Method for managing a network and method for joining the network

Abstract

A method for managing a network, performed by an electronic device, comprises the operation of transmitting a control packet using a control time slot set, the operation of transmitting a beacon signal using a beacon time slot set, and when an access packet is received from a first node through an access time slot set: the operation of reconfiguring the network so that the first node is included in the network, and the operation of transmitting an acknowledgment packet to the first node using an acknowledgment time slot set, wherein at least one of the control packet or the beacon signal includes frame synchronization information and information regarding a network join policy, and the information regarding the network join policy may cause a node not joined to the network to: transmit an access packet to a management node using an access time slot set, and when an acknowledgment packet is not received through an acknowledgment time slot set, determine a first time, delay the first time, and then transmit an access packet to a management node using an access time slot set.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The following embodiments relate to a technology for managing a network, and more specifically, to a technology for adding a new node to a network by operating wireless communication resources of a network with a TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) structure. Background Technology

[0003] Networks based on the Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) structure require each node to transmit and receive data packets within a fixed timeframe, specifically an allocated time slot, to prevent communication collisions that may occur when multiple nodes communicate using the same frequency. In a TDMA network, a separate network joining process is required for a node to be allocated a time slot and participate in the network. Existing TDMA networks present a problem in that it is difficult for a new node to join an existing network unless a separate time slot is allocated for the joining of a new node (or device). Conversely, if a fixed time slot is allocated separately for the joining of new nodes, the efficiency of the TDMA network may decrease and the complexity of network implementation may increase as the number of unused time slots grows.

[0004] When a network with a TDMA structure needs to dynamically allow the joining of new nodes, a method for managing the network to allocate time slots for the joining of new nodes while maintaining network efficiency, and a method for multiple nodes to join the network without conflict using the time slots allocated for joining are required. The problem to be solved

[0006] One embodiment may provide a method for managing a network that allocates time slots to allow a new node to join a network with a TDMA structure.

[0007] One embodiment may provide a method for a node not joined to a network to join a network of a TDMA structure using an allocated time slot.

[0008] However, technical challenges are not limited to the technical challenges described above, and other technical challenges may exist. means of solving the problem

[0010] A method for managing a network, performed by an electronic device according to one embodiment, comprises: transmitting a first control packet using a first control time slot set based on frame synchronization information; transmitting a first beacon signal using a first beacon time slot set based on the frame synchronization information; when a first access packet is received from a first node through a first access time slot set based on the frame synchronization information: reconfiguring the network so that the first node is included in the network; and transmitting a first acknowledgment packet to the first node using a first acknowledgment time slot set based on the frame synchronization information, wherein at least one of the first control packet or the first beacon signal includes information regarding the frame synchronization information and a network subscription policy, and the information regarding the network subscription policy causes a node not subscribed to the network to: transmit the first access packet to a management node using the first access time slot set based on the frame synchronization information; and when the first acknowledgment packet is not received through the first acknowledgment time slot set, determine a first time, delay the first time, and then transmit a second access packet using a second access time slot set based on the frame synchronization information. It can be transmitted to the above management node.

[0011] The above network includes a communication framework in which multi-frame units, each comprising a plurality of frames, are repeated, and among the multi-frame units, the first multi-frame unit may include the first control time slot set, the first beacon time slot set, the first access time slot set, and the first acknowledgment time slot set.

[0012] The first multi-frame unit includes first frames and second frames that appear alternately, and at least some of the first frames include a control time slot set, and at least some of the second frames may include a beacon time slot set, an access time slot set, or an approval time slot set.

[0013] The above second frames may sequentially repeat a frame containing the beacon time slot set, a frame containing the access time slot set, and a frame containing the approval time slot set for each predetermined frame.

[0014] The number of time slots included in the first control time slot set above can be determined to be equal to the number of hops of the network.

[0015] The above first time may be the time obtained by multiplying a number randomly determined in the first range by the period in which the access time slot set appears.

[0016] The above first range may be determined based on the number of times an access packet was transmitted but an acknowledgment packet was not received.

[0017] The above network may be a network with a Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) structure that allocates the plurality of time slots to each of one or more nodes included in the network based on a communication framework that includes a plurality of time slots.

[0018] The above network may be an Ad Hoc network maintained by communication between one or more nodes included in the network, and the management node is determined among the one or more nodes.

[0019] A method for joining a network, performed by an electronic device according to one embodiment, may include: acquiring frame synchronization information based on a first beacon signal or a first control packet; transmitting a first access packet to a management node using a first access time slot set based on the frame synchronization information; receiving a first acknowledgment packet through a first acknowledgment time slot set based on the frame synchronization information; and, if the first acknowledgment packet is not received in the first acknowledgment time slot set, determining a first time, and after delaying the first time, transmitting a second access packet to the management node using a second access time slot set based on the frame synchronization information. Effects of the invention

[0021] According to one embodiment, a method for managing a network may be provided to allocate one of a beacon time slot, an access time slot, or an acknowledgment time slot to some frames so that a new node can join a network of a multi-frame structured TDMA structure.

