery.
[0006] The technical objective of this invention is achieved as follows: an asynchronous synchronization method for MAC layer sessions in a wireless mesh network. This method is applied to communication nodes in the mesh network. By introducing a globally incrementing session token at the MAC layer and transmitting it between nodes via MAC frame headers or control messages (such as ARQ reports), token transmission is achieved. The receiving end can autonomously determine whether to reset its local protocol state by comparing the token values, thereby achieving rapid synchronization without the need for complex coordination processes involving higher layers. Specifically, each node maintains a session token with at least one peer node in the mesh network. Session token management and initialization; Communication initiation and token update; State synchronization and reset.
[0007] As a preferred option, session token management and initialization are as follows: Each node maintains a local current session token for itself and a peer session token for each potential peer communication node; All session tokens are set to an initial value (e.g., -1 or 0) when the node is initialized, the system is restarted, or the system is reset.
[0008] As a preferred method, the communication initiation and token update are as follows: When this node, acting as the sender Tx, wants to initiate a new data communication session with the target receiver Rx, it increments and updates its local current session token (e.g., Token = Token + 1). The sending end Tx carries the updated session token in the header of the MAC layer data frame or control frame sent to the corresponding receiving end.
[0009] As a preferred embodiment, the state synchronization and reset are as follows: When the receiving end Rx receives a frame from the sending end Tx, it parses the sending end session token carried in the frame header; The receiving end compares the received token value with the peer session token stored locally, which corresponds to the sending end: If the received token value is greater than the peer token value stored locally, it is determined that the sender has started a new communication session, and the receiver immediately performs subsequent operations. If the received token value is equal to or less than the peer token value stored locally, the current session is determined to continue, and the corresponding frame is processed according to the normal procedure.
[0010] Even better, once the sender has started a new communication session, the receiver immediately performs the following operations: Update the locally stored counterparty session token to the received value; Reset all MAC layer and / or RLC layer control variables, state machines, and timers (such as ARQ states, transmit / receive buffers, retransmission counters, etc.) associated with the corresponding transmitter. The historical status information is reported to higher-level protocols, signifying the end of the old session and the start of the new session.
[0011] Preferably, when the method uses Acknowledgment Mode (AM) transmission, the receiving end, when sending an ARQ status report to the sending end, includes its currently stored peer session token (the token value from the most recent synchronization) corresponding to the sending end in the ARQ status report. After receiving the ARQ status report, the sending end compares the session token in the ARQ status report with its own currently stored local session token, as follows: If the session token in the ARQ status report is consistent with the local current session token, it indicates that the ARQ status report is a feedback for the current session, and the ARQ information is processed normally. If the session token in the ARQ status report is less than the local current session token, it indicates that the ARQ report is for an outdated old session. The sender ignores the ARQ status report or cleans up the residual ARQ queue and data buffer of the old session accordingly.
[0012] Preferably, the bit length of the session token is configured according to the system transmission time interval (TTI). The smaller the system transmission time interval, the lower the tolerance for token looping. Therefore, a longer bit length (such as 48 bits or 64 bits) is required to prevent the token from wrapping around too quickly and causing misjudgment. Typical bit lengths can be 16 bits, 32 bits, 48 bits or 64 bits.
