Mesh-gateway network and method

Abstract

The invention relates to a forest fire early detection system comprising a mesh-gateway network having a network server, a plurality of first gateways and a plurality of terminals, wherein the shortest communications connection between a terminal and the network server of the mesh-gateway network is a multi-hop connection, and the multi-hop connection has two or more hops between similar elements. The invention also relates to a corresponding method for communication in a mesh-network.

Description

[0001] MESH - GAT EWAY - NE TZW EXPLORATION METHOD

[0002] The invention relates to a forest fire early detection system comprising a mesh gateway network with a network server, a plurality of first gateways and a plurality of terminal devices, wherein the shortest communication connection between a terminal device and the network server of the mesh gateway network is a multi-hop connection and wherein the multi-hop connection has two or more hops between similar elements, as well as a corresponding method for communication in a mesh network.

[0003] State of the art

[0004] Systems for the early detection of forest fires are well known. For this purpose, the area to be monitored is monitored using optical sensors that can detect smoke columns resulting from a forest fire. These sensors can be rotatable cameras, for example, but they have the disadvantage that they are less effective at night and are prone to false detections, e.g. in the case of dust clouds resulting from agricultural activities. In addition, optical systems can usually only detect the forest fire when the forest fire is already advanced and the smoke columns are visible over great distances. Monitoring using an IR camera installed in a satellite from a high orbit has the disadvantage that the resolution of the cameras over great distances prevents detection of forest fires in the early stages. A satellite is also expensive to purchase and maintain, especially during launch.Surveillance using mini-satellites in low orbit has the disadvantage that the satellites are not geostationary, meaning they require a certain amount of time to complete one orbit during which the area is not monitored. Close-meshed surveillance requires a large number of satellites, the launch of which is also costly. Furthermore, satellite surveillance is associated with high carbon dioxide emissions during launch. It is more sensible to monitor the area using several inexpensive, mass-produced sensors that operate using optical smoke and / or gas detection. The sensors are distributed throughout the area and transmit data to a base station via radio link.

[0005] Such a system for the early detection of forest fires is presented in US 2008 / 0309502 A1. In the event of a fire alarm, a sensor transmits information to a nearby control terminal, which then triggers an alarm using a long-range radio frequency signal.

[0006] This system has the disadvantage that the control terminal triggers the alarm and requires a powerful RF unit. The sensors require a GPS unit that continuously transmits a signal to the control terminal. Therefore, the sensors consume a lot of power, and the lifespan of the sensors' power sources (batteries) is limited.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a forest fire early detection system that operates reliably, is infinitely expandable, and cost-effective to install and maintain, as well as enabling detection and prediction of the direction and speed of spread of a forest fire. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a method for communication in a mesh network that operates reliably, is infinitely expandable, and cost-effective to install and maintain.

[0008] This object is achieved by means of a forest fire early detection system with a mesh gateway network. Advantageous embodiments are set forth in the subclaims. The inventive forest fire early detection system with a mesh gateway network comprises a network server. The network server has interfaces to other applications with which a forest fire can be analyzed, e.g., determining the extent, direction of spread, and speed of spread of a forest fire.

[0009] The forest fire early detection system according to the invention also comprises a plurality of first gateways. The first gateway communicates exclusively with other gateways, relays, and / or optionally also directly with end devices of the mesh gateway network.

[0010] The forest fire early detection system according to the invention also comprises a plurality of relays and terminal devices. The terminal device comprises a sensor device that has one or more sensors for early forest fire detection, e.g., for gas analysis. The relay controls communication between the terminal device and the gateway.

[0011] According to the invention, the shortest communication connection between a terminal device and the network server of the mesh gateway network is a multi-hop connection, wherein the multi-hop connection comprises one or more hops between similar elements. Preferably, the shortest connection between a terminal device of the forest fire early detection system according to the invention and a network server is a multi-hop connection comprising at least three hops.

[0012] For the purposes of this document, end devices are similar elements to one another, and first gateways are similar elements to one another. End devices and first gateways are therefore dissimilar or different elements. Furthermore, relays are also similar elements to one another, but relays and first gateways and / or relays and end devices are dissimilar or different elements. The mesh gateway network therefore comprises end devices and first gateways that do not have a direct single-hop connection to a network server. Communication between the gateways occurs via a multi-hop connection. The shortest communication connection between an end device and the network server therefore has at least two hops between end devices and between two first gateways.

[0013] A relay, as defined in this invention, is a device comprising a microcontroller, a radio, an antenna, and a power supply. A relay can transmit signals and / or messages between a terminal device or a relay and another relay, a gateway, and / or a network server in both directions (uplink and downlink). The relay is a piece of hardware for forwarding messages from a terminal device to the network and / or vice versa.

[0014] To save energy and make use of a smaller power supply, the relay provides a wake-up function that allows the relay to be woken up from standby and / or sleep mode. When a relay receives a wake-up signal, the wake-up signal is answered with a response signal to the sender of the wake-up signal. The sender of the wake-up signal (a terminal device, another relay, or a gateway) now knows that the relay is ready to receive and can send the signal or message to the relay. After receiving this actual signal from the terminal device, relay, or gateway and forwarding it to another relay, terminal device, or gateway, the relay returns to standby and / or sleep mode.

[0015] In one development of the invention, the multi-hop connection has two or more hops between similar elements. For example, in a LoRaWAN network, communication between similar elements is not provided, thus limiting the range. Multihop communication across multiple similar elements eliminates this limitation. In a further embodiment of the invention, the multi-hop connection has one or more hops between two relays (R). The relays can be controlled such that they do not have to be in receive mode at all times, like gateways, for example. This means they consume significantly less energy and require a smaller power supply, which saves costs.

[0016] In one embodiment of the invention, the mesh gateway network comprises a plurality of second gateways. The second gateways communicate with the network server via an internet connection. The internet connection is a wireless point-to-point connection, preferably using a standard internet protocol.

[0017] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first and second gateways represent distinct elements. In another optional embodiment, relays are distinct from both first gateways and second gateways. The mesh gateway network therefore comprises four distinct elements: end devices, relays, first gateways, and second gateways.