[0022] According to one embodiment, a method for joining a network may be provided in which a node not joined to the network requests to join the network using an access time slot and determines that it has joined the network through an approval time slot. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0024] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a network according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of an electronic device operating as a management node in a network according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method for managing a network according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of an electronic device operating as a node to join a network according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method for joining a network according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a network in a beacon time slot set, an access time slot set, and an acknowledgment time slot set according to one example. FIGS. 7a and 7b are diagrams illustrating the interaction between a management node and an unjoined node to join a network, according to one example. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, various modifications may be made to the embodiments, and thus the scope of the patent application is not limited or restricted by these embodiments. It should be understood that all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions to the embodiments are included within the scope of the rights.

[0026] The terms used in the embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and should not be interpreted as intended to be limiting. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to indicate the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0027] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments pertain. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this application.

[0028] In addition, when describing with reference to the attached drawings, identical components are assigned the same reference numeral regardless of drawing symbols, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted. When describing embodiments, if it is determined that a detailed description of related prior art could unnecessarily obscure the essence of the embodiment, such detailed description is omitted.

[0029] In addition, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc., may be used when describing the components of the embodiments. These terms are intended merely to distinguish the components from other components, and the nature, order, or sequence of the components is not limited by these terms. Where it is stated that a component is "connected," "combined," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while the component may be directly connected or connected to the other component, another component may also be "connected," "combined," or "connected" between each component.

[0030] Components included in any one embodiment and components having common functions shall be described using the same names in other embodiments. Unless otherwise stated, the description in any one embodiment may also apply to other embodiments, and specific descriptions shall be omitted to the extent of overlap.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a network according to one embodiment.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the network (100) may have a multi-frame structure. The network (100) with the multi-frame structure may divide time into multiple frames, and one multi-frame unit may include multiple frames. The network (100) with the multi-frame structure may include a communication framework in which the multi-frame unit is repeated. The network (100) can stably perform various functions by setting each of the multiple frames to perform a distinct function and setting the multiple frames to be repeated based on the multi-frame unit. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the network (100) may have a structure in which M frames of frame 1 (110) to frame M (130) are set as one multi-frame unit, and the multi-frame unit is repeated.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the network (100) may have a Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) structure. The TDMA structure is a reservation-based resource allocation method in which each node of the network (100) uses a different time slot to prevent collisions in the network (100). The network (100) of the TDMA structure may allocate multiple time slots to each of one or more nodes included in the network based on a communication framework that includes multiple time slots, and allow one or more nodes to transmit and receive data packets within the allocated time slots. Each of the multiple frames included in the multi-frame unit of the network (100) includes multiple time slots, and each of the multiple time slots may be used as a unit of data transmission for communication.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the network (100) includes a plurality of nodes and may include a management node among the plurality of nodes that controls the network (100). For example, the management node may be a center node fixed in a centrally controlled network or a leader node determined among a plurality of nodes in a distributed network. The management node may perform the provision of time synchronization criteria, allocation or adjustment of time slots, configuration or reconfiguration of the network (100), or transmission of control information in a network (100) with a TDMA structure.

[0036] According to one embodiment, a multi-frame unit may include first frames and second frames that appear alternately. For example, the first frames may be frames with odd numbers, and the second frames may be frames with even numbers. The network (100) may allocate time slots differently so that the first frames and the second frames perform different functions in a single multi-frame unit.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the first frames (e.g., Frame 1 (110)) may include a control time slot set (111) and a data time slot set (113). The control time slot set (111) may be used to transmit information related to the structure of the network (100) from a management node to each node as a control packet. For example, the information related to the structure of the network (100) transmitted through the control time slot set (111) may include path information related to the TDMA structure, a node search list, slot allocation information and topology information, or other control information. The data time slot set (113) may be used for each of the plurality of nodes belonging to the network (100) to transmit and receive data.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the network (100) uses a multi-hop relay method, and the number of time slots included in the control time slot set of the first frames can be set to be equal to the number of hops of the network (100). As the number of time slots included in the control time slot set is set to be equal to the number of hops of the network (100), control packets within the control time slot set can be transmitted to the node furthest from the management node.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the second frames (e.g., frame 2 (120)) may include an other time slot set (122) and a data time slot set (124). The other time slot set (122) may be allocated for additional functions of the network (100). For example, at least some of the other time slot set (122) may be allocated for joining the network (100) of unjoined nodes. For example, at least some of the other time slot set (122) may be used to transmit other information, such as routing information, ranging information of the network (100), and operational information of the network (100), which are necessary for the operation or maintenance of the network (100). The data time slot set (124) may be used for each of the plurality of nodes belonging to the network (100) to transmit and receive data.

