Methods of enabling the performing of a coordinated transmission in a wireless mesh network of a message to a destination node, as well as corresponding devices and computer program products

Abstract

A method of enabling of performing a coordinated transmission in a wireless mesh network of a message to a destination node, wherein said mesh network comprises a plurality of mesh nodes for relaying messages within said mesh network, wherein the method comprises the step of sending, by a coordinating mesh node being one of said plurality of mesh nodes, a group invitation message to neighbouring mesh nodes in said mesh network, said group invitation message comprises an identification of said destination node, receiving, by said coordinating mesh node, from neighbouring mesh nodes, group acknowledgement messages indicating suitability to be part of a group for said coordinated transmission to said destination node and determining, by said coordinating mesh node, the mesh nodes to form said group for said coordinated transmission to said destination node based on said received group acknowledgement message, thereby enabling performing of said coordinated transmission to said destination node.

Description

[0001] Title

[0002] Methods of enabling the performing of a coordinated transmission in a wireless mesh network of a message to a destination node, as well as corresponding devices and computer program products.

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present disclosure is generally related to the field of wireless communications and, more specifically, to coordinated transmissions of mesh nodes in a transmission from a source mesh node to a destination node in a wireless mesh network.

[0005] Background

[0006] Mesh networking is a key technology-agnostic enabler for Internet-of- Things, loT, in the short wireless range space. Well-known technologies such as WiFi and ZigBee have already standardized mesh support, and products that feature mesh networking are available on the market.

[0007] Another well known technology is Bluetooth. Typically, in a Bluetooth mesh network, the wireless mesh nodes are asynchronously deployed and can talk to each other directly when within coverage of each other. After provisioning, the network may start operating and does not require any centralized operation - no coordination is required and, as such, there is no single point of failure. A group of nodes can be addressed with a single command, making dissemination and collection of information fast and reliable.

[0008] The basic scenario for this disclosure is related to mesh nodes in a wireless mesh network. The mesh nodes in the mesh network may operate on separate radio resources, for example Bluetooth resources, compared to the cellular, for example 5G, network. It may also be that the wireless mesh network operates on radio resources that are controlled by the cellular network such as Side Link, SL.

[0009] A wireless mesh network may be deployed such that a source mesh node broadcasts any data to any adjacent wireless mesh nodes. These adjacent wireless mesh nodes may decode and subsequently relay the data to other adjacent wireless mesh nodes. This is typically called “Flooding”.

[0010] To avoid that wireless mesh nodes, that have already transmitted the data, are retransmitting the same data once again, the relaying may be restricted. Several options exist to accomplish that particular effect. On top of that, a random delay may be introduced when different wireless mesh nodes forward the data to avoid collisions with other transmissions, thereby increasing the reliability of the transmission through the wireless mesh network.

[0011] In any case, when several wireless mesh nodes have data to transmit through wireless mesh network, the risk of congestion and collisions increases throughout the wireless mesh network.

[0012] The nodes in the wireless mesh network may have a limited range. The result is that the coverage of the wireless mesh network may be limited. It would therefore be advantageous to create solutions that enable more coverage area.

[0013] Summary

[0014] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide for a method of enabling of performing a coordinated transmission in a wireless mesh network of a message to a destination node. Further objects include associated methods as well as associated mesh nodes and computer program products.

[0015] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of enabling of performing a coordinated transmission in a wireless mesh network of a message to a destination node. The mesh network comprises a plurality of mesh nodes for relaying messages within said mesh network.

[0016] The method comprises the step of sending, by a coordinating mesh node being one of said plurality of mesh nodes, a group invitation message to neighbouring mesh nodes in said mesh network, said group invitation message comprises an identification of said destination node. This group invitation message invites the neighbouring nodes to be part of the group for sending a coordinated transmission towards that particular destination node. A further step includes receiving, by said coordinating mesh node, from neighbouring mesh nodes, group acknowledgement messages indicating suitability to be part of a group for said coordinated transmission to said destination node.

[0017] Next, the method includes the step of determining, by said coordinating mesh node, the mesh nodes to form said group for said coordinated transmission to said destination node based on said received group acknowledgement message, thereby enabling performing of said coordinated transmission to said destination node.

[0018] The destination node may also be comprised by the wireless mesh network. Alternatively, the destination node is a node not comprised by the wireless mesh network, for example a base station like a eNodeB or a gNodeB.

[0019] The inventors have found that it might be beneficial if multiple intermediate mesh nodes coordinate their transmissions. This may reduce the risk of congestion and collisions with the wireless mesh network, and may extent the coverage area of the transmission. Such a coordination is accomplished in that multiple intermediate mesh nodes perform the coordinated transmission at the same time, i.e. these mesh nodes will transmit the same data at the same time.

[0020] In other words, instead of continuing multi-hops over the wireless mesh network, a coordinated transmission may be initiated at some point in time to make the overall transmission of data more efficient. The above may include specifying a number of hops in the mesh network and / or also specification of time when the cooperative transmission is to be carried out.

[0021] It was found that it may be beneficial to first establish a group of mesh nodes that will perform the coordinated transmission to the destination node. The above described first aspect of the present disclosure is directed to the formation of such a group.

[0022] To form the group, it was found that it is beneficial to have one coordinating mesh node. The coordinating mesh node is responsible for the formation of the group. The coordinating mesh node may also take part in the group itself. The coordinating mesh node may be chosen based on a variety of properties. For example, the mesh node that is closest to the destination node, for example has the most favourable channel conditions to the destination node, may be designated as the coordinating mesh node for transmissions towards that particular destination node. Another example is that the coordinating mesh nodes are predefined, or pre-assigned, within the wireless mesh network. Yet another possibility is that the coordinating mesh node is assigned on the fly. The first one to take up the task of the formation of the group may be assigned as the coordinating mesh node for transmissions towards that particular destination node. A further possibility is that the coordinating mesh node(s) are configures by the network, or access point like the gNodeB.

[0023] In accordance with the present disclosure, a group is formed for reaching a particular destination node. Thus, for each destination node a particular group may be formed. The group is therefore coupled, i.e. associated, with one particular destination node.