[0018] In a further embodiment of the invention, the multi-hop connection comprises a connection via multiple terminal devices. A terminal device is connected to both other terminal devices and first gateways via a single-hop connection.

[0019] In a further embodiment of the invention, relays are terminal devices that have a repeater function and / or a relay function. This enables a multi-hop connection between terminal devices. A message generated and sent by one terminal device is received by another terminal device, amplified if necessary, and forwarded.

[0020] A repeater, as defined in this document, is an electrical or optical signal amplifier or conditioner used to increase the range of a signal. The repeater is located some distance from the transmitter, receives its signals, and retransmits them in a processed form, thus bridging a greater distance. When digital transmission methods are used, the signal can also be decoded by the repeater, which removes signal interference (such as noise or distortion of the pulse shape). The signal is then re-encoded, modulated, and retransmitted. Simple repeaters do not affect the transmitted information; they only process the electrical or optical signal. In contrast, more advanced digital repeaters can, for example, add an identifier to the signal, which allows the signal path to be traced when there are multiple possible paths.

[0021] In a further embodiment of the invention, the terminal devices form a terminal mesh network. Due to the repeater function and / or a relay function of the terminal devices, messages generated by a terminal device are forwarded between terminal devices via a multi-hop connection.

[0022] In a further development of the invention, the terminal mesh network is connected to the network server via multiple gateways. Using a multi-hop connection between terminals, a message generated by a terminal is forwarded until the message is received by a gateway connected to the network server.

[0023] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the connection from the terminal device to the network server comprises fewer gateways than the number of gateways connected to the terminal device mesh network. The multi-hop connection between the terminal device and the network server for sending messages from a terminal device to the network server is selected such that it is the shortest connection, i.e., has a minimum number of hops. This minimizes data transfer.

[0024] In one embodiment of the invention, the multi-hop connection comprises a connection via multiple first and / or second gateways. A gateway is connected to both first gateways and second gateways via a single-hop connection. In a further embodiment of the invention, the gateways have a repeater function and / or a relay function. This achieves a multi-hop connection between gateways. A message received by one gateway is received by another gateway, amplified if necessary, and forwarded.

[0025] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first gateways and / or the second gateways together form a gateway mesh network. Due to the repeater function and / or a relay function of the gateways, messages received by a gateway are forwarded between gateways via a multi-hop connection.

[0026] In a further embodiment of the invention, the mesh gateway network comprises an LPWAN. LPWAN describes a class of network protocols for connecting low-power devices such as battery-operated sensors to a network server. The protocol is designed to achieve a long range and low power consumption of the end devices at low operating costs.

[0027] In a further development of the invention, the mesh gateway network is a LoRaWAN mesh gateway network. LoRaWAN is particularly energy-efficient. LoRaWAN networks implement a star-shaped architecture using first and second gateway message packets between the end devices and the central network server. The second gateways are connected to the network server, while the end devices communicate wirelessly with a first gateway via LoRa.

[0028] In a further embodiment of the invention, the second gateway has a communications interface that provides an internet connection to the network server. The internet connection is a wireless point-to-point connection, preferably using a standard internet protocol. In a further embodiment of the invention, the terminal devices, relays, and / or the first gateways have a self-sufficient power supply. In order to be able to install and operate the terminal devices and the relays and / or first gateways connected to them even in inhospitable and, in particular, rural areas far from any power supply, the terminal devices, relays, and the first gateways are equipped with a self-sufficient power supply. The power supply can be provided, for example, by energy storage devices - including rechargeable ones.

[0029] In a further development of the invention, the self-sufficient energy supply comprises an energy storage device and / or an energy conversion device. In particular, the energy supply via solar cells, which convert light-electric energy, is worthy of mention. The electrical energy is typically stored in an energy storage device to ensure the energy supply even during periods of low solar radiation (e.g., at night).

[0030] In a further embodiment of the invention, the terminal devices and the first gateways are operated off-grid. Due to the self-sufficient power supply of the terminal devices, relays, and first gateways, these devices can be operated autonomously without a power grid. Therefore, the terminal devices, relays, and first gateways can be distributed and networked, particularly in remote areas that are inaccessible by conventional radio networks.

[0031] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first gateways of the mesh gateway network are front-end gateways and / or the second gateway is a border gateway. Dividing the gateways into front-end gateways and border gateways significantly extends the range of the LoRaWAN network, while still allowing the use of standard LoRaWAN-compatible end devices that can be distributed and networked far into remote areas that are inaccessible by conventional radio networks. In a further embodiment of the invention, the first gateway has a first front-end gateway communication interface for communicating with a end device and a second front-end gateway communication interface for communicating with another first gateway and / or a second gateway.The first gateway, as a node, is therefore suitable for communicating with a terminal device via a single-hop connection (chirp spread spectrum modulation or frequency modulation) as well as with a gateway via a single-hop or, preferably, multi-hop connection as a meshed multi-hop wireless network. Both connections use different protocols and therefore require different interfaces.

[0032] In a further embodiment of the invention, each first gateway is suitable for wireless point-to-point communication with a plurality of end devices using single-hop LoRa or FSK radio using the LoRaWAN protocol. This ensures complete compatibility with commercially available LoRa end devices. The first gateway communicates with the end device via the standard LoRaWAN radio protocol or via a standard LoRa radio connection. Therefore, it does not need to be modified to utilize the advantages of the mesh network. The mesh architecture is, so to speak, "transparent" to the end device.

[0033] In a further embodiment of the invention, at least some of the first gateways do not have a direct IP connection. Mesh gateways consist of a combination of the first gateways and the second gateways. The mesh gateways communicate with each other via a multi-hop wireless network, and at least one mesh gateway is connected to the network server via the standard Internet Protocol.

[0034] In a further embodiment of the invention, the second gateway is configured to communicate with the network server via a standard IP connection and using the LoRaWAN protocol. At least one of the first gateways communicates directly with a second gateway. The second gateway sends the data from a terminal device directly to the network server using an Internet protocol. This type of communication and the division of the gateways into two types of gateways significantly expands the LoRaWAN network. Furthermore, standard LoRaWAN-compatible terminal devices can be deployed and networked in remote areas that are inaccessible by conventional radio networks. These terminal devices are any commercially available devices that do not require adaptation to utilize the advantages of the mesh network.

