Blockchain-Enabled Mesh Nodes With Narrow-Beam Link Failover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless mesh networking systems fail to provide adequate protection for high-reliability wireless paths, particularly in point-to-point narrow beam wireless paths that require line-of-sight conditions, leading to single or multiple link failures due to events like vegetation growth or loss of intermediary nodes.
Innovation Solution
Wireless communication nodes are equipped to operate as both blockchain nodes and mesh nodes, enabling high-capacity, low-latency communication with dual functionalities, and are configured to form bi-directional wireless links using narrow beam transmission techniques to enhance network reliability and reduce the need for separate blockchain node deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If wireless mesh network uses point-to-point narrow beam paths, then communication speed and capacity are improved, but reliability deteriorates due to line-of-sight requirements and vulnerability to vegetation growth or node failure
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between different communication modes (point-to-point narrow beam and point-to-multipoint broader beam) based on real-time link conditions. When line-of-sight is blocked or narrow beam links fail, the system automatically transitions to broader beam communication to maintain connectivity, resolving the contradiction between high speed and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-establishes multiple backup paths and alternate communication modes before failures occur. By having redundant link configurations and the ability to switch to broader beam modes in advance, the system cushions against the impact of narrow beam failures due to vegetation growth or node failures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate blockchain nodes are deployed, then blockchain functionality is achieved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Wireless communication nodes are designed with dual functionality, serving both as mesh network nodes for high-speed internet communication and as blockchain nodes for decentralized applications. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated blockchain nodes, reducing device complexity and installation costs while maintaining full blockchain capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the functions of wireless communication nodes and blockchain nodes into a single integrated platform. By combining these functions, the system reduces the total number of components needed, simplifies deployment, and lowers costs while achieving both high-speed communication and blockchain functionality simultaneously.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wireless communication modes are integrated, then network versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic mode switching to manage complexity. Rather than having all communication modes active simultaneously, the system dynamically activates only the necessary modes based on current network conditions, effectively managing the complexity of multiple integrated modes while maintaining high versatility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This dual-purpose architecture provides high-speed internet and blockchain-based services with reduced installation and maintenance costs, offering efficient communication networks with improved reliability and reduced interference.
Implementation Method 1
Wireless communication nodes that are configured to operate within a wireless mesh network (e.g., via wireless point-to-point and/or wireless point-to-multipoint millimeter-wave links)
Data Source
AI summary
In a wireless mesh network comprising wireless communication nodes that are interconnected via wireless point-to-point and/or wireless point-to-multipoint links, at least some of the wireless communication nodes may additionally be installed with equipment that enables them to operate as blockchain nodes within a blockchain network, such as a computing system comprising hardware and software for operating as part of the blockchain network. This architecture enables such wireless communication nodes to serve a dual purpose of delivering both mesh-based applications and/or services to users, such as high-speed internet, as well as blockchain-based applications and/or services to users. For example, such wireless communication nodes may function to provide distributed, blockchain-based platforms for content storage (e.g., blockchain-based databases or distributed file storage platforms), content distribution, social media, gaming, and/or virtual experiences, among other possibilities.