[0013] A MAC layer session asynchronous synchronization system for a wireless mesh network is disclosed. This system implements the MAC layer session asynchronous synchronization method for wireless mesh networks as described above. The system is applied to communication nodes in the mesh network, whereby each node maintains a session token with at least one peer node in the network. The system includes: The session token management and initialization module is used to maintain a local current session token for each node and a corresponding peer session token for each potential peer communication node. All session tokens are set to the initial value (e.g., -1 or 0) when the node is initialized, the system is restarted, or the system is reset. The communication initiation and token update module is used to increment and update its local current session token (e.g., Token = Token + 1) when the local node, as the sender Tx, wants to initiate a new data communication session with the target receiver Rx; the sender Tx carries the updated session token in the header of the MAC layer data frame or control frame sent to the corresponding receiver. The state synchronization and reset module is used by the receiving end Rx to parse the sending end session token carried in the frame header when it receives a frame from the sending end Tx. The receiving end compares the received token value with the peer session token corresponding to the sending end stored locally: if the received token value is greater than the peer token value stored locally, it is determined that the sending end has started a new communication session, and the receiving end immediately performs subsequent operations; if the received token value is equal to or less than the peer token value stored locally, it is determined that the current session continues, and the corresponding frame is processed according to the normal procedure. The enhanced processing module, when transmitting in Acknowledgment Mode (AM), includes the receiver's currently stored peer session token (the token value from the most recent synchronization) corresponding to the sender in the ARQ status report. Upon receiving the ARQ status report, the sender compares the session token in the ARQ status report with its own local current session token. If the session token in the ARQ status report matches its local current session token, it indicates that the ARQ status report is for the current session, and the ARQ information is processed normally. If the session token in the ARQ status report is less than its local current session token, it indicates that the ARQ report is for an outdated session, and the sender ignores the ARQ status report or uses it to clean up residual ARQ queues and data buffers from the old session.
[0014] An electronic device includes: a memory and at least one processor; The memory contains computer programs; The at least one processor executes the computer program stored in the memory, causing the at least one processor to perform the asynchronous synchronization method for MAC layer sessions in a wireless mesh network as described above.
[0015] A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that can be executed by a processor to implement the asynchronous synchronization method for MAC layer sessions in a wireless mesh network as described above.
[0016] The asynchronous synchronization method, system, device, and medium for MAC layer sessions in wireless mesh networks of the present invention have the following advantages: (i) This invention introduces a globally incrementing session token at the MAC layer, relying on the MAC frame header or control message to achieve token transmission. The receiving end autonomously completes protocol state synchronization and reset through token comparison, eliminating the need for complex coordination of higher-layer protocols, significantly shortening link recovery time. At the same time, it adapts to different transmission scenarios through a binding mechanism, reducing signaling overhead. Furthermore, it overcomes the shortcomings of complex and time-consuming higher-layer coordination mechanisms during link recovery in existing wireless mesh networks. (ii) This invention achieves state synchronization through local decision-making at the MAC layer, avoiding cumbersome cross-layer end-to-end coordination, reducing link recovery time from hundreds of milliseconds to several TTIs, and realizing rapid link recovery; (iii) This invention can effectively handle various abnormal scenarios such as nodes going offline for a short time and then coming back online, timer timeout, and occasional state out-of-sync, ensuring that the protocol state quickly returns to consistency and is highly robust; (iv) This invention only requires adding a small number of bits (session token) to the MAC frame header or ARQ report, and the signaling overhead is almost negligible and extremely small; (v) This invention is independent of specific transmission modes, applicable to both unacknowledged mode (UM) and acknowledged mode (AM), and is easy to implement in existing protocol stacks without affecting the normal function of higher-level protocols, achieving backward compatibility and mode universality; (vi) This invention sinks the complex synchronization logic down to the MAC layer, simplifying the design of the RLC layer and above protocols, so that they do not need to worry about the transient loss of synchronization of the underlying link. Attached Figure Description
[0017] The invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0018] Appendix Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating the asynchronous synchronization method for MAC layer sessions in a wireless mesh network. Detailed Implementation
[0019] The asynchronous synchronization method, system, device, and medium for MAC layer sessions in the wireless mesh network of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Example
[0020] As attached Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides an asynchronous synchronization method for MAC layer sessions in a wireless mesh network. This method is applied to communication nodes in the mesh network. By introducing a globally incrementing session token at the MAC layer and transmitting it between nodes via MAC frame headers or control messages (such as ARQ reports), token transmission is achieved. The receiving end can autonomously determine whether to reset its local protocol state by comparing the token values, thus achieving rapid synchronization without the need for complex coordination processes involving higher layers. Specifically, each node maintains a session token with at least one peer node in the mesh network. Details are as follows: S1. Session token management and initialization; S2, Communication Initiation and Token Update; S3, State Synchronization and Reset.
[0021] The session token management and initialization in step S1 of this embodiment are as follows: S101. Each node maintains a local current session token for itself and a peer session token for each potential peer communication node. S102. All session tokens are set to an initial value (e.g., -1 or 0) when the node is initialized, the system is restarted, or the system is reset.