[0035] In a further embodiment of the invention, the second gateway has a first border gateway communication interface for communication with a network server and a second border gateway communication interface for communication with a first gateway. The second gateway is thus suitable for communicating with another gateway via a single-hop or, preferably, multi-hop connection as a meshed multi-hop wireless network. Communication with the network server can be established wirelessly or wired via a standard internet connection. Both connections use different protocols and therefore require different interfaces.

[0036] The object is also achieved by means of the method for communication in a mesh network comprising a network server, a plurality of first gateways, and a plurality of terminal devices of a forest fire early detection system. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are set forth in the subclaims.

[0037] To implement the inventive method for communication in a mesh network comprising a network server, multiple relays, a first gateway, and multiple terminal devices of a forest fire early detection system, a signal is sent from a terminal device to a network server or from a network server to a terminal device via a communication connection. According to the invention, communication takes place via a multi-hop connection with one or more hops between similar elements. Within the scope of this document, all terminal devices are similar elements to one another, and similarly, all first gateways are similar elements to one another. All relays are also similar elements. In contrast, relays and terminal devices, or first gateways, and relays and first gateways are dissimilar elements to one another.

[0038] The mesh gateway network therefore comprises end devices and first gateways that do not have a direct single-hop connection to a network server. Communication between the gateways occurs via a multi-hop connection. The shortest communication connection between an end device and the network server therefore has at least one hop between end devices and a first gateway.

[0039] In a further development of the invention, communication takes place via a multi-hop connection with two or more hops between similar elements. For example, in a LoRaWAN network, communication between similar elements is not provided, thus limiting the range. Multi-hop communication across multiple similar elements eliminates this limitation.

[0040] In a further embodiment of the invention, the multi-hop connection is established with one or more hops between two relays (R). The relays can be controlled in such a way that they do not have to be in receive mode at all times, as is the case with gateways, for example. This allows them to consume significantly less energy and require a smaller power supply, thus saving costs.

[0041] In a further development of the invention, the multi-hop connection with two or more hops between similar elements is the shortest connection between the terminal device and the network server. Preferably, the shortest connection between a terminal device of the forest fire early detection system according to the invention and a network server is a multi-hop connection comprising at least four hops. The multi-hop connection between the terminal device and the network server for sending messages from a terminal device to the network server is selected such that it is the shortest connection, i.e., has a minimum number of hops. This reduces data transfer to a minimum.

[0042] In a further embodiment of the invention, the mesh network comprises a plurality of second gateways, and communication takes place via the first and second gateways. A gateway is connected to both the first gateways and the second gateways via a single-hop connection. The second gateways communicate with the network server via an internet connection.

[0043] In a further embodiment of the invention, the relays, the first and the second gateways represent different elements from one another. The mesh gateway network therefore has three different elements from one another: end devices, first gateways and second gateways.

[0044] In a further embodiment of the invention, communication takes place via a multi-hop connection, wherein the multi-hop connection comprises a connection via multiple terminal devices. A terminal device is connected to both other terminal devices and to first gateways via a single-hop connection.

[0045] In a further embodiment of the invention, the terminals perform a repeater function and / or a relay function. This achieves a multi-hop connection between terminals. A message generated and sent by one terminal is received by another terminal, amplified if necessary, and forwarded.

[0046] In a further embodiment of the invention, communication takes place via a terminal mesh network, wherein the terminal mesh network is formed by interconnected terminals. Due to the repeater function and / or a relay function of the terminals, messages generated by a terminal are forwarded between terminals using a multi-hop connection. In a further development of the invention, communication from the terminal mesh network takes place via multiple gateways with the network server. Using a multi-hop connection between terminals, a message generated by a terminal is forwarded until the message is received by a gateway connected to the network server.

[0047] In a further embodiment of the invention, communication takes place via a connection to the network server that includes fewer gateways than the number of gateways connected to the terminal mesh network. The multi-hop connection between the terminal and the network server for sending messages from a terminal to the network server is selected such that it is the shortest connection, i.e., has a minimum number of hops. This minimizes data transfer.

[0048] In a further development of the invention, communication takes place via a multi-hop connection, wherein the multi-hop connection comprises a connection via a plurality of first and / or second gateways. A gateway is connected to both the first gateway and the second gateway via a single-hop connection.

[0049] In a further embodiment of the invention, the gateways have a repeater function and / or a relay function. This enables a multi-hop connection between gateways. A message received by one gateway is received by another gateway, amplified if necessary, and forwarded.

[0050] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first gateways and / or the second gateways together form a gateway mesh network. Due to the repeater function and / or a relay function of the gateways, messages received by a gateway are forwarded between gateways via a multi-hop connection. In a further embodiment of the invention, the mesh gateway network of the forest fire early detection system comprises an LPWAN. LPWAN describes a class of network protocols for connecting low-energy devices such as battery-operated sensors to a network server. The protocol is designed to achieve a long range and low energy consumption of the end devices at low operating costs.

[0051] In a further development of the invention, the mesh gateway network comprises a LoRaWAN mesh gateway network. LoRaWAN operates with particularly low energy consumption. LoRaWAN networks implement a star-shaped architecture using first and second gateway message packets between the end devices and the central network server. The second gateways are connected to the network server, while the end devices communicate wirelessly via LoRa with a first gateway.

[0052] In a further embodiment of the invention, the message is sent from the terminal device to the first gateway via a multi-hop connection. Using a multi-hop connection between terminal devices, a message generated by a terminal device is forwarded until the message is received by a gateway connected to the network server.

[0053] In a further development of the invention, a terminal device forwards the message to a second terminal device. Using a multi-hop connection between terminal devices, a message generated by one terminal device is forwarded until the message is received by a gateway connected to the network server.

[0054] In a further embodiment of the invention, forwarding from terminal to terminal occurs via a multi-hop connection. Using a multi-hop connection between terminals, a message generated by a terminal is forwarded until the message is received by a gateway connected to the network server. In particular, the multi-hop connection comprises at least two hops. In a further embodiment of the invention, the first gateway forwards the message to a second gateway and / or to the network server. A message received by one gateway is received by another gateway, amplified if necessary, and forwarded. The multi-hop connection comprises at least two hops between two gateways.

