Command Node Selection in Heterogeneous Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

In heterogeneous communication systems, smooth handoffs between access nodes operating under different communication technologies and protocols are challenging due to incompatibilities, leading to redundant or conflicting command services for mobile nodes, which increases overhead and complicates handover processes.

Innovation Solution

A method where a mobile node selects a commanding access node by sending a registration message, specifying which access node should provide command services, thereby avoiding redundant or conflicting commands and optimizing handover processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple access nodes provide command services to mobile nodes in heterogeneous networks, then comprehensive coverage and service availability are improved, but redundant or conflicting commands are generated increasing overhead and complicating handover processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice availabilityVSAvoidhandover process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a command node selection mechanism that designates a single commanding access node among multiple available access nodes. This intermediary selection process resolves the contradiction by filtering out redundant command sources while maintaining comprehensive service coverage through the coordinated selection of one primary command provider from the heterogeneous network ensemble.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If multiple access nodes transmit command services to mobile nodes, then service coverage is improved, but overhead increases due to redundant or conflicting commands

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice coverage areaVSAvoidcommand overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates redundant command transmissions by implementing a command node selection mechanism. Instead of allowing all access nodes to transmit commands simultaneously, the system identifies and designates a single commanding access node, thereby removing the harmful redundancy while preserving the beneficial service coverage area through the selected node's comprehensive command provision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If handoff between access nodes is triggered by signal quality metrics, then connection reliability is improved, but handover frequency increases leading to increased overhead and system complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidhandover efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a command node selection intermediary that stabilizes handover processes in heterogeneous networks. By designating a single commanding access node based on comprehensive criteria beyond just signal quality, this intermediary reduces unnecessary handover triggering while maintaining connection reliability, thereby improving overall handover efficiency and reducing system overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8965371B2Selecting a command node in a heterogeneous communication system
Publication Date: 2015.02.24 ALCATEL LUCENT SA
  • US8965371B2 patent drawing
  • US8965371B2 patent drawing
  • US8965371B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention provides a method involving at least one mobile node and a heterogeneous network comprising a plurality of access nodes. One embodiment of the method includes providing at least one first message including information indicative of a selected access node. The access node is selected to provide command services to the at least one mobile node.