Encapsulating Data in Management Messages for Low Power Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communication nodes in low power states face challenges in sending data without transitioning to active power modes, which consumes additional power and incurs overhead, limiting their efficiency in networks like MoCA, Bluetooth, Zigbee, and WiFi.
Innovation Solution
Implementing logic within network nodes and controllers to encapsulate data within management messages, such as pre-admission discovery requests, using new datagram information elements, and Admission Control Frames, allowing data transmission while remaining in low power modes, like M1, M2, or M3 states, without transitioning to full power mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If nodes transition to active power mode to send data, then data communication capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds data transmission functionality within management messages that are already permitted in low power modes. General purpose data is encapsulated inside management message structures (such as discovery request messages), allowing data to be transmitted through the existing low power communication channel without requiring mode transition.
Solution Approach 2:
Management messages are given dual functionality: they serve both their original management purposes and as carriers for general purpose data transmission. This multi-functionality allows the same communication mechanism to handle both network management and user data without requiring separate active mode transmissions.
2Reliability
If nodes transition to active power mode to send data, then data transmission is enabled, but communication overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines data transmission with management message exchanges by encapsulating data within the management message structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate data transmission protocols and procedures, reducing communication overhead while enabling data transfer in low power modes.
3Use of energy by moving object
If nodes remain in low power modes to save energy, then power efficiency is improved, but data transmission capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Data transmission functionality is nested within the management message framework that is already supported in low power modes. This allows nodes to transmit general purpose data while remaining in power-saving states, maintaining both power efficiency and data transmission capability.
4Reliability
If nodes use traditional data transmission methods in low power modes, then power consumption increases, but data communication reliability improves
Solution Approach 1:
Management messages serve as an intermediary carrier for data transmission. Instead of using traditional direct data transmission methods that require active mode, the patent uses management messages as intermediaries to convey data within the constraints of low power mode communication protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication technique facilitates transmission of low rate traffic over communication nodes. The nodes may be, for example, MoCA nodes. The communication happens while keeping the nodes in ultra low power mode. Accordingly, the technique increases the communication capabilities and coverage of networked nodes without impacting the overall power consumption budget. In one implementation, the technique includes encapsulating a datagram into a datagram information element, appending the datagram information element to a discovery request message, and sending the discovery request message to a network controller. The network controller extracts the datagram information element and forwards it (e.g., by broadcasting) to ultra low powered nodes, for example in an admission control frame.