Ad-hoc Network Gateway Assignment via Lookup Tables
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Solution Overview
Problem
In ad-hoc or private communications networks, particularly those based on TETRA systems, determining the appropriate gateway for call routing and accessing services outside the network is challenging due to dynamic node configurations and unreliable connections between gateways and Home Location Registers (HLRs).
Innovation Solution
Assigning each node with a Home Location Register (HLR) to a node with a gateway, and using a look-up table to direct all calls to and from subscribers via the assigned gateway, ensuring transparent access to external networks and determining the correct gateway for call routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If gateways are distributed across multiple nodes in an ad-hoc network, then network flexibility and deployability are improved, but determining the appropriate gateway for call routing becomes difficult and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a look-up table as an intermediary mechanism that stores predetermined gateway assignments for each node. This table acts as a mediator between the distributed gateways and the call routing process, providing reliable gateway determination without requiring real-time network queries or complex routing algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary assignment of gateways to nodes during network setup, storing these assignments in look-up tables before actual call routing occurs. This pre-configured information eliminates the need for dynamic gateway discovery during call establishment, ensuring reliable and fast routing decisions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If nodes are dynamically added or removed in an ad-hoc network, then network deployability and reconfigurability are improved, but maintaining reliable connections between gateways and HLRs becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The look-up table serves as a stable intermediary that maintains gateway assignment information independent of network topology changes. When nodes are added or removed, the look-up table can be updated with new assignments without affecting the fundamental routing mechanism, ensuring continuous reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic updates to the look-up tables when network configuration changes occur. This allows the system to adapt to node additions or removals while maintaining the same reliable routing approach, combining the benefits of dynamic reconfigurability with stable connection management.
3Ease of operation
If call routing queries are sent to HLRs to determine gateway location, then gateway identification can be achieved, but call setup time increases and network overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-computes and stores gateway assignment information in look-up tables during network initialization or configuration phases. This eliminates the need for real-time queries to HLRs during call setup, as the appropriate gateway is immediately identifiable from the pre-stored information, dramatically reducing call setup time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates copies of gateway assignment information in look-up tables at relevant nodes or in the switching infrastructure. This copied information provides fast local access to gateway identification data without requiring communication with distant HLRs, reducing network overhead and call setup time.
4Device complexity
If a centralized gateway is used, then gateway management is simplified, but network flexibility and deployability as an ad-hoc network is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the gateway functionality across multiple distributed nodes in the ad-hoc network, with each node having its own gateway capabilities. The look-up table manages these distributed gateways by storing assignment information, providing simplified management through centralized routing decisions while maintaining the flexibility of distributed architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The look-up table mechanism provides a universal solution that works equally well with distributed gateways in ad-hoc networks and can be adapted to centralized gateway configurations. This multi-functional approach allows the same routing mechanism to support both network architectures, maintaining flexibility while simplifying management through consistent gateway assignment procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless, ad-hoc or private communications network comprising nodes, forming with other elements of the network a switching and management infrastructure (SwMI), and subscribers, wherein each of said nodes has a Visitor Location Register (VLR), and at least a part of said nodes are provided with Home Location Registers (HLRs) and at least a part of said nodes with said HLRs are provided with gateways, wherein in said network every node with an HLR is assigned to a node having a gateway and said SwMI directs calls to and from a subscriber of said network to an external network.