[0040] According to one embodiment, at least some of the other time slot sets (122) may include a beacon time slot set, an access time slot set, or an acknowledgment time slot set for joining the network (100) of unjoined nodes. The beacon time slot set may be used to transmit information related to the structure of the network (100) from a management node to unjoined nodes outside the network (100) area as a beacon signal. The access time slot set may be used to transmit the intention to join the network (100) from a first node (unjoined node) to join the network (100) to the management node as an access packet. The acknowledgment time slot set may be used to transmit to the first node, as an acknowledgment packet, that the first node has joined the network (100) in response to the reception of the access packet.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the second frames may sequentially repeat a frame containing a beacon time slot set, a frame containing an access time slot set, and a frame containing an acknowledgment time slot set for each predetermined frame. For example, for each n-th frame among the second frames having an even number in a multi-frame unit, the other time slot set of the second frame may include a beacon time slot set, an access time slot set, or an acknowledgment time slot set. For example, when n is 10, the other time slot set of frame 2 (120) may be assigned as a beacon time slot set, the other time slot set of frame 22 may be assigned as an access time slot set, and the other time slot set of frame 42 may be assigned as an acknowledgment time slot set. When n is 10, the efficiency of the entire network (100) can be maintained because the other time slot set is assigned for the joining of unjoined nodes in 5% of the frames included in the multi-frame unit of the network (100).

[0042] According to one embodiment, the network (100) uses a multi-hop relay method, and the number of time slots included in the other time slot set of the second frames can be set to be equal to the number of hops of the network (100). As the number of time slots included in the other time slot set is set to be equal to the number of hops of the network (100), access packets within the access time slot set can be transmitted from an unsubscribed node to a management node, and acknowledgment packets within the acknowledgment time slot set can be transmitted from a management node to an unsubscribed node.

[0043] According to one embodiment, information related to the structure of a network (100) transmitted using a control time slot set or a beacon time slot set may include information regarding frame synchronization information and network subscription policy. For example, frame synchronization information may include a frame number, the start time of a frame, the time slot interval, and reference node information. Based on the frame synchronization information, multiple nodes belonging to a network (100) with a TDMA structure may communicate with the same frame and time slot according to the same time reference. Information regarding the network subscription policy may include information regarding rules for substituting unsubscribed nodes that do not belong to the network (100) into the network (100). In the case of an unsubscribed node that is not subscribed to the network (100) but is within the area of ​​the network (100), it may perform TDMA synchronization with the network (100) and obtain rules for substituting into the network (100) by receiving a control packet through the control time slot set. In the case of an unsubscribed node that is not subscribed to the network (100) and is outside the area of ​​the network (100), it can perform TDMA synchronization with the network (100) and obtain a rule for subscribing to the network (100) by receiving a beacon signal through a beacon time slot set.

[0044] A method for managing the network (100) so that non-subscribed nodes can join the network (100) and a method for non-subscribed nodes to join the network (100) are described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 2 to 7b.

[0046] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of an electronic device operating as a management node in a network according to one embodiment.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) includes a communication unit (210), a processor (220), and a memory (230). The electronic device (200) may be an electronic device that operates as a management node controlling a network in a network. For example, the management node may be a center node of a centrally controlled network or a leader node of a distributed network.

[0048] The communication unit (210) is connected to the processor (220) and memory (230) to transmit and receive data. The communication unit (210) may be connected to other external devices to transmit and receive data. In the following, the expression "transmit and receive A" may indicate transmitting and receiving "information or data representing A".

[0049] The communication unit (210) may be implemented as a circuitry within the electronic device (200). For example, the communication unit (210) may include an internal bus and an external bus. As another example, the communication unit (210) may be an element connecting the electronic device (200) and an external device. The communication unit (210) may be an interface. The communication unit (210) may receive data from an external device and transmit the data to the processor (220) and memory (230).

[0050] The electronic device (200) can maintain the network by using the communication unit (210) to transmit and receive data packets with surrounding nodes that are joined to the network. The electronic device (200) can enable nodes that are not joined to the network to join the network by using the communication unit (210) to transmit beacon signals or control packets directly or indirectly.

[0051] The processor (220) processes data received by the communication unit (210) and data stored in memory (230). The "processor" may be a data processing device implemented in hardware having a circuit having a physical structure for executing desired operations. For example, the desired operations may include code or instructions included in a program. For example, the data processing device implemented in hardware may include a microprocessor, a central processing unit, a processor core, a multi-core processor, a multiprocessor, an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), or a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA).

