Self-Organizing 802.11ad Mesh Network via Centralized Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The IEEE 802.11ad standard does not support multi-hop mesh network topologies due to its directional beaming channel environment, which is incompatible with the broadcasting channel environment required for existing mesh protocols, limiting the extension of mesh network capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for operating a self-organizing mmWave mesh network that identifies routes and coordinates wireless communication between nodes using data processing hardware, providing schedule information to nodes to manage directional beam transmission and reception, and implementing a cloud-based controller to manage end-to-end routing and beam tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the IEEE 802.11ad standard uses directional beaming for wireless communication, then communication reliability is improved, but mesh network topology support is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary device that manages mesh network operations. The controller receives route information from nodes, determines scheduling information for directional beam communications, and provides coordinated transmission schedules back to nodes. This mediator resolves the conflict by centralizing the complex coordination required for mesh topologies while allowing individual node pairs to maintain reliable directional beam communication without needing complex distributed protocols.
2Device complexity
If existing mesh protocols are designed for broadcasting channel environments, then protocol simplicity is improved, but compatibility with directional beaming is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of mesh network communication by introducing scheduled time slots and coordinated beamforming patterns. Instead of continuous broadcasting, nodes transmit directional beams according to controller-determined schedules that specify when each node should transmit and receive. This parameter change adapts the directional beaming physical layer to work with mesh topology requirements while maintaining protocol simplicity at the node level.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method includes receiving one or more node connections (310) from a mesh network (200) external to the data processing hardware. The mesh network includes a network of nodes (350) each operative to transmit and/or receive directional beams containing packets of data (80). The method also includes identifying a route (201, 202) within the mesh network for providing a data packet from a source (210) to a destination (220) and determining schedule information (34) associated with the identified route, the schedule information coordinating wireless communication between at least a first node and a second node along the route to transfer the data packet. The method also includes providing the schedule information to the first node and the second node.