[0055] Embodiments of the forest fire early detection system according to the invention and of the method according to the invention for communication in a mesh network are shown in a simplified schematic form in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description.

[0056] They show:

[0057] Fig. 1a Forest fire early detection system with a LoRaWAN mesh gateway network with end devices, a network server and first and second gateways

[0058] Fig. 1b Forest fire early detection system with a LoRaWAN mesh gateway network with end devices, relays, a network server and first and second gateways

[0059] Fig. 1c: Detailed view of a forest fire early detection system with a LoRaWAN mesh gateway network with end devices, relays, a network server and first and second gateways

[0060] Fig. 2a Forest fire early detection system with a device mesh network with end devices, a network server and border gateways

[0061] Fig. 2b Forest fire early detection system with a device mesh network with devices, relays, a network server and border gateways

[0062] Fig. 3 Forest fire early warning system with a gateway mesh network with a network server as well as first gateways and border gateways Fig. 4 Detailed view of a forest fire early warning system with a gateway mesh network with a network server as well as front-end and border gateways

[0063] Fig. 5a Forest fire early warning system with a terminal mesh network and a gateway mesh network

[0064] Fig. 5b Forest fire early warning system with relays, a terminal mesh network and a gateway mesh network

[0065] Fig. 6a Detailed view of a forest fire early detection system with a LoRaWAN mesh gateway network with end devices, a network server and first and second gateways

[0066] Fig. 6b Detailed view of a forest fire early detection system with a LoRaWAN mesh gateway network with end devices, relays, a network server and first and second gateways

[0067] Fig. 7a Connections in a standard LoRa radio network

[0068] Fig. 7b Connections in a standard LoRa radio network with relays

[0069] Fig. 8a Connections in the LoRaWAN network, comprising a terminal mesh network and a gateway mesh network

[0070] Fig. 8b Connections in the LoRaWAN network, comprising relays, a terminal mesh network and a gateway mesh network

[0071] Fig. 9a Connections in the LoRaWAN network according to the invention

[0072] Fig. 9b Connections in the inventive LoRaWAN network with relays

[0073] Figure 1a shows an inventive forest fire early detection system 1 arranged in the forest W to be monitored. The forest fire early detection system 1 has a plurality of terminal devices ED. A single terminal device ED has a sensor unit for detecting a forest fire, which has sensors, for example, for determining air humidity, air pressure, and a temperature sensor. Optionally or additionally, a terminal device ED has sensors for gas analysis and for detecting the prevailing wind direction, with which the composition and concentration of gases as well as their direction of propagation are determined. In order to be able to install and operate the terminal device ED in inhospitable and particularly rural areas far from any power supply, the terminal device ED is equipped with a self-sufficient power supply. In the simplest case, the power supply is a battery, which can also be designed to be rechargeable. However, the use of capacitors is also possible, e.g.Supercapacitors. A somewhat more complex and costly energy source, but one that offers a very long lifespan for the end device, is the use of solar cells.

[0074] The terminal device ED also has a communication interface, a first control device, and an evaluation device. The communication interface of the terminal device ED is wirelessly connected to communication interfaces of the gateways Gn. The first control device is connected to the communication interface and the sensor device and controls them.

[0075] The forest fire early detection system 10 has a mesh gateway network 1 that uses LoRaWAN network technology. The LoRaWAN network has a star-shaped architecture in which message packets are exchanged between the sensors ED and a central network server NS via gateways. The forest fire early detection system 10 has a plurality of end devices ED connected to gateways G1, G2 via a single-hop connection FSK. The first gateways G1 are typically front-end gateways FGD. The front-end gateways FGD are interconnected and, in some cases, connected to border gateways BGD. The border gateways BGD are connected to the internet network server NS, either via a wired connection WN or via a wireless connection using the internet protocol IP.

[0076] The front-end gateways (FGDs) and the border gateways (BGDs) are interconnected via a meshed multi-hop network (MHF), so that a front-end gateway (FGD) does not require a direct connection to the internet network server (NS). This extends the range of LoRaWAN networks by interposing a multi-hop network using front-end gateways (FGDs), thus achieving full compatibility with the LoRaWAN specification.

[0077] Figure 1b shows an inventive forest fire early detection system 1 arranged in the forest W to be monitored. The forest fire early detection system 1 has a plurality of relays R. An individual relay R has a communication device for receiving and sending signals, data and messages. Optionally, a relay R with terminal functionality for detecting a forest fire can have a sensor unit that has sensors, for example, for determining the air humidity, the air pressure and a temperature sensor. Optionally or additionally, a relay R with terminal functionality has sensors for gas analysis and for detecting the prevailing wind direction, with which the composition and concentration of gases as well as their direction of propagation are determined. The relay also has a first control device and an evaluation device. The first control device is connected to the communication interface and the sensor device and controls them.

[0078] To enable installation and operation of the Relay R even in inhospitable and, in particular, rural areas far from power supplies, the Relay R is equipped with a self-sufficient power supply. The simplest power supply is a battery, which can also be designed to be rechargeable. However, the use of capacitors, such as supercapacitors, is also possible. A somewhat more complex and costly power supply, but one that ensures a very long service life for the Relay R, is the use of solar cells.

[0079] The relay also has a communication interface and a first control device. The communication interface of the relay R is wirelessly connected to communication interfaces of other relays R, end devices ED and / or the gateways Gn. The forest fire early detection system 10 has a mesh gateway network 1 that uses the technology of a LoRaWAN network. The LoRaWAN network has a star-shaped architecture in which message packets are exchanged between the sensors of the end devices ED and a central network server NS via relays R and / or gateways Gn. The forest fire early detection system 10 has a plurality of end devices ED that are connected to relays R and / or gateways G1, G2 via a single-hop connection FSK. The relays R are connected to other end devices ED, other relays R and / or gateways Gn via single-hop connections.The relays R are connected to each other via multi-hop connections. The first gateways G1 are typically front-end gateways (FGDs). The front-end gateways FGDs are connected to each other and, in some cases, to border gateways (BGDs). The border gateways BGDs are connected to the Internet network server NS, either via a wired connection (WN) or via a wireless connection using the Internet Protocol (IP).