[0052] The processor (220) executes computer-readable code (e.g., software) stored in memory (e.g., memory (230)) and instructions triggered by the processor (220). For example, a method of managing a network of electronic devices (200) can be performed through the execution of instructions.

[0053] The memory (230) stores data received by the communication unit (210) and data processed by the processor (220). For example, the memory (230) may store a program (or application, software). The program to be stored may be a set of syntax that is coded to provide a method for managing the network and is executable by the processor (220).

[0054] According to one aspect, the memory (230) may include one or more volatile memory, non-volatile memory and RAM (Random Access Memory), flash memory, hard disk drive and optical disk drive.

[0055] The memory (230) stores a set of instructions (e.g., software) that operate the electronic device (200). The set of instructions that operate the electronic device (200) is executed by the processor (220).

[0056] The communication unit (210), processor (220), and memory (230) are described in detail below with reference to FIG. 3.

[0058] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method for managing a network according to one embodiment.

[0059] The following operations 310 to 350 may be performed by an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (200) of FIG. 2). The electronic device may include a communication unit (e.g., the communication unit (210) of FIG. 2), a processor (e.g., the processor (220) of FIG. 2), and a memory (e.g., the memory (230) of FIG. 2). For example, the electronic device may be an electronic device that operates as a management node controlling the network in a network (e.g., the network (100) of FIG. 1).

[0060] According to one embodiment, a network comprising a plurality of nodes may have a TDMA structure and a multi-frame structure as described above with reference to FIG. 1. A network with a multi-frame structure may divide time into a plurality of frames and allow a plurality of multi-frame units, each comprising a plurality of frames, to be repeated. A network with a TDMA structure may divide each frame into a plurality of time slots and allocate each of the plurality of time slots to a plurality of nodes to be used as a unit of data transmission for communication.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the network may allocate some of the time slots as a control time slot set, a beacon time slot set, an access time slot set, or an acknowledgment time slot set. For example, a single multi-frame unit in the network may include a first control time slot set, a first beacon time slot set, a first access time slot set, or a first acknowledgment time slot set. The control time slot set, the beacon time slot set, the access time slot set, and the acknowledgment time slot set may be used for network joining of nodes that are not joined to the network.

[0062] In operation 310, the electronic device may transmit a control packet (e.g., a first control packet) using a set of control time slots (e.g., a first set of control time slots) based on frame synchronization information. The control packet is a data packet that conveys control information of the network and may include information related to the structure of the network. For example, information related to the structure of the network may include path information related to the TDMA structure, a node search list, slot allocation information and topology information, or other control information.

[0063] In operation 320, the electronic device may transmit a beacon signal (e.g., a first beacon signal) using a beacon time slot set (e.g., a first beacon time slot set) based on frame synchronization information. The beacon signal is a signal transmitted to inform a device outside the network area of ​​network information, and may include information related to the structure of the network.

[0064] According to one embodiment, at least one of the control packet or the beacon signal may include information regarding frame synchronization information and network join policy. Multiple nodes belonging to a network with a TDMA structure or unjoined nodes intending to join the network may communicate in the same frame and time slot according to the same time standard based on the frame synchronization information. Unjoined nodes intending to join the network may obtain rules for joining the network based on information regarding the network join policy. For example, in the case of an unjoined node that is not joined to the network but is within the network area, information regarding frame synchronization information and network join policy may be obtained through the control packet. For example, in the case of an unjoined node that is not joined to the network and is outside the network area, information regarding frame synchronization information and network join policy may be obtained through the beacon signal.

[0065] According to one embodiment, information regarding a network join policy may cause a node not joined to the network to: transmit an access packet (e.g., a first access packet) to a management node using an access time slot set (e.g., a first access time slot set) based on frame synchronization information; and if an acknowledgment packet (e.g., a first acknowledgment packet) is not received through an acknowledgment time slot set (e.g., a first acknowledgment time slot set), determine a first time, delay the first time, and then transmit an access packet (e.g., a second access packet) to the management node using an access time slot set (e.g., a second access time slot set) based on frame synchronization information. For example, if multiple unjoined nodes attempt to join the network using the same access time slot, a network collision may occur, and the intention to join the network (access packet) may not be transmitted to the management node. Each unjoined node determines that a network collision has occurred if an acknowledgment packet is not received through the acknowledgment time slot, determines a delay time (first time) to avoid the network collision, and attempts to join the network by transmitting an access packet again after the delay time. The electronic device can ensure that the time slots (beacon time slot, access time slot, or acknowledgment time slot) allocated for the network joining of unjoined nodes are used efficiently through a network joining policy.