[0022] The communication initiation and token update in step S2 of this embodiment are as follows: S201. When this node, as the sender Tx, wants to initiate a new data communication session with the target receiver Rx, it increments and updates its local current session token (for example, Token = Token + 1). S202. The sending end Tx carries the updated session token in the header of the MAC layer data frame or control frame sent to the corresponding receiving end.
[0023] The state synchronization and reset in step S3 of this embodiment are as follows: S301. When the receiving end Rx receives a frame from the sending end Tx, it parses the sending end session token carried in the frame header. S302, The receiving end compares the received token value with the peer session token stored locally, corresponding to the corresponding sending end: ① If the received token value is greater than the peer token value stored locally, it is determined that the sender has started a new communication session, and the receiver immediately performs subsequent operations; ② If the received token value is equal to or less than the peer token value stored locally, it is determined that the current session continues, and the corresponding frame is processed according to the normal procedure.
[0024] In step S302 of this embodiment, the sending end has started a new communication session, and the receiving end immediately performs the following operation: S30201. Update the locally stored counterparty session token to the received value; S30202, Reset all MAC layer and / or RLC layer control variables, state machines and timers (such as ARQ states, transmit / receive buffers, retransmission counters, etc.) associated with the corresponding transmitter. S30203: Report historical status information to higher-level protocols, announcing the end of the old session and the start of the new session.
[0025] In this embodiment, when using Acknowledgment Mode (AM) transmission, the receiving end, when sending an ARQ status report to the sending end, includes its currently stored peer session token (the token value from the most recent synchronization) corresponding to the sending end in the ARQ status report. After receiving the ARQ status report, the sending end compares the session token in the ARQ status report with its own currently stored local session token, as follows: ① If the session token in the ARQ status report is consistent with the local current session token, it indicates that the ARQ status report is a feedback for the current session and the ARQ information is processed normally. ② If the session token in the ARQ status report is less than the local current session token, it indicates that the ARQ report is for an outdated old session. The sender ignores the ARQ status report or cleans up the residual ARQ queue and data buffer of the old session accordingly.
[0026] In this embodiment, the bit length of the session token is configured according to the system transmission time interval (TTI). The smaller the system transmission time interval, the lower the tolerance for token looping. Therefore, a longer bit length (such as 48 bits or 64 bits) is required to prevent the token from wrapping around too quickly and causing misjudgment. Typical bit lengths can be 16 bits, 32 bits, 48 bits or 64 bits. Example
[0027] This embodiment provides an asynchronous synchronization system for MAC layer sessions in a wireless mesh network. This system implements the asynchronous synchronization method for MAC layer sessions in a wireless mesh network as described in Embodiment 1. The system is applied to communication nodes in the mesh network, where each node maintains a session token with at least one peer node in the network. The system includes: The session token management and initialization module is used to maintain a local current session token for each node and a corresponding peer session token for each potential peer communication node. All session tokens are set to the initial value (e.g., -1 or 0) when the node is initialized, the system is restarted, or the system is reset. The communication initiation and token update module is used to increment and update its local current session token (e.g., Token = Token + 1) when the local node, as the sender Tx, wants to initiate a new data communication session with the target receiver Rx; the sender Tx carries the updated session token in the header of the MAC layer data frame or control frame sent to the corresponding receiver. The state synchronization and reset module is used by the receiving end Rx to parse the sending end session token carried in the frame header when it receives a frame from the sending end Tx. The receiving end compares the received token value with the peer session token stored locally, which corresponds to the sending end. If the received token value is greater than the peer token value stored locally, it is determined that the sending end has started a new communication session. The receiving end immediately performs the following operations: 1) Update the corresponding peer session token stored locally to the received value; 2) Reset all MAC layer and / or RLC layer control variables, state machines, and timers (such as ARQ state, transmit / receive buffers, retransmission counters, etc.) related to the sending end; 3) Optionally, report the historical state information to the higher layer protocol to announce the end of the old session and the start of the new session. If the received token value is equal to or less than the peer token value stored locally, it is determined that the current session continues, and the corresponding frame is processed according to the normal procedure. The enhanced processing module, when transmitting in Acknowledgment Mode (AM), includes the receiver's currently stored peer session token (the token value from the most recent synchronization) corresponding to the sender in the ARQ status report. Upon receiving the ARQ status report, the sender compares the session token in the ARQ status report with its own local current session token. If the session token in the ARQ status report matches its local current session token, it indicates that the ARQ status report is for the current session, and the ARQ information is processed normally. If the session token in the ARQ status report is less than its local current session token, it indicates that the ARQ report is for an outdated session, and the sender ignores the ARQ status report or uses it to clean up residual ARQ queues and data buffers from the old session. Example
[0028] This embodiment also provides an electronic device, including: a memory and a processor; The memory stores the instructions executed by the computer. The processor executes computer execution instructions stored in the memory, causing the processor to perform the MAC layer session asynchronous synchronization method for a wireless mesh network according to any embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] The processor can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), off-the-shelf programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.