[0080] The front-end gateways (FGDs) and the border gateways (BGDs) are interconnected via a meshed multi-hop network (MHF), so that a front-end gateway (FGD) does not require a direct connection to the internet network server (NS). This extends the range of LoRaWAN networks by interposing a multi-hop network using front-end gateways (FGDs), thus achieving full compatibility with the LoRaWAN specification.

[0081] Fig. 1c shows a detailed view of the forest fire early detection system 10 according to the invention arranged in the forest W to be monitored. The forest fire early detection system 10 has a plurality of terminal devices ED equipped with sensors, wherein eight terminal devices ED each communicate with a relay via a single-hop connection FSK. The relays R, in turn, also communicate with a gateway G1 via a single-hop connection. However, the relays R can also communicate with each other via single-hop and / or multi-hop connections. The gateways G1 are front-end gateways FGD. The front-end gateways FGD are connected to each other and to border gateways BGD. The border gateways BGD are connected to the internet network server NS via a wired connection WN or via a wireless connection using the internet protocol IP.

[0082] An embodiment of a terminal mesh network 20 is shown in Fig. 2a. The terminal mesh network 20 comprises a plurality of terminal devices ED distributed throughout the forest W to be monitored, as well as four border gateways BGD. The terminal mesh network 20 is connected to the network server NS via the four border gateways BGD, wherein the border gateways BGD are directly connected to the internet network server NS, either via a wired connection WN or via a wireless connection using the internet protocol IP.

[0083] A terminal device ED is connected to at least one other terminal device ED via a single-hop connection (FSK). Each terminal device ED has a communication interface for this purpose. Via the communication interface, messages from the terminal device ED, in particular measurement data, are wirelessly forwarded as a data packet to at least one other terminal device ED via a single-hop connection (FSK) using LoRa (chirp frequency spread spectrum modulation) or frequency modulation.

[0084] The communication connection from a terminal device ED to the Internet network server NS runs via a multi-hop connection between the terminal device ED, which generates a signal for forwarding to the Internet network server NS, and other terminal devices ED, until a terminal device ED sends the generated signal to a border gateway BGD, is received by the border gateway BGD, and sent to the Internet network server NS. The connection between the terminal device ED and the border gateway BGD is also wireless using a single-hop FSK connection via LoRa (chirp frequency spread modulation) or frequency modulation. The multi-hop connection is such that at least two hops are performed between two terminal devices ED. In this exemplary embodiment, the connection of a terminal device ED to the network server NS is established via exactly one border gateway BGD and therefore comprises fewer gateways BGD than are connected to the terminal device mesh network 20.The multi-hop connection of a terminal ED to the network server NS with two or more hops between the terminal EDs is advantageously chosen such that it is the shortest multi-hop connection between the terminal ED and the network server NS, in other words the minimum number of terminal EDs between the terminal ED, which generates a signal for forwarding to the Internet network server NS, and a border gateway BGD for connection is used.

[0085] The ED terminals have a repeater function for wired connections and / or a relay function for wireless connections. The signal received on the ED terminal is forwarded and amplified if necessary. This enables the transmission of the signals generated by an ED terminal over longer distances than would be possible with a direct connection. Topographical obstacles in the forest W to be monitored are also bypassed.

[0086] An embodiment of a relay mesh network 25 is shown in Fig. 2b. The relay mesh network 25 comprises a plurality of terminal devices ED (not shown in Fig. 2b) distributed throughout the forest W to be monitored, a plurality of relays R forming a mesh network, and four border gateways BGD. The relay mesh network 25 is connected to the network server NS via the four border gateways BGD, with the border gateways BGD being directly connected to the internet network server NS, either via a wired connection WN or via a wireless connection using the internet protocol IP.

[0087] A relay R is connected to at least one other relay R and one or more end devices ED via a single-hop connection (FSK). A relay R has a communication interface for this purpose. Via the communication interface, messages received from a terminal ED or a relay R, in particular measurement data, are wirelessly forwarded as a data packet to at least one other relay R via a single-hop connection (FSK) using LoRa (chirp spread spectrum modulation) or frequency modulation.

[0088] The communication link from an end device ED to the Internet network server NS runs via a multi-hop connection between the relay R, which generates a signal for forwarding to the Internet network server NS, and one or more other relays R. A relay R sends the generated signal to a border gateway BGD, which is received by the border gateway BGD and forwarded to the Internet network server NS. The connection between the relay R and the border gateway BGD is also wireless, using a single-hop FSK connection via LoRa (chirp frequency spread spectrum modulation) or frequency modulation. The multi-hop connection is such that at least two hops are performed between two relays R.

[0089] In this exemplary embodiment, the connection of a relay R to the network server NS is established via exactly one border gateway BGD and therefore comprises fewer gateways BGD than are connected to the relay mesh network 25. The multi-hop connection of a relay R to the network server NS with two or more hops between the relays R is advantageously selected such that it is the shortest multi-hop connection between the relay R and the network server NS, in other words, the minimum number of relays R between the terminal ED, which generates a signal for forwarding to the Internet network server NS, and a border gateway BGD for the connection is used.

[0090] For this purpose, the relays R have a repeater function and / or a relay function for radio connections. The signal received on the relay R is forwarded and amplified if necessary. In an optional embodiment, the signal is sent to a predetermined or selected receiver R, BGD. This receiver can be a relay R and / or a gateway (not shown in Fig. 2b) (frontend and / or border gateway BGD). This enables the transmission of the signals generated by a relay R over longer distances than would be possible with a direct connection. Topographical obstacles in the forest W to be monitored are also bypassed.

[0091] Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of a gateway mesh network 30. The gateway mesh network 30 comprises a plurality of first gateways G1 distributed across the forest W to be monitored, as well as four border gateways BGD. The first gateways G1 are front-end gateways FGD. The gateway mesh network 30 is connected to the network server NS via the four border gateways BGD, with the border gateways BGD being directly connected to the internet network server NS, either via a wired connection WN or via a wireless connection using the internet protocol IP.