[0024] The identification of the destination node may be implemented in a variety of ways. For example, a Media Access Control, MAC, address may be used as a unique identifier assigned to the network interface of a node. Another option is to use an Internet Protocol, IP, address, which is a numerical label assigned to each node connected to a network. Yet another option is a hostname, which is a unique name assigned to a node within a network. It is typically a human-readable identifier associated with an IP address. Yet another option is a Fully Qualified Domain Name, FQDN. An FQDN is a complete domain name that specifies the location of a node within the hierarchical domain name system. Another example includes the Network ID. In some cases, a wireless mesh network may assign a unique network identifier, ID, to each node. The network ID can be used to identify a specific node within the network. For example, "Node123" could be the network ID of a destination node.

[0025] In accordance with the present disclosure, the group invitation message may be broadcasted, by the coordinating mesh node, to its neighbouring mesh nodes. Such a message may form an invitation for the neighbouring nodes to participate in the group for the coordinated transmission towards the destination node. Alternatively, the coordinating mesh node may unicast the group invitation message to its neighbouring mesh nodes. The coordinating mesh node may, for example, select or determine to which mesh nodes the group invitation message is to be sent. The coordinating mesh node may, for example, have information at its disposal that certain neighbouring mesh nodes are not suitable to be included in the group, such that any group invitation message does not need to be sent to those neighbouring mesh nodes. This reduces unnecessary exchange of messages within the wireless mesh network.

[0026] It is noted that the coordinating mesh node does not need to receive group acknowledgement messages from all neighbouring nodes to which the group invitation message was sent. If no group acknowledgement message is received from a particular neighbouring node, it may be assumed that that particular neighbouring node is not suitable to join the group. The coordinating mesh node may also receive some sort of decline message, wherein a particular neighbouring node explicitly declines to be part of the group. Such a rejection by a neighbouring node may also be sent in the group acknowledgement message, wherein the rejection may be included in the message itself. For example, by using a parameter or anything alike in the payload or header of the message.

[0027] In the end, the coordinating mesh node may receive a plurality of group acknowledgement messages indicating suitability to be part of the group. Based on these acknowledgement messages the coordinating mesh node may decide which neighbouring mesh node to include in the group, and which neighbouring mesh node to not include in the group. From a pragmatic point of view, the coordinating mesh node may decide to include all neighbouring mesh nodes that have indicated suitability in the group. The coordinating mesh node may also decide to use a subset thereof, which will also be explained further below.

[0028] In an example, the group acknowledgement messages comprise indications of channel conditions between said destination node and said corresponding mesh nodes, respectively, wherein said step of determining comprises: determining said group for said coordinated transmission to said destination node based on said received indications of channel conditions.

[0029] This may be explained as follows. Each of the neighbouring mesh nodes may have an indication of a channel condition between the destination node and the respective mesh node. The channel condition may not be good enough for the respective mesh node to reach the destination node on its own. That is one of the reasons that a coordinated transmission is to be performed. The channel condition per mesh node may, typically, be determined based on corresponding received messages from the destination node. For example, the destination node may broadcast messages, and based on the broadcasted message a respective neighbouring mesh node may determine the channel condition between the destination node and the respective neighbouring mesh node.

[0030] It may be assumed that the channel condition is reciprocal, meaning that the wireless channel behaves the same way for both the uplink, transmission from the respective neighbouring mesh node to the destination node, and the downlink, transmission from the destination node to the respective mesh node.

[0031] This means that the channel condition obtained by the respective neighbouring mesh node may form a measure for the quality of the transmitting channel, i.e., from the respective neighbouring mesh node towards the destination node.

[0032] In other words, the characteristics of the wireless channel, such as signal propagation, fading, interference, and path loss, are symmetrically experienced by both the transmitting and receiving devices.

[0033] The channel condition may, for example, be implemented in a received signal strength indicator. Wherein the received signal strength indicator is measured, or determined, by messages received from the destination node. Another option is that the channel condition related to the reference signal received power, which is an indication of the received power in reference signals received from the destination node.

[0034] In an example, the group acknowledgement messages comprise indications of propagation delays of signals received by said corresponding mesh nodes, respectively, from said destination node, wherein said step of determining comprises: determining said group for said coordinated transmission to said destination node based on said received indications of propagation delays.

[0035] The inventors have found that in some cases it may be beneficial to base the formation of the group on the propagation delays that each neighbouring mesh node has to the destination node. It is advantageous when the propagation delays of the neighbouring mesh nodes are substantially the same, such that when a coordinated transmission is performed at the same time, then the coordinated transmission is also received by the destination node at the same time. An example is the Timing Advance parameter. This reduces complexity in all kinds of time synchronization aspects at the neighbouring mesh node side and / or reduces complexity at the destination node.

[0036] Alternatively, the coordinating mesh node may additionally indicate some sort of time shift parameter, for example a timing advance kind of parameter, to each of the neighbouring mesh nodes that are part of the group. Each of these neighbouring mesh nodes may then take this parameter into account when performing the coordinated transmission. That is, each of the neighbouring mesh nodes may delay performing of the coordinated transmission by the time shift parameter as indicated by the coordinating mesh node. This may ensure that the coordinated transmissions, by all the neighbouring mesh nodes in the group, are received simultaneously by the destination node.

[0037] In a further example, the step of determining comprises: determining said group for said coordinated transmission to said destination node taking into account a target Signal to Noise Ration, SNR, wherein an expected SNR from a coordinated transmission of said group to said destination node is at least equal to said target SNR.

[0038] The coordinating mesh node may have a target SNR that it would like to meet when selecting the neighbouring mesh nodes. The coordinating mesh node may determine an expected SNR from a coordinated transmission, for example based on the channel conditions that are provided by each of the neighbouring mesh nodes, and may perform the selection of the neighbouring mesh nodes based on the target SNR, the expected SNR and the received channel conditions. The coordinating mesh node may thus form a group based on these particular parameters.

[0039] In a further example, the method further comprises the step of: sending, by the coordinating mesh node, acknowledgement messages to the mesh nodes in said group for indicating that said mesh nodes form part of said group.

[0040] The coordinating mesh node may send confirmation messages to those neighbouring mesh nodes which the coordinating mesh node has selected to be a part of the group. The neighbouring mesh nodes that have not received any confirmation will then assume that they are not a part of the group.

