Delegated Channel Switching for Mesh Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-channel mesh networks face challenges in reliably switching all nodes to a new channel due to interference, especially in multi-hop mesh topologies, where some nodes may not receive channel switch messages, leading to disconnected networks and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
A controller device initiates a main channel switching command and selects delegate nodes to ensure orphan nodes switch channels, using timing parameters, prioritization, and local channel switching commands to minimize communication traffic and processing power, and maintain a list of orphan nodes for adaptive routing decisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a main channel switching command is broadcast to all nodes, then channel switching is initiated, but some nodes may not receive the message due to interference or message loss, resulting in orphan nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The channel switching process is segmented into multiple phases: initial broadcast phase, response collection phase, and delegated recovery phase. Instead of relying on a single broadcast message to reach all nodes, the system divides the task among multiple controller nodes that each handle subsets of orphan nodes, ensuring complete coverage even when some messages are lost.
Solution Approach 2:
Controller nodes act as intermediary delegates between the system and orphan nodes. When the main channel switching command is lost by certain nodes, these delegate controller nodes receive and re-transmit localized switching commands to the orphan nodes, serving as mediators that bridge the communication gap caused by interference.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the system waits for all nodes to switch channels before proceeding, then synchronization is achieved, but network disconnection may occur during the switching process
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary channel switching at controller nodes before attempting to switch orphan nodes. Controllers switch to the new channel first, establish communication, and then coordinate the switching of orphan nodes. This preliminary action ensures that the control infrastructure is ready to handle the switching process without causing network disconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel switching process is made dynamic and adaptive rather than static and uniform. Different nodes switch channels at different times based on their role (controller vs. orphan) and their specific communication status. The system dynamically adjusts the switching sequence to maintain connectivity, allowing controllers to switch before orchestrating orphan node transitions.
3Productivity
If delegate nodes are selected to handle orphan nodes, then communication traffic is reduced, but additional processing and coordination complexity is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
Controller nodes serve multiple functions: they act as regular network nodes, receive and process the main channel switching command, identify orphan nodes in their vicinity, and function as delegate nodes for recovering orphan nodes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated delegate nodes and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its existing controller nodes to serve the additional function of recovering orphan nodes, rather than introducing separate delegate infrastructure. Each controller node autonomously identifies and handles orphan nodes in its communication range, making the system self-sufficient and reducing coordination overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a channel switching strategy and corresponding protocol for a mesh network which comprises a segment controller, SC, (10) and a large number of outdoor luminaire controllers, OLCs, (20) or other network nodes. A channel switching process is initiated and managed by the SC (10) which transmits a channel switching command to all nodes in the system. Following the actual channel switch, the SC (10) delegates the responsibility to request an orphan node (24) to switch to the new channel to a selected delegate node (22) which may be a neighbor node of the orphan node (24). The selection of the delegate node (22) may be based on a previous link quality or geographical closeness. When an OLC does not receive any response messages for a specified, prolonged period of time, it may scan available frequency bands to find the (new) channel in which the networked system operates at that time.