[0066] According to one embodiment, a network join policy can minimize network collisions among multiple unjoined nodes attempting to join the network by utilizing the CSMA / CA (Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance) protocol. In a network join policy utilizing the CSMA / CA protocol, if multiple unjoined nodes transmit access packets using a designated medium (e.g., a set of access time slots) and fail to receive an acknowledgment packet corresponding to the access packet, the access packet can be retransmitted after backoff of the delay time. The electronic device can implement a hybrid network by allocating some resources (e.g., a set of access time slots) in a TDMA structure network using a reservation-based resource allocation method to the implementation of the CSMA / CA protocol, which is a contention-based resource allocation method. By efficiently operating limited time slots through the hybrid network method, the electronic device can join unjoined nodes to the network with minimal wireless communication resources and reduce the complexity of network implementation.

[0067] According to one embodiment, a delay time (first time) for avoiding network collisions may be a time obtained by multiplying a number randomly determined within a first range by the period in which an access time slot set appears. Since the delay time is randomly determined within a certain range, repeated collisions in the network can be prevented even when multiple devices access the network simultaneously.

[0068] According to one embodiment, a first range for determining the delay time to avoid network collisions may be determined based on the number of times an access packet is transmitted but an acknowledgment packet is not received. For example, as the number of times an unsubscribed node transmits an access packet but an acknowledgment packet is not received increases, the first range for determining the delay time may increase. Since network collisions may occur repeatedly during the transmission of access packets when there are many unsubscribed nodes accessing the network, the possibility of network collisions can be reduced by setting the range for determining the delay time to a large size.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the network may use a multi-hop relay method. For example, the network may be an Ad Hoc network maintained by communication between one or more nodes included in the network, and a management node determined among one or more nodes. The number of time slots included in the control time slot set, access time slot set, and acknowledgment time slot set may be set to be equal to the number of hops in the network. Since the structure of a network using a multi-hop relay method or an Ad Hoc network can change flexibly in response to the joining or withdrawal of nodes, the electronic device can maintain the efficiency and flexibility of the network by allocating a minimum number of time slots for the control of the network and the joining of unjoined nodes, and by managing the time slots so that they are used efficiently.

[0070] In operation 330, the electronic device may determine whether an access packet is received from the first node through an access time slot set based on frame synchronization information. If an access packet is received from the first node that is not joined to the network (operation 330-Yes), the electronic device acting as the management node may determine that the first node is requesting to join the network. If an access packet is not received from the node that is not joined to the network (operation 330-No), the electronic device acting as the management node may transmit a control packet or a beacon signal using the control time slot set or beacon time slot set that appears thereafter.

[0071] In operation 340, if an access packet is received from a first node that is not joined to the network (operation 330-Yes), the electronic device may reconfigure the network so that the first node is included in the network. For example, an electronic device acting as a management node of the network may, in response to the addition of a new node to the network, adjust the time slots assigned to the nodes of the network, update the internal node list, and modify the information contained in the beacon signal or control packet.

[0072] In operation 350, the electronic device can transmit an acknowledgment packet to the first node using an acknowledgment time slot set based on frame synchronization information. The node that transmitted the access packet to join the network can determine that the transmission of the access packet was successful and that it has joined the network by receiving an acknowledgment packet corresponding to the access packet.

[0074] FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of an electronic device operating as a node to join a network according to one embodiment.

[0075] The electronic device (400) includes a communication unit (410), a processor (420), and a memory (430). The electronic device (400) may be an electronic device corresponding to an unsubscribed node that wishes to join a network (e.g., network (100) of FIG. 1) controlled by an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (200) of FIG. 2) that operates as a management node.

[0076] The communication unit (410) is connected to the processor (420) and memory (430) to transmit and receive data. The communication unit (410) can be connected to other external devices to transmit and receive data.

[0077] The communication unit (410) may be implemented as a circuit network within the electronic device (400). For example, the communication unit (410) may include an internal bus and an external bus. As another example, the communication unit (410) may be an element connecting the electronic device (400) and an external device. The communication unit (410) may be an interface. The communication unit (410) may receive data from an external device and transmit the data to the processor (420) and memory (430).

[0078] The electronic device (400) can obtain a method for joining a network by receiving a control packet or a beacon signal from a management node through a communication unit (410). For example, the electronic device (400) can obtain a rule for joining a network and performing TDMA synchronization with the network by receiving information on frame synchronization information and network joining policy through the control packet or beacon signal.

[0079] The processor (420) processes data received by the communication unit (410) and data stored in memory (430). The processor (420) executes computer-readable code (e.g., software) stored in memory (e.g., memory (430)) and instructions triggered by the processor (420).