[0030] Memory can be used to store computer programs and / or modules. The processor implements various functions of the electronic device by running or executing the computer programs and / or modules stored in the memory, and by accessing data stored in the memory. Memory can mainly include a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area can store the operating system, at least one application program required for a function, etc.; the data storage area can store data created based on the use of the terminal, etc. In addition, memory can also include high-speed random access memory, and can also include non-volatile memory, such as hard disks, RAM, plug-in hard disks, smart memory cards (SMC), secure digital cards (SD cards), flash memory cards, at least one disk storage device, flash memory device, or other volatile solid-state storage devices. Example
[0031] This embodiment also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing multiple instructions, which are loaded by a processor to cause the processor to execute the MAC layer session asynchronous synchronization method for a wireless mesh network according to any embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, a system or apparatus equipped with a storage medium may be provided, on which software program code implementing the functions of any of the above embodiments is stored, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus may read and execute the program code stored in the storage medium.
[0032] In this case, the program code read from the storage medium can itself implement the function of any of the above embodiments, and therefore the program code and the storage medium storing the program code constitute part of the present invention.
[0033] Storage media embodiments for providing program code include floppy disks, hard disks, magneto-optical disks, optical disks (such as CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-RYM, DVD-RW, DVD+RW), magnetic tapes, non-volatile memory cards, and ROMs. Alternatively, program code can be downloaded from a server computer via a communication network.
[0034] Furthermore, it should be clear that not only can the program code read by the computer be executed, but also the operating system or other components operating on the computer can be instructed based on the program code to perform some or all of the actual operations, thereby realizing the function of any of the embodiments described above.
[0035] Furthermore, it is understood that the program code read from the storage medium is written to the memory set in the expansion board inserted into the computer or to the memory set in the expansion unit connected to the computer. Then, based on the instructions of the program code, the CPU or other components installed on the expansion board or expansion unit execute some and all of the actual operations, thereby realizing the function of any of the embodiments described above.
[0036] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.
Claims
1. A method for asynchronous synchronization of MAC layer sessions in a wireless mesh network, characterized in that, This method is applied to communication nodes in a mesh network. It introduces a globally incrementing session token at the MAC layer and transmits it between nodes via MAC frame headers or control messages, thus achieving token transfer. The receiving end can autonomously determine whether to reset its local protocol state by comparing the token value, thereby achieving rapid synchronization without the need for complex coordination processes at higher levels. Each node maintains a session token with at least one peer node in the mesh network; details are as follows: Session token management and initialization; Communication initiation and token update; State synchronization and reset.
2. The asynchronous synchronization method for MAC layer sessions in a wireless mesh network according to claim 1, characterized in that, Session token management and initialization are as follows: Each node maintains a local current session token for itself and a peer session token for each potential peer communication node; All session tokens are set to their initial values during node initialization, system restart, or reset.
3. The asynchronous synchronization method for MAC layer sessions in a wireless mesh network according to claim 1, characterized in that, The communication initiation and token update are detailed below: When this node, acting as the sender Tx, wants to initiate a new data communication session with the target receiver Rx, it increments and updates its own local current session token. The sending end Tx carries the updated session token in the header of the MAC layer data frame or control frame sent to the corresponding receiving end.
