Cluster Communication Mode for Wireless Device Accommodation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication networks face limitations in accommodating a growing number of devices due to hardware constraints of access points, making it cumbersome and costly to increase capacity, and there is a need for alternative methods to enhance device accommodation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a cluster communication mode where multiple wireless communication devices share a subscription identifier, allowing them to be perceived as a single device by the network, thereby increasing the number of devices that can be accommodated by an access point, and enabling flexible management of services and interference control in specific geographical areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of access points is increased to accommodate more devices, then the device accommodation capacity is improved, but the cost and implementation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple wireless communication devices are merged into a single cluster that is perceived by the network as one device. The cluster shares a common subscription identifier and is managed through a single gateway device, allowing multiple devices to access the network through one logical connection point rather than requiring separate access points for each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The cluster communication mechanism provides multi-functionality by enabling a group of devices to share network access, peer-to-peer communication capabilities, and coordinated resource utilization. The gateway device within the cluster serves multiple functions including network communication, internal routing, and cluster management.
2Quantity of substance
If access point hardware is updated to accommodate more devices, then the device accommodation capacity is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple devices into a single logical unit (cluster) that consumes network resources as one entity. This approach allows existing access point hardware to serve more devices by creating virtual aggregation groups, eliminating the need for hardware upgrades or additional access points.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of device identification from individual unique identifiers to shared cluster identifiers. By modifying how devices are identified and managed in the network (using cluster subscription identifiers instead of individual ones), the system can accommodate more devices without changing the physical hardware capacity.
3Quantity of substance
If cluster communication mode is implemented, then the device accommodation capacity is improved, but the communication protocol complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is segmented into two distinct layers: external communication (between the cluster gateway and the network) using standard protocols, and internal communication (between cluster members) using simplified peer-to-peer mechanisms. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently, reducing overall protocol complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway device acts as an intermediary between the cluster members and the external network. It handles complex network communication protocols, authentication, and resource management, while internal cluster members use simplified communication mechanisms through the gateway, reducing the protocol complexity each device must handle directly.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of a wireless communication device comprised in a cluster of devices is disclosed. The devices of the cluster are associable with a cluster subscription identifier of a subscription providing communication between a network node and the cluster (based on a single identifier associated with the cluster) when one or more of the devices are in a cluster communication mode. The wireless communication device may have one of a cluster communication gateway role and a cluster internal communication role. The cluster communication gateway role comprises transmitting a cluster communication beacon signal, maintaining a communication link to the network node, and maintaining peer-to-peer communication links to the other devices of the cluster. The cluster internal communication role comprises maintaining at least a peer-to-peer communication link to a specific device having the cluster communication gateway role. A received signal is scanned for a beacon signal and (if the beacon signal is found) it is determined, based on the cluster subscription identifier, whether the beacon signal is associated with the subscription. If the beacon signal is associated with the subscription, the identity of the specific device is determined based on the beacon signal, a cluster communication attach request is transmitted to the specific device, and a cluster communication attach response is received from the specific device. If the cluster communication attach response comprises a cluster communication attach acknowledgement, the wireless communication device transfers to the cluster communication mode and assumes the cluster internal communication role.