Ad Hoc Network Node Discovery via Priority Token Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ad hoc mobile networks face challenges in establishing scalable IP networks due to limitations in resource management, latency, throughput, and adaptability, especially in constrained environments like sea-based deployments, where radio range limitations and dynamic node configurations complicate network reliability and interoperability.

Innovation Solution

A method for dynamically discovering and configuring ad hoc IP networks among mobile nodes using a priority-based token mechanism, where a maximum time window is determined by a highest priority node, and nodes can integrate or exclude each other based on priority indicators, facilitating relay modes and optimizing data exchange through speech and invitation tokens.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If TDMA protocol is used for strict resource management, then interference between transmitters is limited, but data exchange latency and throughput are significantly limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference between transmittersVSAvoiddata exchange latency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic TDMA slot allocation where time slots are not fixed but can be dynamically assigned and reassigned based on real-time network conditions, node priorities, and traffic demands. This allows the system to adapt slot assignments dynamically, reducing latency for high-priority communications while maintaining interference management benefits of TDMA.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes multiple parameters including time slot durations, slot allocation patterns, and transmission power levels based on network conditions. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system optimizes both interference management and data exchange efficiency, resolving the contradiction between structured access and performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If TDMA protocol is used for strict resource management, then channel access is organized, but available bandwidth resources are under-utilized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel access organizationVSAvoidbandwidth utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic TDMA slot allocation where time slots are not fixed but can be dynamically assigned and reassigned based on real-time network conditions, node priorities, and traffic demands. This allows the system to adapt slot assignments dynamically, reducing latency for high-priority communications while maintaining interference management benefits of TDMA.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system ensures continuous utilization of bandwidth by dynamically adjusting slot allocations to match actual traffic demands. When nodes have data to transmit, they are granted appropriate slot access; when idle, slots are reassigned or consolidated. This eliminates the waste of reserved but unused time slots while maintaining organized channel access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Adaptability or versatility

If ad hoc network allows dynamic reconfiguration and flexibility, then network adaptability is improved, but deployment complexity and node coordination difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork reconfiguration capabilityVSAvoiddeployment coordination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-organizing mechanisms where nodes autonomously discover each other, negotiate roles, and configure network parameters without centralized control. Nodes automatically perform functions such as priority determination, slot allocation, and route establishment based on local information and predefined protocols, enabling dynamic reconfiguration while keeping individual node complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments network management functions into modular, distributed components that can be independently implemented and executed by different nodes. This segmentation allows complex coordination tasks to be broken down into simpler local decisions, reducing overall deployment complexity while maintaining network-wide adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3329702B1Method for node discovery in an ad-hoc network
Publication Date: 2022.12.28 AIRBUS DEFENCE & SPACE SAS
  • EP3329702B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3329702B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3329702B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for discovering a network among a plurality of mobile nodes, which includes: a first mobile node (NOD1) periodically transmitting a first signal including an invitation token comprising data relating to an identity of the node (IÔNOD-I) which transmits said token; a second mobile node (NOD2) detecting the first signal; transmitting a second signal including at least one acknowledgement of the invitation token; creating a radio bubble, said communications between the nodes of the radio bubble being coordinated by transmitting a speech token between said nodes; and creating an IP sub-network between the nodes of the radio bubble, each node including an IP address.