Communication Management Device for Disaster Mesh Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Natural disasters can isolate base stations from the network support structure, disrupting communication networks and preventing relief efforts due to damaged electrical or optical cables, even if radiofrequency links with mobile terminals remain operational.
Innovation Solution
A communication management device is activated to establish a mesh network using available technologies like IP links, Wi-Fi, WiMAX, Bluetooth, and satellite communications, interconnecting surviving network elements and simulating missing network components to maintain communication services, including channel management and authentication, using protocols like HWMP and RA-OLSR for optimal emergency service coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If base stations are connected to the network support structure via electrical or optical cables, then communication network reliability is improved, but vulnerability to natural disasters increases when cables are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication network into autonomous base stations that can operate independently when connected to the support structure and cooperatively when isolated. Each base station becomes an independent communication node capable of forming ad-hoc connections with neighboring base stations, eliminating dependency on continuous cable infrastructure during disasters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces mobile terminals as intermediary nodes that can relay communication between isolated base stations and the wider network. When base stations are isolated from the support structure, mobile terminals act as mobile routers to establish communication paths through the ad-hoc network, enabling indirect connectivity without direct cable connections.
2Adaptability or versatility
If base stations operate independently without network support structure, then resilience to natural disasters is improved, but communication service quality deteriorates due to lack of network coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple independent base stations into a coordinated ad-hoc network. Base stations combine their radiofrequency communication capabilities to form a unified communication system that provides network-wide coverage, resource sharing, and coordinated control, achieving both independence and cooperation simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes mobile terminals multi-functional by enabling them to serve both as end-user devices and as network routing nodes. Mobile terminals can dynamically switch between normal communication mode and network relay mode, providing both service quality for users and network coordination for resilient operation during disasters.
3Area of stationary object
If mesh network is established using available communication technologies, then communication coverage is improved in isolated areas, but network complexity increases due to multiple routing protocols and technologies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through autonomous base stations that automatically detect their operational status and initiate ad-hoc network formation without central coordination. Base stations autonomously negotiate connections with neighboring base stations and mobile terminals, dynamically adapting to network conditions without requiring complex manual configuration or centralized control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the network topology dynamic by allowing base stations and mobile terminals to join and leave the ad-hoc network as conditions change. The network structure continuously adapts to reflect current connectivity states, with base stations dynamically forming connections based on available resources and operational status, eliminating static network planning requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
The device (Secu01) has memorization and processing units arranged in a telecommunication network with a base station (BS01) e.g. base transceiver station, connected by a radiofrequency wave. A program is implanted in the base station or a controller (SC1) comprising three communication layers such as mediation layer, ad hoc layer and transport layer. The ad hoc layer records table of contents and establishes messages for searching terminals (Ter011-Ter013). The transport layer converts the messages in protocols of different utilizable networks and distributes the messages.