[0092] A first gateway G1 is directly connected to the adjacent first gateways G1 via a single-hop connection MHD. Eight first gateways G1 are also directly connected to one of the four border gateways BGD.

[0093] In this exemplary embodiment, the connection of a first gateway G1 to the network server NS is established via exactly one border gateway BGD and, as in the previous exemplary embodiment (see Fig. 3), comprises fewer gateways BGD than are connected to the gateway mesh network 30. The multi-hop connection of a first gateway G1 to the network server NS with two or more hops between the first gateways G1 is also selected such that it is the shortest multi-hop connection between a first gateway G1 and the network server NS. The first gateways G1 also have a repeater function for wired connections and / or a relay function for wireless connections.

[0094] A detailed view of an embodiment of a gateway mesh network 30 is shown in Fig.

[0095] 4. The gateway mesh network 30 comprises a plurality of first gateways G1 and two border gateways BGD distributed throughout the forest W to be monitored. The gateway mesh network 30 is connected to the network server NS via the two border gateways BGD, wherein the border gateways BGD are directly connected to the internet network server NS via a wireless connection using the internet protocol IP.

[0096] Fig. 5a shows an embodiment of a forest fire early detection system 1 according to the invention arranged in the forest W to be monitored. The forest fire early detection system 1 has a terminal mesh network 20 (see Fig. 2) and a gateway mesh network 30 (see Fig. 3), which together form the mesh gateway network 1. The front-end gateways FGD and the border gateways BGD are interconnected via a meshed multi-hop network MHF, so that a front-end gateway FGD does not have a direct connection to the Internet network server NS.

[0097] An end device ED is connected to at least one other end device ED via a single-hop FSK connection. Messages, such as measurement data, are wirelessly forwarded from the end device ED as a data packet to at least one other end device ED via a single-hop FSK connection using LoRa (chirp spread spectrum modulation) or frequency modulation.

[0098] The communication connection from a terminal device ED to the Internet network server NS runs via a multi-hop connection between the terminal device ED, which generates a signal for forwarding to the Internet network server NS, sends it to a front-end gateway FGD, and receives it from the front-end gateway FGD. The signal is then sent to one or more front-end gateways FGD, received by them, and forwarded to a border gateway BGD, from which the signal is forwarded to the Internet network server NS.

[0099] A first gateway G1 has a first frontend gateway

[0100] Communication interface. Messages from the terminal device ED are received and forwarded via the first frontend gateway communication interface. A first gateway G1 also has a further second frontend gateway communication interface for communication with another first gateway G1 and / or a second gateway G2. A second gateway G2 also has a second border gateway communication interface for communication with a first gateway G1, as well as a first border gateway communication interface for communication with a network server. Like the terminal devices ED, the first gateway G1 and second gateway G2 each have a self-sufficient power supply.

[0101] Fig. 5b shows an embodiment of a forest fire early detection system 1 according to the invention arranged in the forest W to be monitored. The forest fire early detection system 1 has a relay mesh network 25 (see Fig. 2b) and a gateway mesh network 30 (see Fig. 3), which together form the mesh gateway network 1. The front-end gateways FGD and the border gateways BGD are interconnected via a meshed multi-hop network MHF, so that a front-end gateway FGD has no direct connection to the Internet network server NS.

[0102] A terminal device ED (not shown in Fig. 5b) is connected to at least one relay R via a single-hop connection FSK. A relay R is connected to at least one other relay R via a single-hop connection FSK and to at least one other relay R via a multi-hop connection. Messages, e.g. measurement data from a terminal device ED, are forwarded by the relay R as a data packet wirelessly to at least one other relay R via a single-hop connection and / or a multi-hop connection FSK via LoRa (chirp spread spectrum modulation) or frequency modulation.

[0103] The communication connection from a terminal device ED to the Internet network server NS runs via a multi-hop connection between the terminal device ED, which generates a signal for forwarding to the Internet network server NS, sends it to a relay R, and receives it from the relay R. The signal is then sent to one or more relays R, received by them, and forwarded via a first gateway G1 to a border gateway BGD, from which the signal is forwarded to the Internet network server NS.

[0104] For this purpose, a relay R has a communication interface. Messages received from a terminal device ED or a relay R, in particular measurement data, are forwarded wirelessly as a data packet to at least one further relay R via a single-hop FSK connection using LoRa (chirp frequency spread modulation) or frequency modulation via the communication interface. A first gateway G1 has a first frontend gateway communication interface. Messages from the terminal device ED are received and forwarded via the first frontend gateway communication interface. A first gateway G1 also has a further second frontend gateway communication interface for communication with another first gateway G1 and / or a second gateway G2.A second gateway G2 also has a second border gateway communication interface for communication with a first gateway G1, as well as a first border gateway communication interface for communication with a network server. Like the end devices ED, the first gateway G1 and second gateway G2 each have a self-sufficient power supply.

[0105] Fig. 6a shows a detailed view of an inventive forest fire early detection system 10, arranged in the forest W to be monitored. The forest fire early detection system 10 has a plurality of terminal devices ED equipped with sensors, with eight terminal devices ED each communicating with a gateway G1 via a single-hop connection FSK. The gateways G1 are front-end gateways FGD. The front-end gateways FGD are connected to each other and to border gateways BGD. The border gateways BGD are connected to the internet network server NS via a wired connection WN or via a wireless connection using the internet protocol IP.

[0106] Fig. 6b shows a detailed view of an inventive forest fire early detection system 10, arranged in the forest W to be monitored. The forest fire early detection system 10 has a plurality of terminal devices ED (not shown in Fig. 6b) equipped with sensors, each of which communicates with at least one relay. Eight relays R each communicate with a gateway G1 via a single-hop connection FSK. The gateways G1 are front-end gateways FGD. The front-end gateways FGD are connected to each other and to border gateways BGD. The border gateways BGD are connected to the internet network server NS via a wired connection WN or via a wireless connection using the internet protocol IP.