4. The asynchronous synchronization method for MAC layer sessions in a wireless mesh network according to claim 1, characterized in that, The specifics of state synchronization and reset are as follows: When the receiving end Rx receives a frame from the sending end Tx, it parses the sending end session token carried in the frame header; The receiving end compares the received token value with the peer session token stored locally, which corresponds to the sending end: If the received token value is greater than the peer token value stored locally, it is determined that the sender has started a new communication session, and the receiver immediately performs subsequent operations. If the received token value is equal to or less than the peer token value stored locally, the current session is determined to continue, and the corresponding frame is processed according to the normal procedure.
5. The asynchronous synchronization method for MAC layer sessions in a wireless mesh network according to claim 4, characterized in that, The sending end has started a new communication session, and the receiving end immediately performs the following operations: Update the locally stored counterparty session token to the received value; Reset all MAC layer and / or RLC layer control variables, state machines, and timers associated with the corresponding transmitter; The historical status information is reported to higher-level protocols, signifying the end of the old session and the start of the new session.
6. The asynchronous synchronization method for MAC layer sessions in a wireless mesh network according to claim 1, characterized in that, When this method uses acknowledgment mode transmission, the receiving end, when sending an ARQ status report to the sending end, includes its currently stored peer session token corresponding to the sending end in the ARQ status report. After receiving the ARQ status report, the sending end compares the session token in the ARQ status report with its own currently stored local session token, as follows: If the session token in the ARQ status report is consistent with the local current session token, it indicates that the ARQ status report is a feedback for the current session, and the ARQ information is processed normally. If the session token in the ARQ status report is less than the local current session token, it indicates that the ARQ report is for an outdated old session. The sender ignores the ARQ status report or cleans up the residual ARQ queue and data buffer of the old session accordingly.
7. The asynchronous synchronization method for MAC layer sessions in a wireless mesh network according to claim 1, characterized in that, The length of the session token is configured based on the system transmission time interval. The shorter the system transmission time interval, the lower the tolerance for token looping.
8. A MAC layer session asynchronous synchronization system for a wireless mesh network, characterized in that, The system is used to implement the MAC layer session asynchronous synchronization method for wireless mesh networks as described in any one of claims 1 to 7; the system is applied to communication nodes in a mesh network, and the nodes maintain session tokens with at least one peer node in the network; The system includes: The session token management and initialization module is used to ensure that each node maintains a local current session token for itself and a corresponding peer session token for each potential peer communication node. All session tokens are set to their initial values when the node is initialized, the system is restarted, or the system is reset. The communication initiation and token update module is used to increment and update its local current session token when the local node, as the sender Tx, wants to initiate a new data communication session with the target receiver Rx; the sender Tx carries the updated session token in the header of the MAC layer data frame or control frame sent to the corresponding receiver. The state synchronization and reset module is used by the receiving end Rx to parse the sending end session token carried in the frame header when it receives a frame from the sending end Tx. The receiving end compares the received token value with the peer session token corresponding to the sending end stored locally: if the received token value is greater than the peer token value stored locally, it is determined that the sending end has started a new communication session, and the receiving end immediately performs subsequent operations; if the received token value is equal to or less than the peer token value stored locally, it is determined that the current session continues, and the corresponding frame is processed according to the normal procedure. The enhanced processing module is used when the receiving end sends an ARQ status report to the sending end during acknowledgment mode transmission. In this report, the receiving end includes its own currently stored peer session token corresponding to the sending end. Upon receiving the ARQ status report, the sending end compares the session token in the report with its own local current session token. If the session token in the ARQ status report matches the local current session token, it indicates that the ARQ status report is for the current session, and the ARQ information is processed normally. If the session token in the ARQ status report is less than the local current session token, it indicates that the ARQ report is for an outdated session, and the sending end ignores the ARQ status report or uses it to clean up residual ARQ queues and data buffers from the old session.
9. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: Memory and at least one processor; The memory contains computer programs; The at least one processor executes the computer program stored in the memory, causing the at least one processor to perform the MAC layer session asynchronous synchronization method for a wireless mesh network as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.
10. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program that can be executed by a processor to implement the MAC layer session asynchronous synchronization method for a wireless mesh network as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.