Adaptive IoT Mesh Gateway Selection for Obstructed Signal Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Home automation IoT systems using low power mesh networks are limited by the need for a dedicated gateway for communication with cloud infrastructure, which restricts versatility and signal strength, especially in areas with structural obstructions.
Innovation Solution
A decentralized mesh network architecture where end devices, equipped with microcontrollers and dual protocol radios, can communicate directly without a dedicated gateway, designating multi-protocol gateways dynamically based on signal strength and processing capacity, enabling fixture-to-fixture communication and firmware updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a dedicated gateway is used to manage communication between end devices and cloud infrastructure, then communication management is centralized and simplified, but signal strength deteriorates in areas with structural obstructions and device versatility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the gateway function into multiple distributed end devices within the mesh network. Instead of relying on a single dedicated gateway, multiple end devices can perform routing and communication functions, dividing the centralized gateway role across several nodes. This segmentation improves signal reliability by providing multiple paths for communication while maintaining manageable complexity through distributed coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables end devices to perform multiple functions including routing, cloud communication, and local mesh networking. By making end devices universal nodes that can act as gateways when needed, the system eliminates the need for specialized dedicated gateway hardware. This multi-functionality improves signal strength by allowing any device to relay communications, while the software-based management maintains operational simplicity.
2Device complexity
If a dedicated gateway is used for cloud communication, then communication arbitration is simplified, but adaptability to end devices with difficult signal reception is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic gateway selection where the role of gateway is not fixed to a single device but can change based on network conditions, device capabilities, and signal strength. End devices with better signal reception or higher processing capacity can dynamically assume gateway functions. This dynamic adaptation improves versatility by accommodating devices with difficult signal reception while maintaining simplified arbitration through automated role assignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables end devices to autonomously determine their own suitability for gateway functions and self-organize the network. Devices automatically assess their signal strength, processing capacity, and network position to determine when to act as gateways. This self-service approach improves adaptability to diverse end devices while keeping communication arbitration simple through decentralized autonomous decision-making.
3Device complexity
If all communication passes through a dedicated gateway, then network management is centralized, but signal interference and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication paths by allowing direct peer-to-peer mesh communication between end devices for local interactions. Only cloud-bound traffic requires gateway involvement. This segmentation reduces power consumption by eliminating unnecessary hops through the gateway for local communications, while centralized management is maintained only where needed for cloud coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multiple communication dimensions: direct peer-to-peer mesh communication for local device interactions and gateway-mediated communication for cloud infrastructure. This dimensional approach allows the network to choose the most efficient path - direct communication reduces power consumption for local traffic while maintaining centralized management capabilities for cloud operations through a separate communication dimension.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for controlling a fixture are provided. The fixture may include a circuit. The circuit may include a radio. The radio may be configured to transmit and receive using one, two or more different protocols. The fixture may be part of an IoT network. The IoT network may include a plurality of one or more fixtures. The fixtures may be in communication with the Internet via a router. The IoT network may be an IoT network that does not include a dedicated multi-protocol gateway as an intermediary between the fixtures and the router. One or more of the fixtures may be designated as a multi-protocol gateway for the IoT network. A fixture that is not designated as the multi-protocol gateway may have communication via one or more of the protocols disabled.