[0041] In a further example, the method comprises the steps of: receiving, by the coordinating mesh node, a message, originating from a source mesh node in said mesh network, and intended for said destination node; broadcasting, by the coordinating mesh node, said message to said mesh nodes comprised by said group thereby enabling performing of said coordinated transmission of said message to said destination node.

[0042] At a certain moment in time, a particular source node may initiate a transmission to the destination node. The source node then sends a message into the mesh network, and each of the intermediate mesh nodes forward this particular message further into the mesh network. The message may comprise an identification of the destination node.

[0043] The message is then received by the coordinating mesh node. The coordinating mesh node may identify that this message is intended for the destination node for which the coordinating mesh node has formed a particular group that is to be used for a coordinated transmission. As such, the coordinating mesh node may broadcast that particular message to the neighbouring mesh nodes comprised by the group, for enabling all those mesh nodes in the group to perform the coordinated transmission of the message to the destination node.

[0044] It is noted that the message originating from the source node may, initially, first be received by a mesh node that is a member of the group. That particular mesh node may also identify the destination node, and that particular mesh node is aware that it is in a group of mesh nodes that perform a coordinated transmission to that particular destination node. That particular mesh node is also aware which mesh node is the coordinating mesh node for this transmission. As such, the mesh node may decide to forward this message only to the coordinating mesh node. This reduces messaging overhead in the wireless mesh network.

[0045] In a further example, the step of broadcasting further comprises: broadcasting, by the coordinating mesh node, said message to said mesh nodes comprised by said group along with a resource grant for informing said mesh nodes on time and / or frequency resources to use for said performing of said coordinated transmission.

[0046] The advantage hereof is that the mesh nodes in the group may perform the coordinated transmission at such a time instance, that the destination node will receive the corresponding transmission at the same time. Further, the frequency resources may be aligned to ensure that the destination node may receive the transmissions correctly.

[0047] In another example, any of the steps of receiving and broadcasting is performed using Device to Device, D2D, or SideLink, SL, communication.

[0048] In a further example, the coordinating mesh node is comprised by said group, and wherein said method further comprises the step of: performing, by said coordinating mesh node, a transmission of said message to said destination node, wherein said transmission being part of said coordinated transmission of said message to said destination node.

[0049] It may be beneficial if the coordinating mesh node forms part of the group as well. The coordinating mesh node may, for example, have the best channel conditions towards the destination node. This makes the coordinating mesh node very suitable to be used during the coordinated transmission.

[0050] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of reducing a load in a wireless mesh network, wherein a coordinated transmission of a message to a destination node is performed, wherein said mesh network comprises a plurality of mesh nodes for relaying messages within said mesh network, wherein the method comprises the steps of: detecting, by a mesh node comprised by said plurality of mesh nodes, a coordinated transmission of said message to said destination node; receiving, by said mesh node, said message, originating from a source mesh node in said mesh network, and intended for said destination node; refraining, by said mesh node, from forwarding said message in said mesh network due to said detection that said message has been coordinatively transmitted to said destination node.

[0051] The inventors have found that the signalling overhead may further be reduced when any mesh node is able to detect that a coordinated transmission of a message is being performed and to refrain from forwarding the message further in the mesh network once such a coordinated transmission has been detected.

[0052] It is noted that the coordinated transmission is, typically, in communication path between the source mesh node and the destination node. Once a particular mesh node has identified, or detected, a coordinated transmission, it may assume that it is no longer necessary to forward that particular message further in the mesh network. It may assume that it is not part of the communication path between the source node and the destination node.

[0053] As such, this particular mesh node may refrain from forwarding the message in the mesh network, and may trust that the message will be received by the destination node. This reduces message overhead in the mesh network.

[0054] In an example, the step of detecting comprises: detecting said coordination transmission of said message by comparing a Cyclic-Redundancy-Check, CRC, of said received message with a CRC of said coordinatively transmitted message.

[0055] In a further example, the step of detecting comprises: receiving, by said mesh node, an acknowledgement from said destination node that said coordinatively transmitted message has been received.

[0056] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a coordinating mesh node for enabling of performing a coordinated transmission in a wireless mesh network of a message to a destination node, wherein said mesh network comprises a plurality of mesh nodes for relaying messages within said mesh network, wherein the coordinating mesh node comprises: transmit equipment arranged for sending, by said coordinating mesh node being one of said plurality of mesh nodes, a group invitation message to neighbouring mesh nodes in said mesh network, said group invitation message comprises an identification of said destination node; receive equipment arranged for receiving, from neighbouring mesh nodes, group acknowledgement messages indicating suitability to be part of a group for said coordinated transmission to said destination node; process equipment arranged for determining, the mesh nodes to form said group for said coordinated transmission to said destination node based on said received group acknowledgement message, thereby enabling performing of said coordinated transmission to said destination node.

[0057] It is noted that the advantages as explained with reference to the first aspect, being the method of enabling of performing a coordinated transmission, are also applicable to the third aspect, being the coordinating mesh node for enabling of performing the coordinated transmission in the wireless mesh network. In an example, the group acknowledgement messages comprise indications of channel conditions between said destination node and said corresponding mesh nodes, respectively, wherein said process equipment is further arranged for: determining said group for said coordinated transmission to said destination node based on said received indications of channel conditions.

[0058] In a further example, the group acknowledgement messages comprise indications of propagation delays of signals received by said corresponding mesh nodes, respectively, from said destination node, wherein said process equipment is further arranged for: determining said group for said coordinated transmission to said destination node based on said received indications of propagation delays.

[0059] In another example, the process equipment is further arranged for: determining said group for said coordinated transmission to said destination node taking into account a target Signal to Noise Ratio, SNR, wherein an expected SNR from a coordinated transmission of said group to said destination node is at least equal to said target SNR.

[0060] In yet another example, the transmit equipment is further arranged for: sending acknowledgement messages to the mesh nodes in said group for indicating that said mesh nodes form part of said group.

[0061] In an example, the receive equipment is further arranged for: receiving a message, originating from a source mesh node in said mesh network, and intended for said destination node;

[0062] And wherein said transmit equipment is further arranged for: broadcasting said message to said mesh nodes comprised by said group thereby enabling performing of said coordinated transmission of said message to said destination node.