[0080] The memory (430) stores data received by the communication unit (410) and data processed by the processor (420). For example, the memory (430) may store a program (or application, software). The program to be stored may be a set of syntax that is coded to perform a method of joining a network, generated based on information about the received network joining policy, and executable by the processor (420).

[0081] According to one aspect, the memory (430) may include one or more volatile memory, non-volatile memory and RAM, flash memory, hard disk drive and optical disk drive.

[0082] The memory (430) stores a set of instructions (e.g., software) that operate the electronic device (400). The set of instructions that operate the electronic device (400) is executed by the processor (420).

[0083] The communication unit (410), processor (420), and memory (430) are described in detail below with reference to FIG. 5.

[0085] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method for joining a network according to one embodiment.

[0086] The following operations 510 to 550 may be performed by an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (400) of FIG. 4). The electronic device may include a communication unit (e.g., the communication unit (410) of FIG. 4), a processor (e.g., the processor (420) of FIG. 4), and a memory (e.g., the memory (430) of FIG. 4). For example, the electronic device may be an electronic device that operates as an unsubscribed node wishing to join a network (e.g., the network (100) of FIG. 1).

[0087] In operation 510, the electronic device may obtain frame synchronization information based on a beacon signal (e.g., a first beacon signal) or a control packet (e.g., a first control packet). For example, an unsubscribed node within a network area may obtain information regarding frame synchronization information and network subscription policy through a control packet. For example, an unsubscribed node outside a network area may obtain information regarding frame synchronization information and network subscription policy through a beacon signal. The electronic device may perform TDMA synchronization with a network of TDMA structure based on the frame synchronization information. The electronic device may perform operations 520 to 550 for joining a network based on information regarding a network subscription policy.

[0088] In operation 520, the electronic device may transmit an access packet (e.g., first access packet) to a management node using an access time slot set (e.g., first access time slot set) based on frame synchronization information. The access packet is a data packet transmitted to convey an intention to join a network and may include information regarding a node to join the network. The electronic device may perform TDMA synchronization with the network based on frame synchronization information and transmit the access packet in the time slots to which the access time slot set is allocated.

[0089] In operation 530, the electronic device may determine whether an acknowledgment packet (e.g., the first acknowledgment packet) is received through an acknowledgment time slot set (e.g., the first acknowledgment time slot set) based on frame synchronization information. For example, if an acknowledgment packet corresponding to an access packet is not received for a preset time from the access time slot set in which the access packet was transmitted, the electronic device may determine that an acknowledgment packet is not received (operation 350-No). If an acknowledgment packet is not received through the acknowledgment time slot set, the electronic device may determine that the access packet transmitted in operation 520 was not delivered to the management node due to a network collision or the like. If an acknowledgment packet is received through the acknowledgment time slot set (operation 350-Yes), the electronic device may determine that it has successfully joined the network.

[0090] In operation 540, if it is determined that an acknowledgment packet is not received (operation 350-No), the electronic device may determine a first time. The first time may be a time for the electronic device to delay before retransmitting the access packet after failing to deliver the access packet to the management node.

[0091] In operation 550, the electronic device may transmit an access packet (e.g., a second access packet) to a management node using an access time slot set (e.g., a second access time slot set) based on frame synchronization information after a first time delay. The electronic device may attempt to join the network again by retransmitting the access packet to the management node. In a situation where multiple devices are attempting to join the network, if the timing of retransmitting the access packet is not delayed, network efficiency may be reduced as network collisions occur repeatedly; therefore, the network can increase network efficiency by delaying the timing of the non-joining node retransmitting the access packet.

[0092] According to one embodiment, a delay time (first time) for avoiding network collisions may be a time obtained by multiplying a number randomly determined within a first range by the period in which an access time slot set appears. Since the delay time is randomly determined within a certain range, repeated network collisions can be prevented even when multiple devices access the network simultaneously.

[0093] According to one embodiment, a first range for determining the delay time to avoid network collisions may be determined based on the number of times an access packet has been transmitted but an acknowledgment packet has not been received. In cases where network collisions occur repeatedly during the transmission of access packets, it may be a situation where there are many unsubscribed nodes accessing the network; therefore, the possibility of network collisions can be reduced by setting the range for determining the delay time to a large value.

[0095] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a network in a beacon time slot set, an access time slot set, and an acknowledgment time slot set according to one example.

