Adaptive Transmission Configuration in Mobile Ad Hoc Mesh Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

In mobile ad hoc mesh networks, existing Frequency Division Duplexing (FDD) communication methods require pre-planned or centrally managed transmission configuration switching, which is disruptive, time-consuming, and inefficient, especially in environments where nodes need to adapt without a central manager.

Innovation Solution

A system and method where nodes autonomously receive transmission and network parameters from neighboring nodes, calculate a change factor to determine the desirability of switching transmission configurations, and adjust accordingly to minimize disruptions and optimize communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If nodes switch transmission configurations to communicate with different nodes, then communication versatility is improved, but network disruption increases and communication reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication versatilityVSAvoidcommunication reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system calculates a change factor in advance that predicts whether a transmission configuration switch will be beneficial. This preliminary calculation considers current connections, potential new connections, and the impact on existing communications before actually switching configurations, allowing nodes to make informed decisions that improve versatility while minimizing disruption to ongoing communications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Nodes continuously monitor their transmission parameters and network connections, using this feedback to recalculate change factors. The system uses feedback about current communication quality and potential alternative connections to dynamically adjust configuration decisions, ensuring that switches are only made when they truly improve overall network communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If nodes frequently switch transmission configurations to adapt to changing network conditions, then adaptability is improved, but processing overhead increases and energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental adaptabilityVSAvoidprocessing overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Each node autonomously calculates its own change factor based on locally available information about its transmission parameters and network connections. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex centralized control or continuous coordination with other nodes, reducing processing overhead while maintaining the ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a change factor parameter that synthesizes multiple considerations (current connections, potential connections, disruption risk) into a single decision metric. By changing from managing individual configuration parameters to managing this aggregated change factor, the system reduces processing complexity while maintaining adaptive capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If a central network manager coordinates transmission configuration switches, then coordination reliability is improved, but device complexity increases and system scalability worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoordination reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the coordination function from a centralized network manager and distributes it to individual nodes through the change factor calculation mechanism. Each node independently evaluates whether to switch configurations based on local conditions, eliminating the need for complex centralized control infrastructure while maintaining reliable coordination through implicit negotiation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The change factor acts as an intermediary metric that mediates between nodes' individual configuration desires and network-wide coordination needs. Instead of requiring direct centralized control, the change factor synthesizes multiple considerations into a unified decision criterion that naturally coordinates node behavior without complex management infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10356843B1Frequency band control algorithm

Publication Date: 2019.07.16 L3 TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

Embodiments are directed to systems and methods for selecting appropriate transmission configurations in a mobile ad hoc frequency division duplexing mesh network. In one scenario, a node receives transmission parameters from a neighboring node, where the transmission parameters include an indication of the node's current transmission configuration. The node receives network parameters from neighboring nodes, where the network parameters include connection information describing the node's current network connection to the neighboring nodes. Then, based on the received transmission parameters and the received network parameters, the node calculates a change factor which indicates the desirability of changing transmission configuration. The node accesses the calculated change factor to determine whether the transmission configuration of the node is to be changed and, upon determining that the change factor indicates that the transmission configuration of the node should be changed, the transmission configuration of the node is changed to a second, different transmission configuration.