[0107] Fig. 7a schematically shows an embodiment of the LoRaWAN network 1, into which the forest fire early detection system 10 according to the invention is integrated. In this embodiment, front-end gateways FGD and border gateways BGD are combined in one device.

[0108] These mesh gateways (MDGs) are a combination of front-end gateways (FGDs) and border gateways (BGDs). The mesh gateways (MDGs) communicate with each other via a multi-hop wireless network (MHF), and at least one mesh gateway (MDG) is connected to the network server (NS) via a cable connection (WN) using the standard Internet protocol (IP).

[0109] The terminal device EDn does not need to have a permanently active download / receive window and therefore does not need to be constantly active. Power consumption is reduced, and the operating time of the terminal devices EDn is thus increased. Fig. 7b schematically shows an embodiment of the LoRaWAN network 1 into which the forest fire early detection system 10 according to the invention is integrated. In this embodiment, a front-end gateway FGD and a border gateway BGD are combined in one device.

[0110] This mesh gateway MDG is a combination of front-end gateways FGDn and border gateways BGD. The mesh gateways MDGn communicate with each other via a multi-hop wireless network (MHF), and at least one mesh gateway MDG is connected to the network server NS via a wired connection (WN) using the standard Internet protocol (IP).

[0111] Communication from a terminal device ED1, ED2, ED3, or EDn is carried out using multi-hop connections via multiple relays R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, or Rn to the mesh gateway MDG, and from the mesh gateway MGD to the network server NS. Optionally, the relays R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, or Rn form a mesh relay network. The terminal device EDn does not need to have a permanently active download / receive window and therefore does not need to be constantly active. This reduces power consumption and increases the operating time of the terminal devices EDn.

[0112] Fig. 8a schematically shows another embodiment of the LoRaWAN network 1, into which the forest fire early detection system 10 according to the invention is integrated. The network 1 has a plurality of sensors ED, which are partially connected to one another and partially to front-end gateways FGD via a single-hop connection FSK. The front-end gateways FGD are interconnected and partially to border gateways BGD. A border gateway BGD can also be combined with a front-end gateway FGD to form a mesh gateway device MDG in one device. The border gateways BGD are connected to the Internet network server NS via a wireless connection using the Internet protocol IP. The front-end gateways FGD and the border gateways BGD are interconnected via a meshed multi-hop network MHF, so that a front-end gateway FGD does not require a direct connection to the Internet network server NS.This extends the range of LoRaWAN networks by interposing a multi-hop network using front-end gateways (FGD), thus achieving full compatibility with the LoRaWAN specification.

[0113] Fig. 8b schematically shows another embodiment of the LoRaWAN network 1, into which the forest fire early detection system 10 according to the invention is integrated. The network 1 has a plurality of sensors installed in terminal devices ED, which communicate partly with each other and partly with relays R1, R2, R3, R4, Rn via a single-hop connection FSK. The relays R R1, R2, R3, R4, Rn communicate partly with each other and partly with front-end gateways FGD. The front-end gateways FGD are interconnected and partly with border gateways BGD. A border gateway BGD can also be combined with a front-end gateway FGD to form a mesh gateway device MDG in one device. The border gateways BGD are connected to the internet network server NS via a wireless connection using the internet protocol IP.

[0114] The front-end gateways (FGDs) and the border gateways (BGDs) are interconnected via a meshed multi-hop network (MHF), so that a front-end gateway (FGD) does not require a direct connection to the internet network server (NS). This extends the range of LoRaWAN networks by interposing a multi-hop network using front-end gateways (FGDs), thus achieving full compatibility with the LoRaWAN specification.

[0115] Fig. 9a schematically shows another embodiment of the LoRaWAN network 1, into which the forest fire early detection system 10 according to the invention is integrated. Front-end gateways FGD and border gateways BGD are combined in one device. These mesh gateways MDGn consist of a combination of the front-end gateways FGDn and the border gateways BGDn. The mesh gateways MDGn communicate with each other via a multi-hop radio network MHF, and at least one mesh gateway MDG is connected to the network server NS via the standard Internet protocol IP. Fig. 9b schematically shows another embodiment of the LoRaWAN network 1, into which the forest fire early detection system 10 according to the invention is integrated. Front-end gateways FGD and border gateways BGD are combined in one device.The relays R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, Rn communicate with each other via a multi-hop radio network FSK and with at least one mesh gateway MDG, which in turn is connected to the network server NS via the standard Internet protocol IP.

[0116] LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0117] 1 M es h- Gateway- N etwork

[0118] 10 Forest fire early warning system

[0119] 20 end device network

[0120] 25 Relay Mesh Network

[0121] 30 Gateway Network

[0122] ED, ED1, ED2, ED3, end devices / sensors

[0123] ED4, ED5, ED6, ED7, EDn

[0124] G1 First Gateway

[0125] G2 Second Gateway

[0126] NS Internet Network Server

[0127] IP Internet Protocol

[0128] BGD, BGD1, BGD2, border gateways BGDn

[0129] FGD, FGD1, FGD2, front-end gateways

[0130] FGD3, FGD4, FGDn

[0131] MHF multi-hop radio network

[0132] MGD, MGD1, Mesh Gateways

[0133] MGD2, MGD3,

[0134] MGD4, MGD5,

[0135] MGD6, MGD7,

[0136] MDGs

[0137] R, R1, R2, R3, R4, Relay

[0138] R5, R6, R7, Rn

[0139] FSK connection using FSK modulation

[0140] WN Wired connection w forest

Claims

PATENTA NSPRÜCHE 1. Forest fire early detection system (10) comprising a mesh gateway network (1) with • a network server (NS), • a first gateway (G1), • multiple relays (R) • several terminal devices (ED), characterized in that the shortest communication link between a terminal device (ED) and the network server (NS) of the mesh gateway network (1) is a multi-hop link, wherein the multi-hop link has one or more hops between similar elements (ED, G1 , R).

2. Forest fire early detection system (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the multi-hop connection has two or more hops between similar elements (ED, G1, R).

3. Forest fire early detection system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the multi-hop connection has one or more hops between two relays (R).

4. Forest fire early detection system (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized in that the mesh gateway network (1) has several second gateways (G2).