[0063] In a further example, the transmit equipment is further arranged for: broadcasting, by the coordinating mesh node, said message to said mesh nodes comprised by said group along with a resource grant for informing said mesh nodes on time and / or frequency resources to use for said performing of said coordinated transmission. In an example, any of the receive equipment and transmit equipment are arranged to use Device-2-Device, D2D, or SideLink, SL, communication.

[0064] In yet another example, the coordinating mesh node is comprised by said group, and wherein said process equipment is further arranged for: performing a transmission of said message to said destination node, wherein said transmission being part of said coordinated transmission of said message to said destination node.

[0065] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a mesh node arranged for reducing a load in a wireless mesh network, wherein a coordinated transmission of a message to a destination node is performed, wherein said mesh network comprises a plurality of mesh nodes for relaying messages within said mesh network, wherein the mesh node is comprised by said plurality of mesh nodes and wherein said mesh node comprises: process equipment arranged for detecting a coordinated transmission of said message to said destination node; receive equipment arranged for receiving said message, originating from a source mesh node in said mesh network, and intended for said destination node; transmit equipment arranged for refraining from forwarding said message in said mesh network due to said detection that said message has been coordinatively transmitted to said destination node.

[0066] It is noted that the advantages as explained with reference to the second aspect of the present disclosure, being the method of reducing a load in the wireless mesh network, are also applicable to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, being the mesh node arranged for reducing the load in the wireless mesh network.

[0067] In an example, the process equipment is further arranged for: detecting said coordination transmission of said message by comparing a Cyclic-Redundancy-Check, CRC, of said received message with a CRC of said coordinatively transmitted message.

[0068] In a further example, the receive equipment is further arranged for: receiving, by said mesh node, an acknowledgement from said destination node that said coordinatively transmitted message has been received. In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer program product comprising a computer readable medium having instructions stored thereon which, when executed by a mesh node of a mesh network, cause said mesh node to implement a method in accordance with any of the examples as provided above.

[0069] In the appended figures, similar components and / or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a dash and a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.

[0070] The above and other aspects of the disclosure will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the examples described hereinafter.

[0071] Brief description of the drawings

[0072] Fig. 1 discloses a wireless mesh network including gateways to forward message from the mesh network to a cellular network;

[0073] Fig. 2 discloses a wireless mesh network wherein a source mesh node initiates a broadcast;

[0074] Fig. 3 discloses a wireless mesh network visualizing a second hop corresponding to a source mesh node that has initiated a broadcast;

[0075] Fig. 4 discloses an overview of a coordinated transmission in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0076] Fig. 5 discloses a flow chart of a method in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0077] Fig. 6 discloses a basic concept of the formation of groups in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0078] Fig. 7 discloses an example of a coordinating mesh node in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0079] Fig. 8 discloses an example of an intermediate mesh node in accordance with the present disclosure. Detailed description

[0080] It is noted that in the description of the figures, same reference numerals refer to the same or similar components performing a same or essentially similar function.

[0081] A more detailed description is made with reference to particular examples, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings, such that the manner in which the features of the present disclosure may be understood in more detail. It is noted that the drawings only illustrate typical examples and are therefore not to be considered to limit the scope of the subject matter of the claims. The drawings are incorporated for facilitating an understanding of the disclosure and are thus not necessarily drawn to scale. Advantages of the subject matter as claimed will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0082] The ensuing description above and below provides preferred exemplary embodiment(s) only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the preferred exemplary embodiment(s) will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing a preferred exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements, including combinations of features from different embodiments, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0083] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise," "comprising," and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to." As used herein, the terms "connected," "coupled," or any variant thereof means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling or connection between the elements can be physical, logical, electromagnetic, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the words "herein," "above," "below," and words of similar import, when used in this application, refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context permits, words in the Detailed Description using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number respectively. The word "or," in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

[0084] Fig. 1 discloses a wireless mesh network including gateways to forward message from the mesh network to a cellular network.

[0085] Mesh networking is a technology-agnostic enabler for Internet-of- Things, loT, in the short range space. Well-known technologies such as Wi-Fi and ZigBee have standardized mesh support, and products that feature mesh networking are available on the market.

[0086] A capillary network is a Local Area Network, LAN, that uses short-range radio-access technologies to provide groups of devices with wide area connectivity. Capillary networks therefore extend the range of the wide area mobile networks to constraint devices. Figure 1 illustrates, as an example, a Bluetooth capillary gateway concept 1. As a capillary radio, Bluetooth standardizes the messages and behaviours of a variety of user scenarios that require sensing and / or actuation commands for constraint nodes. The relaying of these commands over multiple hops in the mesh also enables communication between nodes that are not within direct radio reach of each other.

[0087] The presence of capillary gateways such as smartphones 3 and / or proxy nodes 2 that support both Bluetooth and cellular connectivity in the mesh area network 4 extends the accessibility of extremely low-power, storage and memory constrained devices into the core network up and to the cloud. The capillary gateways 2, 3 may thus provide connectivity towards a core network of a telecommunication network as indicated with reference numeral 5.

[0088] The wireless mesh network 4 may consist of a plurality of mesh nodes, for example sensors and actuators as indicated with reference numeral 6 and other types of intermediate mesh nodes 7.

[0089] Figure 2 discloses a wireless mesh network 21 wherein a source mesh node 22 initiates a transmission towards a destination node 23.

[0090] The destination node 23 may be part of the wireless mesh network 21 but this is not necessarily the case. The destination node 23 may, as an alternative, operate in accordance with a different wireless technology, like Wi-Fi, 4G / 5G, or anything alike. In the latter case, the wireless mesh nodes that perform the coordinated transmission should be able to also operate in accordance with that particular wireless technology.

[0091] Figure 2 visualizes a so-called one-hop. That is, the intermediate nodes 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d and 24e are the intermediate nodes that are one-hop away from the source mesh node 22. These intermediate nodes are arranged to relay the message from the source mesh node further into the mesh network.

[0092] The message comprises an identification of the destination node. The underlying concept of the present disclosure is that this particular message is getting relayed within the wireless mesh network such that it will be received by a coordinating mesh node. The coordinating mesh node is responsible for managing the coordinated transmission towards that particular destination node.

