Adaptive Data Packet Scheduling in Mesh Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mesh networks face inefficiencies in power management and communication scheduling, particularly in wireless sensor networks, where battery-powered nodes require adaptive scheduling to optimize power consumption and reduce collisions, especially as the number of nodes and data packets increase, leading to unreliable network performance.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an adaptive data packet scheduling method in mesh networks, where time is divided into frames with dynamically assignable slots for local and global communications, allowing nodes to self-assign slots based on traffic conditions and communicate these assignments to other nodes, thereby optimizing power usage and minimizing collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If TDMA is used for channel access in mesh networks, then power consumption is reduced through scheduled transmission, but adaptability to changing network conditions deteriorates due to fixed global timeslot allocation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic timeslot allocation where nodes can request and be assigned timeslots based on current network conditions and traffic requirements, transforming the static TDMA structure into an adaptive system that maintains scheduled transmission benefits while responding to changing conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the allocation parameters of timeslots dynamically by allowing nodes to request additional timeslots when network conditions change, modifying the fixed global allocation into a flexible structure that adapts to varying traffic demands
2Quantity of substance
If the number of nodes and data packets increases in mesh networks, then network coverage and data capacity improve, but collision probability increases leading to unreliable network performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network communication into distinct timeslots assigned to different nodes, dividing the shared medium into time-separated channels that reduce collision probability while accommodating increased network density
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where nodes monitor network conditions and can request additional timeslots when needed, allowing the network to dynamically adjust slot allocation to maintain reliability as node density increases
3Ease of operation
If global timeslot definition and allocation is used in TDMA, then channel access is simplified and power consumption is reduced, but modification of timeslot allocation becomes difficult when network configuration changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables nodes to self-assign timeslots by allowing them to request and receive slot allocations autonomously based on their needs, eliminating the need for complex centralized reconfiguration while maintaining simplified access procedures
Data Source
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AI summary
Various embodiments provide an apparatus and method for adaptive data packet scheduling in a mesh network. An example embodiment is configured to divide a time period into a plurality of frames; subdivide each of the plurality of frames into a plurality of slots, each of the plurality of slots providing a time segment for local data communication between nodes in a mesh network; enable a first node to dynamically assign itself a first slot of the plurality of slots for local data communication, the first node using the first slot to receive data communications destined for the first node; and communicate to other nodes of the mesh network information indicative of the first node's dynamic assignment of the first slot.