Deterministic Relay Nodes for Ad Hoc Network Broadcast Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing broadcast protocols in ad hoc networks suffer from inefficiencies such as excessive redundant transmissions, increased bandwidth consumption, and high probabilities of packet collisions due to the flooding method, which is not scalable and inefficient in high mobility networks with frequent topology changes.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a deterministic relay approach where nodes measure the received signal strength of broadcast messages and use predetermined thresholds to decide whether to relay them, reducing redundant transmissions and collisions by designating specific relay nodes and dynamically adjusting thresholds based on network conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flooding method is used for broadcast, then all nodes receive the broadcast message, but excessive redundant transmissions occur and bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making relay decisions node-specific rather than uniform across the network. Each node independently evaluates its own received signal strength and compares it against thresholds to determine whether to relay, creating localized intelligence at each node that adapts to its specific position and conditions in the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the relay decision based on the received signal strength parameter. Nodes compare their measured RSS against predetermined thresholds, and the system can adapt thresholds based on network conditions, allowing the relay behavior to change parameters in response to varying signal conditions.
2Reliability
If flooding method is used for broadcast, then broadcast coverage is achieved, but packet collision probability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces collisions by making relay decisions local to each node's signal conditions rather than having all nodes uniformly retransmit. Nodes in areas with strong signal reception do not relay, while nodes in weaker signal areas may relay, creating a distributed collision avoidance mechanism based on local signal quality assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamics by making relay behavior adaptive rather than static. Nodes dynamically adjust their relay decisions based on real-time received signal strength measurements and network conditions, allowing the system to respond to changing topologies and traffic patterns to minimize collisions.
3Reliability
If all nodes relay broadcast messages, then broadcast reliability is improved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling each node to autonomously make relay decisions based on its own received signal strength measurements and predetermined thresholds. Nodes independently evaluate whether to relay without requiring complex centralized coordination or interaction with other nodes, simplifying network control while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes feedback by having nodes measure their received signal strength and use this information to make informed relay decisions. The system incorporates feedback loops where nodes continuously monitor signal conditions and adjust their relay behavior accordingly, with thresholds that can be adapted based on observed network performance.
4Loss of energy
If deterministic relay with thresholds is used, then redundant transmissions are reduced, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by having nodes make relay decisions based on threshold comparisons rather than requiring precise absolute signal strength values. Nodes only need to determine whether their RSS exceeds a threshold, which is a partial measurement approach that reduces precision requirements while still enabling effective relay decisions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces redundant broadcasts, minimizes bandwidth consumption, and enhances network reliability by ensuring that only necessary nodes relay messages, thereby improving overall network efficiency and scalability.
Implementation Method 1
nodes measure the received signal strength of broadcast messages and use predetermined thresholds to decide whether to relay them
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are provided for allowing a node (300) in an ad hoc network to deterministically decide whether to relay broadcast information to another node in the ad hoc network. The node (300) receives broadcast information and measures received signal strength (RSS) of the broadcast information. The node (300) may determine if the measured RSS is below a low threshold, and if so, can relay the broadcast information to neighbor nodes. Otherwise, the node (300) can also determine if the measured RSS is above a high threshold, and if not, wait for a waiting period before relaying the broadcast information to the neighbor nodes. The node (300) may dynamically adjust the low threshold by decreasing the low threshold as the number of neighbor nodes increases and may dynamically adjust the high threshold by increasing the high threshold as the number of neighbor nodes decreases.