ARC Chain Packet Replication for Wireless Network Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deterministic wireless networks face challenges in ensuring reliable packet transmission and resource efficiency due to bandwidth constraints and the need for redundant paths to mitigate losses, especially in scenarios with multiple nodes and complex communication patterns.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of ARC chains with scheduled time slots and packet replication and elimination at the edges of arcs, allowing for redundant paths and minimizing latency and wasted bandwidth, while leveraging resiliency and avoiding single points of failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If packet replication is implemented to provide redundant paths, then reliability is improved, but bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network path is segmented into multiple arcs, with packet replication occurring only at arc edges. This segmentation allows redundancy to be provided selectively at critical points rather than throughout the entire transmission path, reducing overall bandwidth consumption while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of replicating packets at every node or along every path, the invention applies partial replication only at arc edges where it provides maximum benefit. This partial action approach achieves sufficient redundancy without the excessive bandwidth consumption of full replication across all possible paths.
2Reliability
If multiple redundant paths are created, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex network topology is segmented into simpler arc structures with defined edges and interior nodes. This segmentation reduces device complexity by providing a standardized framework for packet replication and path selection, making the overall system more manageable despite having multiple redundant paths.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the network have different functions: arc interior nodes perform simple forwarding, while arc edges perform packet replication and elimination. This local differentiation of quality and function reduces overall device complexity by assigning specific, simplified roles to different network components.
3Reliability
If packet replication and elimination is performed, then reliability is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Packet replication is performed in advance at arc edges before packets traverse the network interior. This preliminary action ensures that redundant packets are already in place when needed, eliminating the need for complex real-time decision-making and reducing processing time during actual transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex elimination logic is extracted and concentrated at arc edges rather than being distributed throughout the network. This extraction allows for more efficient processing at specific points rather than requiring every node to perform complex elimination decisions, reducing overall processing time.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a network of nodes is configured to communicate according to a configuration of a vertical ladder topology as well as monitoring communication in the network, and/or selectively controls whether or not provisioned particular links will be used. One embodiment colors nodes of the network (e.g., a wireless deterministic network) along different paths through the network and marks packets with the color of each traversed node to track a path taken by a packet. One embodiment sends a particular packet through the network and marks over which links the packet traverses and aggregates these traversed links of other copies of the particular packet. One embodiment controls whether or not the provisioned time slots are used based on flooding a control packet through the network with enable or disable information for each of these links.