[0093] The coordinating mesh node will form a group of neighbouring mesh nodes, which group of mesh nodes are responsible for performing the actual coordinated transmission. Each of the intermediate mesh nodes 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d and 24e may relay the message within the wireless mesh network.

[0094] The present disclosure is directed to the situation in which, for example, the destination node is out of reach for a single wireless mesh node. As such, a joined effort, i.e. a coordinated transmission, may be required to actually reach the destination node.

[0095] Fig. 3 discloses a wireless mesh network 31 visualizing a second hop corresponding to a source mesh node 22 that has initiated a broadcast.

[0096] As shown in figure 3, the number of intermediate nodes may increase for each hop-count. In this particular scenario, there are in total seven intermediate mesh nodes 25a - 25g that are two-hops away from the mesh node.

[0097] The intermediate nodes may receive the broadcasted message in a first, second, third, etc. hop from the source mesh node. Each of these intermediate nodes will forward the message further into the wireless mesh network. Once the coordinating mesh network is reached, the organizing of the coordinated transmission is initiated.

[0098] The wireless mesh network may use a certain mesh technology, like Bluetooth mesh or the like. Typically, the coordinated transmission is performed in the same technology, i.e. in the so-called “mesh”-technology.

[0099] However, the present disclosure is also directed to the concept that the intermediate mesh nodes have the capability of functioning as a gateway. In a specific example, the destination node is a base station of a telecommunication network. The base station of the telecommunication network may be equipped such that it can send and receive messages in the mesh network, like the Bluetooth mesh network. However, such a gateway function may also be implemented in the intermediate mesh node. Those intermediate mesh nodes may receive the broadcasted message in the mesh network, using mesh networking technology, but may perform the coordinated transmission in a different technology. For example, the coordinated transmission may be performed in a telecommunication environment, i.e. a 4G or 5G environment. The benefit thereof is that the base station of the telecommunication network does not need to provide the gateway function. That function is transferred to each of the intermediate mesh nodes.

[0100] In essence, the coordinated transmission may be performed by gateway nodes, wherein the gateway nodes are comprised in the intermediate mesh nodes. A gateway node may then be defines as a node that is able to communicate with a first network, being the wireless mesh network, and a second network different to the first network, for example a telecommunication network.

[0101] Fig. 4 discloses an overview 41 of a coordinated transmission in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0102] The present disclosure is discussed in associated with nodes in a wireless mesh network. The nodes in the mesh network may operate on a separate radio resources, e.g. Bluetooth, compared to the cellular, e.g. 5 / 6G, network. It may also be so that the mesh network operates on radio resources controlled by the 5 / 6G network such as SideLink, SL.

[0103] The basic concept of the mesh network is that the source mesh node may broadcast the data to any adjacent devices. These mesh nodes may decode and thereafter relay the data to other adjacent nodes.

[0104] This is called “Flooding”. At some point in time, after one or more hops, the message will be received by the end node, e.g. a base station. In this particular case, a group of devices in the wireless mesh network will perform, at some point in time, a coordinated transmission. This is done at some point before the packet would have reached the end node if only mesh transmissions were used. This reduces the number of mesh transmissions needed which reduces the load in the mesh network and reduces the latency of the transmission from the source to the end node. A problem when performing cooperative transmissions in a mesh network is to determine which nodes should participate in the cooperative transmission, i.e. which nodes should be part of the group for reaching the destination node, without having a fixed / hardcoded pre-configuration for the specific deployment. In Figure 6, it is shown that there is no control of which group of nodes to perform the cooperative transmission.

[0105] The group very far away from the end node, as indicated with 42, will probably have very low probability for a successful transmission and can be considered a waste of resources.

[0106] Another problem is that the use of maximum number of hops before a cooperative transmission, is that the packet may find a group of users before the maximum number of hops are reached. In this case, the mesh transmissions after the cooperative transmissions are maybe not needed, they will only increase the load in the mesh network. Hence, it is beneficial if further mesh transmissions can be stopped once the cooperative transmission has been performed. This will reduce the load in the network.

[0107] Following the above, the present disclosure describes how nodes in a mesh network can form groups autonomously that are able to perform cooperative transmissions in the network. The group sizes may depend on the channel conditions of the mesh nodes in the group. Once the message after a number of mesh transmissions reaches a node in the group, for example the coordinating mesh node, the message, may be distributed to the other nodes in the group and a cooperative transmission may be performed.

[0108] At this point, any further mesh transmissions may be stopped. This is enabled by the mesh devices monitoring cooperative transmissions and deducing if a specific message has been transmitted.

[0109] The present disclosure enables to do cooperative transmissions in a wireless mesh network in a way that reduces the number of mesh transmissions. The groups for cooperative transmissions are formed in a dynamic way which is dynamic and does not require pre-configuration of groups and the method to perform group will also react to mobility. Also, the mesh transmissions may be stopped after the cooperative transmission, which reduces the congestion in the mesh network and reduces the latency since the number of transmissions in the mesh network can be reduced.

[0110] The present disclosure may be deployed in multiple scenarios. For example, it may be useful in the process of keeping track of goods, tools, etc., in reasonably limited areas. For example a large warehouse which stores large amounts of goods, which may be in transit. The descriptor “transit” is used to show that goods are not stored permanently but only for a limited period of time before being shipped to its final destination or some other transit hub. The invention could be used in a more permanent type of storage, however, if there are very few changes to the inventory, keeping track of individual items requires less effort.

[0111] All packages are labelled so that a shipping agent knows where to deliver the package. In a large warehouse, with fast turnaround, keeping track of package labels manually is very difficult and time consuming. Thus some shipping companies label the packages with some radio technology, e.g. RFID, so that labels can be read at a distance. Note RFID distance is usually less than 10m so package inventory still requires manual work. Also, there are other near field communication, NFC, techniques than RFID.

[0112] This is one scenario where the present disclosure may be useful since it relies on the cooperation of several such RFID or NFC labels. By working together in a mesh, the total transmission range can be extended until the transmission reaches the intended receiver. It can be so that a package label is preconfigured to provide its position every x hours or days. It can also be so that a package is preconfigured to transmit when it has detected new neighbouring mesh nodes.

