Dynamic TTL Adjustment in BLE Mesh Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) mesh networks face inefficiencies in determining optimal Time to Live (TTL) values for message transmission, leading to unnecessary bandwidth consumption and single-point failures, especially in dynamic network environments where initial TTL configurations may not adapt to topology changes.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution introduces a method where subscriber mesh nodes can autonomously adjust TTL values by sending probe messages to publishers, allowing for dynamic optimization of TTL settings based on network conditions, reducing the dependency on a configuration client and enabling concurrent TTL discovery procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed TTL value is configured during initial network setup, then the network can maintain stable operation, but it cannot adapt to dynamic topology changes leading to suboptimal bandwidth utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic TTL adjustment by allowing subscriber mesh nodes to autonomously modify the TTL value based on current network conditions and topology changes. Instead of using a fixed TTL configured during initial setup, the system continuously adapts the TTL parameter to match the actual network state, enabling optimal bandwidth utilization while maintaining stable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a feedback mechanism where subscriber mesh nodes monitor network conditions and communicate with publisher mesh nodes to adjust TTL values. The publisher receives feedback about network topology changes and bandwidth utilization, then autonomously modifies the TTL parameter to optimize message transmission efficiency and reduce unnecessary bandwidth consumption.
2Measurement precision
If a configuration client is used to determine optimal TTL values, then accurate TTL settings can be achieved, but the system becomes dependent on a single configuration point creating potential failure risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables publisher mesh nodes to autonomously determine and adjust their own TTL values without relying on an external configuration client. Each publisher independently monitors network conditions, calculates optimal TTL settings, and implements adjustments based on real-time feedback from subscribers. This self-service approach eliminates the single-point dependency while maintaining accurate TTL configuration through distributed intelligence.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration function is segmented and distributed across multiple mesh nodes rather than centralized in a single configuration client. Each publisher mesh node independently performs TTL optimization for its own publications, while subscribers provide localized feedback about their reception conditions. This segmentation creates multiple independent configuration points, improving system reliability by eliminating single-point failures.
3Productivity
If TTL values are optimized for initial network topology, then communication efficiency is maximized at setup, but the configuration becomes obsolete when network changes occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic TTL optimization where publisher mesh nodes continuously monitor network conditions and adjust TTL values at regular intervals or when triggered by topology change events. This periodic re-optimization ensures that TTL settings remain current and effective as the network evolves, maintaining high communication efficiency without requiring complete reconfiguration of the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables proactive TTL adjustment by detecting early signs of topology changes and preemptively modifying TTL values before communication inefficiencies occur. Subscriber nodes monitor for network changes and trigger TTL re-optimization in advance, ensuring that the publisher's TTL settings are already optimized when the topology actually changes, thus maintaining continuous communication efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of enabling a publisher mesh node (101) to update a number of hops that is to be used for communication between said publisher mesh node (101) and a subscriber mesh node (102) in a wireless mesh network, wherein said method comprises the steps of periodically receiving (103, 104), by said subscriber mesh node (102), broadcasted messages from said publisher mesh node (101), wherein said broadcasted messages comprise a number of hops that said broadcasted messages may traverse in said mesh network, determining, by said subscriber mesh node (102), that one or more periodically broadcasted messages have not been received (105), transmitting, by said subscriber mesh node (102) in reply to said determination that one or more periodically broadcasted messages have not been received, a probe message to said publisher mesh node (101), wherein said probe message comprises a number of hops corresponding to a periodically broadcasted message that was received by said subscriber mesh node (102).