Adaptive Buffer Control for Wireless Terminal Devices in DTN
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Solution Overview
Problem
In disruption/delay/disconnect tolerant networks, DTN nodes face increased power consumption due to storing a large number of messages, and a one-size-fits-all approach to maximum buffer capacity is inappropriate, as nodes contribute differently to message delivery success.
Innovation Solution
A wireless terminal device with a control unit that adjusts the maximum number and retention time of messages in its data buffer based on the node's contribution to message delivery success, using various parameters such as contact frequency with other nodes and geographical mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a DTN node stores a large number of messages in its data buffer, then the success rate of message exchange and the possibility that messages reach their destination node improve, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the buffer management parameters (maximum number of messages and maximum retention time) adjustable and adaptive rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically modifies these parameters based on the node's contribution degree, which is calculated from communication history and network conditions, thereby optimizing the balance between message delivery success rate and power consumption for each node's specific role in the network
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters (maximum number of storable messages and maximum retention time) based on the node's contribution degree. Nodes with higher contribution degrees are allocated larger buffer capacities and longer retention times, while nodes with lower contribution degrees use smaller buffers and shorter retention periods, optimizing resource usage across the network
2Ease of operation
If all DTN nodes use the same maximum number and retention time for stored messages, then the system is simple to manage, but it is inappropriate because nodes contribute differently to message delivery success
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different buffer management parameters to different nodes based on their individual characteristics and contribution degrees. Instead of a uniform approach, each node's maximum message number and retention time are tailored to its specific role, mobility pattern, and communication history, optimizing message delivery for each node's local context
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by calculating the contribution degree of each node based on its communication history and performance, then using this feedback to adjust the buffer parameters. The control unit continuously monitors node performance and modifies buffer allocations accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to changing network conditions and node roles
Data Source
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AI summary
A wireless terminal device (1) for use in a store-and-forward type wireless network includes a wireless communication unit (11), a memory (12), and a control unit (13). The memory (12) is coupled to the wireless communication unit (11) and is configured to store messages transferred via the wireless network. The control unit (13) is configured to adjust, based on first information, at least one of a maximum number and maximum retention time of messages stored in the memory (12). The first information relates to a degree of contribution of the wireless terminal device (1) to success in sending messages from a source node to a destination node via the wireless network. It is thus possible to provide, for example, an efficient memory control method suitable for a store-and-forward type wireless network.