Configurable Wireless Device Relaying for Coverage and Energy Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for cellular sensor networks fail to provide increased radio coverage and reduce energy consumption effectively in heterogeneous and dynamic scenarios where sensor devices have varying features and numbers.
Innovation Solution
A method for dynamically configuring data relaying based on radio conditions, involving determining the presence of network devices, assessing radio quality, and adjusting data transmission paths to optimize energy usage and coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If sensor devices transmit data directly to the network node, then the network coverage is maximized, but the energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces relay devices as intermediary nodes between sensor devices and network nodes. These relay devices receive data from sensor devices and forward it to network nodes, enabling indirect communication paths that reduce the transmission distance and energy consumption for sensor devices while maintaining network coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic configuration of data transmission paths, where the network node determines optimal routing based on current radio conditions and device states. The system can dynamically switch between direct and indirect transmission paths, and between different relay devices, to optimize energy consumption while maintaining coverage.
2Use of energy by moving object
If relay devices are introduced to reduce energy consumption, then the energy efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables relay devices to autonomously determine their own suitability for relaying based on their energy availability and radio conditions. Devices self-configure as relay nodes when appropriate, reducing the need for complex centralized management while maintaining energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters dynamically, including transmission power levels, path selection, and relay device roles, based on measured radio conditions and energy states. This allows the network to adapt to changing conditions without requiring complex reconfiguration of the overall system architecture.
3Use of energy by moving object
If dynamic path configuration is implemented, then the energy consumption is optimized, but the network control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where devices report their energy status and radio conditions to the network node. The network node uses this feedback to make informed decisions about path configuration, optimizing energy consumption while maintaining manageable control complexity through data-driven decision making.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method (200) for configuring a wireless network (100) is proposed. The wireless network (100) comprises a network node (105k) and a first network device (110i) under coverage of the network node (105k), the network node (105k) acting as serving network node for the first network device, and the first network device being arranged for transmitting first data to the network node (105k) over a first radio link. The method comprises: determining the presence of a second network device (110i) under coverage of said network node (105k), the second network device being arranged for transmitting second data to a respective serving network node over a second radio link, determining (210,310) a radio quality of the first radio link, determining (210,310) a radio quality of the second radio link, determining (210,310) a radio quality of a third radio link between the second network device and the first network device, and if the radio quality of the third radio link is higher than the radio quality of the second radio link, configuring (215) the second network device to transmit the second data to the first network device over the third radio link and the first network device to retransmit, over the first radio link, said second data to the network node.