[0113] Another scenario is related to biodegradable sensors. With recent technology it is possible to attach biodegradable sensors directly to the body of a person. A scenario may be applicable where a patient has a number of sensors that logs important medical data. If the patient is immobile, confined to a bed, an NFC setup could directly receive transmissions. However, if the patient is allowed to move around in a larger area, individual NFC transmissions would not have a long enough range for reliable transmission of measurement data. In one scenario, the sensor attached to a patient would cooperate as is described in the present disclosure to transmit data. Perhaps, one patient does not have enough sensors, but with the assistance of other patients’ sensors the data can be transmitted successfully.

[0114] The nodes in the wireless mesh network may be configured to form groups capable of doing cooperative transmissions. In some cases all nodes in the mesh network may be capable of also participating in cooperative transmissions. In other cases it may be only a subset of the nodes that may be able to participate in cooperative transmissions, i.e. only a subset of the mesh nodes have radios for both mesh transmissions and mobile network transmissions.

[0115] It is assumed that the mesh nodes that are capable to participate in group transmissions can measure its radio quality towards the end node. In one example, this can be DL RSRP measured on SSBs from the gNB in case the end node is an NR cell. In case of other types of end nodes and radio access technologies, RATs, e.g. UEs, it is assumed that the end node sends a pilot signal which the devices can measure signal strength on.

[0116] Fig. 5 discloses a flow chart 61 of a method in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0117] The nodes that are capable to participate in group transmissions are configured 62 to transmit / broadcast a group invitation message by the Access Point, for example. The coordinating mesh node may measure the UL SNR threshold from the destination node. 63 In one option, only a subset of the devices are configured to do this, e.g. based on capability or node IDs. The broadcast of the invitation message 64 may be performed randomly in time for mesh nodes that are currently not part of a group.

[0118] The mesh nodes that transmit the invitation messages are denoted coordinating devices. The invitation message may include the destination node, for example an identifier, that is target for the cooperative transmissions. Mesh nodes that are capable to participate in cooperative transmissions to this destination node that receive the group invitation message will respond 65 indicating the suitability or capability to participate in the group and also report the channel conditions, for example the signal strength, it has to the destination node to the coordinating mesh node.

[0119] The coordinating mesh node may analyse the received channel conditions 66, i.e. signal strengths, from the neighbouring mesh nodes and may determine if it is possible to form a group where the group’s total uplink SINR 67 will be sufficient to perform successful cooperative transmissions to the destination node.

[0120] If so, the group may be formed 68, possibly by only a subset of the neighbouring mesh nodes, i.e. it is not needed to have more mesh nodes than is required to reach a target total SINR.

[0121] The coordinating mesh node may send a response to the neighbouring mesh nodes that responded to the group invitation message, indicating if they are accepted into the group or not. Alternatively, a timer can be defined at the responding mesh nodes that is started upon reception of the invitation message. If no reply has been received from the coordinating mesh node indicating that the mesh node is accepted to the group when the timer expires, the mesh node is not accepted to the group.

[0122] If the coordinating mesh node is not able to form a group with sufficient total SINR, no group may be formed and the coordinating mesh node may reply that the mesh nodes are not accepted to the group or the above timer solution is used. In this case new invitation messages may be broadcasted, possibly by a different mesh node, at a later point in time.

[0123] The lifetime of the group may also be defined. The coordinating mesh node may also poll for updates of the signal strengths of the mesh nodes to ensure the group is capable to perform successful cooperative transmissions to the end node even after some time. In case the group cannot reach a target SINR, the group may be cancelled. A mesh node may only be allowed to join one single group. This enables a dynamic configuration of groups which reacts on device mobility, i.e. if a mesh node moves so that the group is not efficient, i.e. can’t perform successful cooperative transmissions, the group may be disabled and a new group may be formed.

[0124] Fig. 6 discloses a basic concept 81 of the formation of groups in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0125] This first step as discussed above will result in groups of cooperative groups in the mesh network. Groups further away from the end node may contain more nodes, due to less favourable channel conditions, compared to groups closer to the destination node. Since the invitation message includes the destination node, different groups may be formed to different end nodes. In a second step, the source mesh node may initiate a transmission into the mesh network via a mesh transmission of the data. The data is further relayed through the mesh network until it reaches a first mesh node in the (first) cooperative group.

[0126] In the next step a coordinated transmission by the group of mesh nodes is performed. The first step to perform a cooperative transmission is that the first mesh node sends the data to the coordinating mesh node using D2D or SL or something similar. The data or message is then broadcasted or unicasted to all devices in the group via D2D or SL, or something similar, by the coordinating mesh node and a cooperative transmission is performed to the destination node of the group as the last step.

[0127] This means that the first mesh node is the source mesh node for the particular cooperative transmission. If the source mesh node would do the broadcasting to the group, it may happen that not all mesh nodes in the group receive the transmission and the cooperative transmission may not be able to reach the destination node.

[0128] The preferable scheduling method to use for the cooperative transmissions to the receiving destination node is configured grants, i.e. preconfigured time and frequency resources.

[0129] In the cooperative transmission, a packet identifier may also be attached used to stop further mesh transmissions, as described in step 3 below. When the successful cooperative transmission is performed, the total latency from the source mesh node to the destination node is reduced.

[0130] In a third step, further mesh hop transmissions of the data through the network via mesh transmissions is stopped. This is important since subsequent mesh transmissions after the cooperative transmission is not needed since the packet has already arrived at the destination node and would only cause load in the mesh network and increased energy consumption for the mesh nodes.

[0131] Stopping of the mesh transmissions is performed by the mesh nodes by monitoring for cooperative transmissions. This may be based on monitoring for transmissions on the configured grant resources used for the cooperative transmissions, i.e. on predefined time and frequency resources. When a cooperative transmission is discovered of a certain packet further transmissions of this packet is disabled for mesh transmissions.

[0132] To make this efficient, this can be done similarly as for Bluetooth mesh transmissions where Bluetooth mesh devices are restricted from re-relaying a packet that it has already transmitted. For example, a CRC of the packet can be included in the header of the cooperatively transmitted packet.

[0133] It may also be based on a packet identifier, such as a source ID and a sequence number of the packet, included in the header of the cooperatively transmitted packet. Putting the CRC or message identifier in the header removes the need to completely parse the whole packet to determine if a packet should be further transmitted in the mesh network. Every mesh node may then monitor the cooperative transmissions and store the CRC / message identifiers for an amount of time.

