Cell Router Failure Detection in Mesh Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centralized meter data management systems in automated metering infrastructure face challenges such as system performance, scalability, data latency, fault tolerance, complexity, and high infrastructure costs, particularly in detecting failures of critical components quickly.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for detecting cell relay failure in a mesh network by using a counter functionality within a cell router synchronization signal, where nodes periodically compare received values to determine communication failures and search for network access if updates are not received within a predetermined time, allowing for rapid identification and rerouting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If centralized processing models are used for meter data management, then system performance and scalability can be maintained through parallel processing, but data latency increases and fault tolerance requirements demand sufficient computing power and disaster recovery sites
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized processing system into distributed cell routers, each independently managing local meter data. This segmentation allows parallel processing at multiple locations simultaneously, improving throughput while reducing data latency by processing data locally rather than requiring all data to traverse to a central system.
2Power
If centralized processing models are used, then computing power can be consolidated, but complexity and infrastructure cost increase due to powerful computer infrastructure requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the computing power requirement from centralized infrastructure and distributes it to individual cell routers. Each cell router contains minimal processing capability sufficient for local operations, eliminating the need for expensive centralized computer infrastructure while maintaining overall system computing power through distributed execution.
3Productivity
If centralized processing models are used, then data can be processed in batches, but batch processing issues arise and infrastructure cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static batch processing into dynamic continuous processing. Cell routers continuously process meter data as it is generated and transmitted, eliminating batch processing delays and reducing infrastructure costs by avoiding the need for complex batch processing systems and disaster recovery sites.
4Reliability
If failure detection mechanisms are added to identify cell relay failure, then fault tolerance improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service failure detection where cell routers automatically monitor their own operational status and communicate with neighboring routers to detect failures. This self-service approach improves fault tolerance without adding significant complexity, as the detection mechanism uses existing communication protocols and processing capabilities already present in the system.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 2
AI summary
The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to methodologies, apparatuses, and systems for providing cell router (relay) failure detection in a mesh network. Individual cell relays heading up cells within a mesh network transmit synchronization signals including as a portion thereof a counter value. Nodes with the cells monitor the counter value and search for a new connection to a central facility if the counter value fails to update within a predetermined value.