5. Forest fire early detection system (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that the relays (R), the first (G1) and / or the second gateways (G2) represent different elements.

6. Forest fire early detection system (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized in that the multi-hop connection comprises a connection via multiple terminal devices (EDs).

7. Forest fire early detection system (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that the relays (R) are terminal devices (ED) which have a repeater function and / or a relay function.

8. Forest fire early detection system (10) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the terminal devices (ED) form a terminal device mesh network (20) together.

9. Forest fire early detection system (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that the terminal device mesh network (20) is connected to the network server (NS) via several gateways (G1 , G2).

10. Forest fire early detection system (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that the connection from the terminal device to the network server (NS) comprises fewer gateways (G1 , G2) than are connected to the terminal device mesh network (20). A forest fire early detection system (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the multi-hop connection comprises a connection via several first (G1) and / or second gateways (G2). A forest fire early detection system (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that the gateways (G1, G2) have a repeater and / or a relay function. A forest fire early detection system (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first gateways (G1) and / or the second gateways (G2) together form a gateway mesh network (30). A forest fire early detection system (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mesh gateway network (1) comprises an LPWAN. A forest fire early detection system (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mesh gateway network (1) comprises a LoRaWAN.Forest fire early detection system (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized in that. The second gateway (G2) has a communication interface that provides an internet connection (IP) to the network server (NS). A forest fire early warning system (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the terminal devices (ED), the relays (R), and / or the first gateways (G1) have an independent power supply. A forest fire early warning system (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the independent power supply comprises an energy storage device and / or energy conversion device. A forest fire early warning system (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the terminal devices (ED) and the first gateways (G1) are operated off-grid.Forest fire early detection system according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first gateways (G1) of the mesh gateway network (1) are frontend gateways (FGD) and / or the second gateway (G2) is a boundary gateway (BGD). Forest fire early detection system (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that. The first gateway (G1) has a first frontend gateway communication interface for communication with an end device (ED) and a second frontend gateway communication interface for communication with another first gateway (G1) and / or a second gateway (G2).

22. Forest fire early detection system (10) according to one or more of the claims or one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that each first gateway (G1) is suitable for wireless point-to-point communication with a plurality of terminal devices (ED) using multi-hop (FSK) LoRa or FSK radio using the LoRaWAN protocol.

23. Forest fire early detection system (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least individual first gateways (G1) do not have a direct IP connection (IP).

24. Forest fire early detection system (10) according to one or more of claims 4 to 23, characterized in that the second gateway (G2) is provided for communication with the network server (NS) via a standard IP connection (IP) and using the LoRaWAN protocol.

25. Forest fire early detection system (10) according to claim 24, characterized in that the second gateway (G2) is connected via a first border gateway- Communication interface for communication with a network server (NS) and has a second border gateway communication interface for communication with a first gateway (G1). Method for communication in a M es h network (1) with a network server (NS), several relays (R), a first gateway (G1) and several terminal devices (ED) of a forest fire early detection system (10) with the steps • Sending a signal from an end device (ED) to a network server (NS) or from a network server (NS) to an end device (ED) via a communication link, characterized in that the communication takes place via a multi-hop connection with one or more hops between similar elements. Method for communication in a mesh network (1) according to claim 26, characterized in that the multi-hop connection with two or more hops between similar elements is the shortest connection between the end device (ED) and the network server (NS). Method for communication in a mesh network (1) according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that the communication takes place via a multi-hop connection with two or more hops between similar elements. Method for communication in a mesh network (1) according to one or more of claims 26 to 28, characterized in that The multi-hop connection comprises one or more hops between two relays (R). A method for communication in a mesh network (1) according to one or more of claims 26 to 29, characterized in that the mesh network (1) comprises several second gateways (G2) and communication takes place via the first (G1) and the second gateways (G2). A method for communication in a mesh network (1) according to claim 30, characterized in that the relays (R), the first (G1) and / or the second gateways (G2) represent different elements. A method for communication in a mesh network (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims 26 to 31, characterized in that communication takes place via a multi-hop connection, wherein the multi-hop connection comprises a connection via several end devices (ED).A method for communication in a mesh network (1) according to claim 32, characterized in that the terminal devices (ED) perform a repeater function and / or relay function. A method for communication in a mesh network (1) according to claim 32 or 33, characterized in that. Communication takes place via an end-device mesh network (20), wherein the end-device mesh network (20) is formed by interconnected end devices (ED). A method for communication in a mesh network (1) according to claim 34, characterized in that communication from the end-device mesh network (20) to the network server (NS) takes place via multiple gateways (G1, G2). A method for communication in a mesh network (1) according to claim 35, characterized in that communication takes place via a connection to the network server (NS) that comprises fewer gateways (G1, G2) than are connected to the end-device mesh network (20). A method for communication in a mesh network (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims 26 to 36, characterized in that communication takes place via a multi-hop connection, wherein the multi-hop connection comprises a connection via multiple first (G1) and / or second gateways (G2).A method for communication in a mesh network (1) according to claim 37, characterized in that the gateways (G1, G2) perform a repeater and / or relay function. A method for communication in a mesh network (1) according to claim 37 or. 38, characterized in that Communication takes place via a gateway mesh network (30), wherein the first gateways (G1) and / or the second gateways (G2) together form the gateway mesh network (30). A method for communication in a mesh network (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims 26 to 39, characterized in that the mesh gateway network (1) comprises an LPWAN. A method for communication in a mesh network (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims 26 to 40, characterized in that the mesh gateway network (1) comprises a LoRaWAN. A method for communication in a mesh network (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims 26 to 41, characterized in that the transmission of the message from the terminal device (ED) to the first gateway (G1) takes place via a multi-hop connection.A method for communication in a mesh network (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims 26 to 42, characterized in that an end device (ED) forwards the message to a second end device (ED). A method for communication in a mesh network (1) according to claim 43, characterized in that the forwarding from end device (ED) to end device (ED) takes place via a multi-hop connection. Method for communication in a M es h network (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims 26 to 44 characterized in that the first gateway (G1) forwards the message to a second gateway (G2) and / or the network server (NS).

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