Access Point Reboot Metrics for Stable Mesh Node Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mesh networks, frequent reboots of access points lead to network connectivity loss and increased power consumption for battery-powered devices, as they frequently need to scan and select new access points, depleting battery resources and reducing operational life.
Innovation Solution
Access points maintain and update a reboot time metric indicating the average time between reboot events, which nodes use to select parent nodes based on both connection quality and reboot frequency, reducing the need for frequent scanning and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If access points frequently reboot, then network maintenance and updates can be performed, but network connectivity is lost and battery-powered devices experience increased power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having access points advertise their reboot schedules to connected nodes before reboots occur. Nodes use this advance information to prepare for potential connectivity changes, reducing the impact of scheduled reboots on network reliability. The system proactively communicates maintenance intentions rather than reacting to reboot events after they occur.
2Ease of operation
If nodes frequently scan for access points, then they can select optimal parent nodes, but power consumption increases and battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Access points perform preliminary action by advertising their reboot schedules and availability status to connected nodes in advance. This allows nodes to make informed decisions about parent node selection without needing to continuously scan for access points. Nodes can rely on this advance information to select stable parent nodes, significantly reducing scanning frequency and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where access points continuously communicate their operational status and reboot schedules to connected nodes. This feedback loop allows nodes to adjust their behavior based on real-time information about access point availability, eliminating the need for frequent scanning while ensuring optimal network selection.
3Reliability
If nodes continuously monitor access point status, then connectivity reliability is maintained, but resource overhead and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous monitoring, the patent implements periodic action through scheduled reboot advertisements and status updates. Access points communicate their operational status at specific intervals and before scheduled reboots, providing sufficient information for nodes to make reliable connectivity decisions without requiring constant monitoring. This periodic communication maintains reliability while significantly reducing processing overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
At least one embodiment for reboot metric determination for access points includes in response to an access point completing a first reboot event: determining, by the access point, a first amount of time between completion of the first reboot event and completion of a prior reboot event; and transmitting, by the access point to one or more nodes of a mesh network, a reboot time metric based on the first amount of time.