[0134] The time can be set corresponding to the time it takes for a mesh transmission to traverse the mesh network. Then for every mesh transmission the mesh node receives, it may check the stored list of CRCs / message identifiers for a match. If there is a match, the message is not forwarded via mesh transmissions.

[0135] In case not all mesh nodes are able to receive cooperative transmissions, i.e. if some mesh nodes are only mesh capable, the monitoring can be performed by the mesh nodes that are actually capable of doing so, or only the coordinating mesh nodes. These can then send the CRC / message ID using mesh transmissions. Preferably, this should be coordinated so that all mesh nodes send this simultaneously.

[0136] Another example to stop mesh transmissions when the cooperative transmission has successfully been received by the end node relates to the following. In this example, a transmission is initiated from the end node to stop further mesh transmissions. Especially when this node is a network node such as an access node like a gNB, this can be very advantageous since the gNB can transmit with higher power than a mesh node, which are typically limited in transmission power by regulations.

[0137] The message may also in this case contain a message identifier such as a CRC. When the mesh transmissions are stopped, it reduces the load in the mesh network compared to the case when no cooperative transmission had been performed since no more mesh transmissions are needed. Fig. 7 discloses an example of a coordinating mesh node 41 in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0138] The coordinating mesh node 42 may be arranged for enabling performing of a coordinated transmission in a wireless mesh network for a transmission of a message from said source mesh node of the wireless mesh network to a destination node.

[0139] Here, the wireless mesh network further comprises a plurality of intermediate mesh nodes for relaying said message from said source mesh.

[0140] The coordinating mesh node 42 comprises a processor 47 and a memory 48, said memory 48 containing instructions executable by said processor 47.

[0141] The coordinating mesh node 42 comprises a receiver 43 connected to a receiving terminal for receiving incoming messages and comprises a transmitter 45 connected to a transmitting terminal for transmitting outgoing messages.

[0142] The coordinating mesh node further comprises a transceiver module 49 arranged for sending a group invitation message to neighbouring mesh nodes in the mesh network. The broadcasting module may be operated by the processor 47.

[0143] The transceiver module 49 may further be arranged for receiving group acknowledgement messages indicating suitability to be part of the group for the coordinated transmission to the destination node.

[0144] Finally, the processor 47 may be arranged for determining the mesh nodes to form the group for the coordinated transmission to the destination nodes.

[0145] Fig. 8 discloses an example of an intermediate mesh node 51 in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0146] The intermediate mesh node 51 is arranged for reducing a load in a wireless mesh network, wherein a coordinated transmission of a message to a destination node is performed.

[0147] The intermediate mesh node 51 comprises a receiver 52 connected to a receiving terminal 53 and a transmitter 54 connected to a transmitting terminal 55. The intermediate mesh node 51 further comprises a processor 56 connected to a memory 57. The processor may be arranged for detecting a coordinated transmission of the message to the destination node.

[0148] Next, the receiver may be arranged to receive the message, originating from the source mesh node in the mesh network, and intended for the destination node. The processor 56 may determine that that particular message has already been transmitted using a coordinated transmission.

[0149] As such, the process 356 may refrain from forwarding the message in the mesh network due to the detection that the message has been transmitted, using a coordinated transmission, to the destination node.

[0150] The present disclosure may be applicable in the following described scenario. With recent technology it may be possible to attach biodegradable sensors directly to the body of a person. A scenario may be considered where a patient has a number of sensors that logs important medical data. If the patient is immobile, confined to a bed, an NFC setup could directly receive transmissions. However, if the patient is allowed to move around in a larger area individual NFC transmissions would not have a long enough range for reliable transmission of measurement data. In one scenario, the sensor attached to a patient would cooperate as is described in the present disclosure to transmit data. Perhaps, one patient does not have enough sensors, but with the assistance of other patients’ sensors the data can be transmitted successfully.

[0151] It should be noted that the above-mentioned examples illustrate rather than limit the idea, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative examples without departing from the scope of the appended claims. The word “comprising” does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in a claim, “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality, and a single processor or other unit may fulfil the functions of several units recited in the claims.

[0152] Any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed so as to limit their scope.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method of enabling of performing a coordinated transmission in a wireless mesh network of a message to a destination node, wherein said mesh network comprises a plurality of mesh nodes for relaying messages within said mesh network, wherein the method comprises the step of: sending, by a coordinating mesh node being one of said plurality of mesh nodes, a group invitation message to neighbouring mesh nodes in said mesh network, said group invitation message comprises an identification of said destination node; receiving, by said coordinating mesh node, from neighbouring mesh nodes, group acknowledgement messages indicating suitability to be part of a group for said coordinated transmission to said destination node; determining, by said coordinating mesh node, the mesh nodes to form said group for said coordinated transmission to said destination node based on said received group acknowledgement message, thereby enabling performing of said coordinated transmission to said destination node.

2. A method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said group acknowledgement messages comprise indications of channel conditions between said destination node and said corresponding mesh nodes, respectively, wherein said step of determining comprises: determining said group for said coordinated transmission to said destination node based on said received indications of channel conditions.

3. A method in accordance with any of the previous claims, wherein said group acknowledgement messages comprise indications of propagation delays of signals received by said corresponding mesh nodes, respectively, from said destination node, wherein said step of determining comprises: determining said group for said coordinated transmission to said destination node based on said received indications of propagation delays.

4. A method in accordance with any of the previous claims, wherein said step of determining comprises: determining said group for said coordinated transmission to said destination node taking into account a target Signal to Noise Ratio, SNR, wherein an expected SNR from a coordinated transmission of said group to said destination node is at least equal to said target SNR.

5. A method in accordance with any of the previous claims, wherein said method further comprises the step of: sending, by the coordinating mesh node, acknowledgement messages to the mesh nodes in said group for indicating that said mesh nodes form part of said group.

6. A method in accordance with claim 6, wherein said method further comprises the step of: determining, by any of the neighbouring mesh nodes, that no acknowledgement message was received within a predefined time window thereby confirming that said respective neighbouring mesh node is not part of said group.

7. A method in accordance with any of the previous claims, wherein said method further comprises the steps of: receiving, by the coordinating mesh node, a message, originating from a source mesh node in said mesh network, and intended for said destination node; broadcasting, by the coordinating mesh node, said message to said mesh nodes comprised by said group thereby enabling performing of said coordinated transmission of said message to said destination node.

