Capillary Network Connectivity Management via Relay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current connectivity management mechanisms for capillary networks are inadequate in ensuring all devices, especially those out of range of capillary gateways, can connect to cellular networks, leading to potential isolation due to lack of automated and optimized gateway selection based on network and gateway properties.
Innovation Solution
A centralized management node determines the topology of capillary networks and selects the optimal gateway for devices to connect to the cellular network, using reachability and constraint information to manage connectivity, including relaying traffic through intermediate devices if necessary, ensuring all devices can connect regardless of their proximity to gateways.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If devices use automatic gateway selection mechanisms, then connectivity optimization is improved, but device isolation risk increases for devices out of range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediate relay devices that act as mediators between isolated devices and capillary gateways. These relay devices receive and forward traffic for devices that cannot directly reach gateways, ensuring connectivity while maintaining optimized gateway selection for devices within range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments devices into different connectivity groups: devices within gateway range that use direct optimized connections, and devices outside range that use relay-mediated connections. This segmentation allows each group to use the most appropriate connectivity mechanism.
2Area of stationary object
If multi-hop networking is implemented to extend range, then coverage area is improved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses relay devices as intermediaries to extend network coverage through multi-hop connections. The centralized management node orchestrates relay device selection and traffic routing, simplifying topology management despite the extended coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where devices report their connectivity status and the management node adjusts relay device assignments dynamically. This feedback loop helps manage network complexity by adapting to changing topologies and connectivity conditions.
3Productivity
If centralized management node is used to manage connectivity, then gateway selection optimization is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized management node performs multiple functions: topology discovery, gateway selection optimization, relay device assignment, and connectivity monitoring. This multi-functionality consolidates complexity into a single entity while simplifying individual device operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Devices autonomously report their connectivity status and receive instructions from the management node without requiring complex local decision-making logic. This self-service approach reduces device complexity while maintaining centralized optimization capabilities.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for managing connectivity between a cellular network 15 (in which device communicate via long-range wireless technology) and devices in one or more multi-hop capillary networks 16 (in which devices communicate via short-range wireless technology). One or more gateways 24 connect the one or more multi-hop capillary networks 16 to the cellular network 15 and communicates via short-range and long-range wireless technology. A management node 28 determines a topology of the capillary network(s) 16 based on received reachability information. The topology indicates which devices are within communication range of other devices and gateways in the capillary network 16. The management node 28 makes determinations based on the topology and transmits notifications to a first device 26B within communication range of the one or more gateways 24 and to a second device 26A not within communication range of any gateway.