Cooperative Data Mules for Wireless Energy Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems, particularly in LTE technology, face challenges in optimizing energy efficiency and network connectivity as demand for mobile broadband increases, with a need for improved methods to manage data delivery and reduce network load.
Innovation Solution
The method involves dynamic cooperative wireless data delivery using proximate mobile nodes, where a served wireless terminal can offload data to neighboring nodes, utilizing a utility function to compare direct and indirect communication links, and employing peer-to-peer networks for data offloading to optimize energy usage and network connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If direct wireless communication is used, then network connectivity is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediate nodes (mules) that act as mediators between the source terminal and the network. These mules receive data from the source terminal and forward it to the network, allowing the source terminal to use lower-power communication links while maintaining reliable data delivery through the intermediary infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication path is segmented into multiple hops: source terminal → mule → network. This segmentation allows each segment to operate under different constraints, with the source terminal using energy-efficient links and the mule handling the relay function, thereby resolving the contradiction between energy saving and connectivity reliability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If data is transmitted through multiple hops, then energy efficiency improves, but transmission time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing communication paths and selecting optimal mules before data transmission begins. The source terminal evaluates available mules and selects the best relay path in advance, reducing the time needed during actual data transmission and minimizing the overall delay penalty of multi-hop routing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic path selection where the system can adaptively choose between direct and indirect transmission paths based on real-time conditions. When direct transmission is faster and energy-efficient, it is selected; when multi-hop is more efficient, the system dynamically switches to that path, optimizing the balance between energy savings and transmission time.
3Productivity
If network load is reduced through data offloading, then network performance improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The source terminal autonomously performs data offloading decisions by evaluating its own energy state, network conditions, and available mules. The terminal self-determines whether to use direct transmission or offload data to a mule, eliminating the need for complex centralized control and reducing overall system complexity while improving network throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where the source terminal receives information about network conditions and mule availability, processes this information, and adjusts its transmission strategy accordingly. This feedback loop enables simple, intelligent decision-making that improves network productivity without requiring complex device architecture.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product for wireless communication are provided. The apparatus provides or enables dynamic cooperative wireless data delivery service based on dynamic proximate locations of mobile nodes in wireless networks. A source wireless terminal may offload data for delayed transmission by a neighboring wireless terminal. The source may attempt delayed data transmission via any cooperating neighboring node (mule), whether mobile or stationary. A utility function may be used to compare costs of communicating via direct links or through opportunistically available links provided by mules. The mule may advertise availability of indirect data delivery service including probable latency time associated with the indirect delivery service.