[0096] According to one embodiment, a network including a plurality of nodes (e.g., the network (100) of FIG. 1) may use a multi-hop relay method. For example, the network may have a TDMA structure and a multi-frame structure as described above with reference to FIG. 1. In the illustrated situation, the network includes nodes 0 through 4, and node 0 may operate as a management node of the network. Referring to FIG. 6, a situation is illustrated in which node 6, which is not joined to the network, attempts to join the network.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the network may allocate some of the time slots to a beacon time slot set (610), an access time slot set (630), or an acknowledgment time slot set (650) for network joining of a node that is not joined to the network. For example, as described above with reference to FIG. 1, some of the other time slots, including frames having even numbers in a multi-frame unit, may be allocated to any one of the beacon time slot set (610), the access time slot set (630), or the acknowledgment time slot set (650).

[0098] In the beacon time slot set (610), the network can transmit beacon signals outside the network area. For example, as illustrated, if Node 1 and Node 4 in the network are used as nodes for transmitting beacons, the first time slot in the beacon time slot set (610) may be assigned to the beacon packet (B0) in response to the transmission of the beacon signal by Node 1, and the second time slot may be assigned to the beacon packet (B1) in response to the transmission of the beacon signal by Node 4. Nodes not joined to the network can obtain information regarding frame synchronization information and network membership policies by receiving beacon signals.

[0099] In the access time slot set (630), a node intending to join the network may send an access packet to Node 0, which is the management node. For example, as illustrated, if Node 6 in the network intends to join the network through Node 4, the first time slot in the access time slot set (630) may be assigned to the access packet (A0) in response to access information transmitted from Node 6 to Node 4, the second time slot may be assigned to the access packet (A1) in response to access information transmitted from Node 4 to Node 3, and the third time slot may be assigned to the access packet (A2) in response to access information transmitted from Node 3 to Node 0. The management node of the network may determine that Node 6 intends to join the network by receiving the access packet (A2).

[0100] Unlike what is described, if multiple unsubscribed nodes attempt to join the network simultaneously, different access information cannot be transmitted within a single set of access time slots (630), so a network collision may occur and all or part of the access packets may not be transmitted to the management node.

[0101] If no network collision occurs and an access packet generated by node 6 is delivered to node 0, node 0 can join node 6 to the network and reconfigure the network.

[0102] In the approval time slot set (650), the network may send an approval packet indicating that it has joined the network to the node that sent the access packet. For example, as illustrated, when Node 6 is newly joined to the network, the first time slot in the approval time slot set (650) may be assigned to the approval packet (P0) in response to approval information transmitted from Node 0 to Node 3, the second time slot may be assigned to the approval packet (P1) in response to approval information transmitted from Node 3 to Node 4, and the third time slot may be assigned to the approval packet (P2) in response to approval information transmitted from Node 4 to Node 6. Upon receiving the approval packet (P2), Node 6 determines that the access packet was transmitted to the management node without conflict and that it has joined the network, and may perform communication within the network using the assigned time slot.

[0104] FIGS. 7a and 7b are diagrams illustrating the interaction between a management node and an unjoined node to join a network, according to one example.

[0105] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (200) of FIG. 2) operates as a management node (200) controlling a network, and an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (400) of FIG. 4) can operate as an unsubscribed node (400) intending to join a network controlled by the management node (200). For example, the network may have a TDMA structure and a multi-frame structure, as described above with reference to FIG. 1.

[0106] In operation 710, the management node (200) can transmit frame synchronization information to the unsubscribed node (400). The frame synchronization information can be transmitted to the unsubscribed node (400) via a control packet or a beacon signal. The unsubscribed node (400) can obtain information about the network subscription policy along with the frame synchronization information via the control packet or the beacon signal.

[0107] In operation 720, the unsubscribed node (400) can perform TDMA synchronization with the network based on frame synchronization information. As the unsubscribed node (400) performs TDMA synchronization with the network, the unsubscribed node (400) can determine an access time slot for joining the network.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 7a, in operation 731, the unsubscribed node (400) transmits an access packet using an access time slot, and if no network collision occurs, the access packet can be successfully transmitted to the management node (200).

[0109] Referring to FIG. 7b, in operation 732, the unsubscribed node (400) transmits an access packet using an access time slot, but the access packet may not be transmitted to the management node (200) due to a network collision. The unsubscribed node may determine that the transmission of the access packet has failed if it does not receive an acknowledgment packet for a preset time.

[0110] In operation 733, an unsubscribed node (400) that determines that the transmission of an access packet has failed may delay a first time before retransmitting the access packet. The network join policy can prevent repeated network crashes by causing the unsubscribed node (400) to delay a first time before retransmitting the access packet.

[0111] In operation 734, the unsubscribed node (400) transmits an access packet using the access time slot after a first time delay, and the access packet can be successfully transmitted to the management node (200).

[0112] In operation 740, if the access packet is successfully transmitted to the management node (200), the management node (200) can reconfigure the network so that the unsubscribed node (400) that transmitted the access packet joins the network.