8. A method in accordance with claim 7, wherein said step of broadcasting further comprises: broadcasting, by the coordinating mesh node, said message to said mesh nodes comprised by said group along with a resource grant for informingsaid mesh nodes on time and / or frequency resources to use for said performing of said coordinated transmission.

9. A method in accordance with any of the claims 7 - 8, wherein any of the steps of receiving and broadcasting is performed using Device-2-Device, D2D, or SideLink, SL, communication.

10. A method in accordance with any of the claims 7 - 9, wherein said coordinating mesh node is comprised by said group, and wherein said method further comprises the step of: performing, by said coordinating mesh node, a transmission of said message to said destination node, wherein said transmission being part of said coordinated transmission of said message to said destination node.

11. A method of reducing a load in a wireless mesh network, wherein a coordinated transmission of a message to a destination node is performed, wherein said mesh network comprises a plurality of mesh nodes for relaying messages within said mesh network, wherein the method comprises the steps of: detecting, by a mesh node comprised by said plurality of mesh nodes, a coordinated transmission of said message to said destination node; receiving, by said mesh node, said message, originating from a source mesh node in said mesh network, and intended for said destination node; refraining, by said mesh node, from forwarding said message in said mesh network due to said detection that said message has been transmitted, using a coordinated transmission, to said destination node.

12. A method in accordance with claim 11 , wherein said step of detecting comprises: detecting said coordinated transmission of said message by comparing a Cyclic-Redundancy-Check, CRC, of said received message with a CRC of said coordinatively transmitted message detecting said coordinated transmission of said message by identifying a packet identifier in said coordinatively transmitted message.

13. A method in accordance with any of the claims 11 - 12, wherein said step of detecting comprises: receiving, by said mesh node, an acknowledgement from said destination node that said coordinatively transmitted message has been received.

14. A coordinating mesh node for enabling of performing a coordinated transmission in a wireless mesh network of a message to a destination node , wherein said mesh network comprises a plurality of mesh nodes for relaying messages within said mesh network, wherein the coordinating mesh node comprises: transmit equipment arranged for sending, by said coordinating mesh node being one of said plurality of mesh nodes, a group invitation message to neighbouring mesh nodes in said mesh network, said group invitation message comprises an identification of said destination node; receive equipment arranged for receiving, from neighbouring mesh nodes, group acknowledgement messages indicating suitability to be part of a group for said coordinated transmission to said destination node; process equipment arranged for determining, the mesh nodes to form said group for said coordinated transmission to said destination node based on said received group acknowledgement message, thereby enabling performing of said coordinated transmission to said destination node.

15. A coordinating mesh node in accordance with claim 14, wherein said group acknowledgement messages comprise indications of channel conditions between said destination node and said corresponding mesh nodes, respectively, wherein said process equipment is further arranged for: determining said group for said coordinated transmission to said destination node based on said received indications of channel conditions.

16. A coordinating mesh node in accordance with any of the claims 14 - 15, wherein said group acknowledgement messages comprise indications of propagation delays of signals received by said corresponding mesh nodes, respectively, from said destination node, wherein said process equipment is further arranged for:determining said group for said coordinated transmission to said destination node based on said received indications of propagation delays.17 . A coordinating mesh node in accordance with any of the claims 14 - 16, wherein said process equipment is further arranged for: determining said group for said coordinated transmission to said destination node taking into account a target Signal to Noise Ration, SNR, wherein an expected SNR from a coordinated transmission of said group to said destination node is at least equal to said target SNR.

18. A coordinating mesh node in accordance with any of the claims 14 - 17, wherein said transmit equipment is further arranged for: sending acknowledgement messages to the mesh nodes in said group for indicating that said mesh nodes form part of said group.

19. A coordinating mesh node in accordance with any of the claims 14 - 18, wherein said receive equipment is further arranged for: receiving a message, originating from a source mesh node in said mesh network, and intended for said destination node;And wherein said transmit equipment is further arranged for: broadcasting said message to said mesh nodes comprised by said group thereby enabling performing of said coordinated transmission of said message to said destination node.

20. A coordinating mesh node in accordance with claim 19, wherein said transmit equipment is further arranged for: broadcasting, by the coordinating mesh node, said message to said mesh nodes comprised by said group along with a resource grant for informing said mesh nodes on time and / or frequency resources to use for said performing of said coordinated transmission.

21. A coordinating mesh node in accordance with any of the claims 19 - 20, wherein any of the receive equipment and transmit equipment are arranged to use Device-2-Device, D2D, or SideLink, SL, communication.

22. A coordinating mesh node in accordance with any of the claims 19 - 21 , wherein said coordinating mesh node is comprised by said group, and wherein said process equipment is further arranged for: performing a transmission of said message to said destination node, wherein said transmission being part of said coordinated transmission of said message to said destination node.

23. A mesh node arranged for reducing a load in a wireless mesh network, wherein a coordinated transmission of a message to a destination node is performed, wherein said mesh network comprises a plurality of mesh nodes for relaying messages within said mesh network, wherein the mesh node is comprised by said plurality of mesh nodes and wherein said mesh node comprises: process equipment arranged for detecting a coordinated transmission of said message to said destination node; receive equipment arranged for receiving said message, originating from a source mesh node in said mesh network, and intended for said destination node; transmit equipment arranged for refraining from forwarding said message in said mesh network due to said detection that said message has been coordinatively transmitted to said destination node.

24. A mesh node in accordance with claim 23, wherein said process equipment is further arranged for any of: detecting said coordinated transmission of said message by comparing a Cyclic-Redundancy-Check, CRC, of said received message with a CRC of said coordinatively transmitted message, detecting said coordinated transmission of said message by identifying a packet identifier in said coordinatively transmitted message.

25. A mesh node in accordance with any of the claims 23 - 24, wherein said receive equipment is further arranged for: receiving, by said mesh node, an acknowledgement from said destination node that said coordinatively transmitted message has been received.

26. A computer program product comprising a computer readable medium having instructions stored thereon which, when executed by a mesh node of a mesh network, cause said mesh node to implement a method in accordance with any of the claims 1 - 13.

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