[0113] In operation 750, the management node (200) can send an approval packet to the unjoined node (400). As the approval packet is sent to the unjoined node (400), the unjoined node (400) determines that it has joined the network and can terminate the network joining process.

[0115] The method according to the embodiment may be implemented in the form of program instructions that can be executed through various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include program instructions, data files, data structures, etc., either individually or in combination. The program instructions recorded on the medium may be those specifically designed and configured for the embodiment, or they may be those known and available to those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes; optical recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs; magneto-optical media such as floptical disks; and hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROM, RAM, and flash memory. Examples of program instructions include machine code, such as that generated by a compiler, as well as high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc. The hardware devices described above may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform the operation of the embodiment, and vice versa.

[0116] Software may include computer programs, code, instructions, or a combination of one or more of these, and may configure a processing unit to operate as desired or command the processing unit independently or collectively. Software and / or data may be permanently or temporarily embodied in any type of machine, component, physical device, virtual equipment, computer storage medium or device, or transmitted signal wave so as to be interpreted by the processing unit or to provide instructions or data to the processing unit. Software may be distributed over networked computer systems and may be stored or executed in a distributed manner. Software and data may be stored on one or more computer-readable recording media.

[0117] Although the embodiments described above have been explained with reference to limited drawings, those skilled in the art can apply various technical modifications and variations based on the above. For example, appropriate results can be achieved even if the described techniques are performed in a different order than described, and / or the components of the described system, structure, device, circuit, etc. are combined or assembled in a form different from described, or replaced or substituted by other components or equivalents.

[0118] Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents to the claims also fall within the scope of the claims set forth below.

Claims

Claim 1 A method for managing a network, performed by an electronic device, comprising: an operation of transmitting a first control packet using a first control time slot set based on frame synchronization information; an operation of transmitting a first beacon signal using a first beacon time slot set based on the frame synchronization information; and, when a first access packet is received from a first node through a first access time slot set based on the frame synchronization information: an operation of reconfiguring the network so that the first node is included in the network. A network management method comprising the operation of transmitting a first acknowledgment packet to the first node using a first acknowledgment time slot set based on the frame synchronization information, wherein at least one of the first control packet or the first beacon signal includes information regarding the frame synchronization information and a network subscription policy, and the information regarding the network subscription policy causes a node not subscribed to the network to: transmit a first access packet to a management node using a first access time slot set based on the frame synchronization information, and if the first acknowledgment packet is not received through the first acknowledgment time slot set, determine a first time, delay the first time, and then transmit a second access packet to the management node using a second access time slot set based on the frame synchronization information. Claim 2 A network management method according to claim 1, wherein the network comprises a communication framework in which multi-frame units, each comprising a plurality of frames, are repeated, and among the multi-frame units, the first multi-frame unit comprises the first control time slot set, the first beacon time slot set, the first access time slot set, and the first acknowledgment time slot set. Claim 3 A network management method according to paragraph 2, wherein the first multi-frame unit includes first frames and second frames that appear alternately, at least some of the first frames include a control time slot set, and at least some of the second frames include a beacon time slot set, an access time slot set, or an approval time slot set. Claim 4 A network management method according to paragraph 3, wherein the second frames sequentially repeat a frame containing the beacon time slot set, a frame containing the access time slot set, and a frame containing the approval time slot set for each predetermined frame. Claim 5 A network management method according to claim 1, wherein the number of time slots included in the first control time slot set is determined to be equal to the number of hops of the network. Claim 6 A network management method according to claim 1, wherein the first time is the time obtained by multiplying a number randomly determined in the first range by the period in which the access time slot set appears. Claim 7 A network management method according to claim 6, wherein the first range is determined based on the number of times an access packet was transmitted but an acknowledgment packet was not received. Claim 8 A network management method according to claim 1, wherein the network is a network of a Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) structure that allocates the plurality of time slots to each of one or more nodes included in the network based on a communication framework that includes a plurality of time slots. Claim 9 A network management method according to claim 1, wherein the network is an Ad Hoc network maintained by communication between one or more nodes included in the network, and the management node is determined among the one or more nodes. Claim 10 A method for joining a network, performed by an electronic device, comprising: an operation of acquiring frame synchronization information based on a first beacon signal or a first control packet; an operation of transmitting a first access packet to a management node using a first access time slot set based on the frame synchronization information; an operation of receiving a first acknowledgment packet through a first acknowledgment time slot set based on the frame synchronization information; and, if the first acknowledgment packet is not received in the first acknowledgment time slot set, determining a first time, and after delaying the first time, transmitting a second access packet to the management node using a second access time slot set based on the frame synchronization information.

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