Dynamic Backhaul Selection in Ad Hoc Mesh Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ad hoc mesh networking systems consume bandwidth allocated to the host device for backhaul services, limiting direct communication between devices and requiring data to pass through the mobile network, which can lead to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
The system dynamically selects wireless devices to provide backhaul services based on signal strength and quality, allowing direct peer-to-peer communication among devices and optimizing bandwidth usage by selecting the most suitable anchor devices for each connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single host device provides backhaul services for the ad hoc network, then the network can be established and devices can communicate, but the host device's bandwidth is consumed and the network range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the backhaul service function across multiple wireless devices instead of relying on a single host device. Each device in the extended ad hoc network can act as a backhaul provider, segmenting the overall backhaul function across multiple nodes to extend network range while maintaining service availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple wireless devices into a mesh network where each device contributes its backhaul connection to the mobile network. By merging the backhaul capabilities of multiple devices, the system extends the overall network range while distributing the bandwidth load.
2Device complexity
If all data passes through the host device to the mobile network, then centralized control is simplified, but bandwidth consumption increases and communication efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data path so that devices can communicate directly with each other through peer-to-peer wireless connections, while only necessary control traffic passes through the host device. This segmentation improves communication efficiency by avoiding unnecessary routing through the host while maintaining centralized control for network management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mesh network infrastructure as an intermediary between devices and the mobile network. This intermediary layer enables direct device-to-device communication for data traffic while the host device maintains control functions, thus improving efficiency without sacrificing control simplicity.
3Productivity
If devices use direct peer-to-peer communication, then bandwidth usage is optimized and host device load is reduced, but network management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal peer-to-peer communication capabilities across all devices in the network, where each device is equipped with both client and router functions. This multi-functionality allows devices to communicate directly while also being able to relay traffic for other devices, simplifying network management through symmetric device roles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables devices to automatically discover and connect to each other through ad hoc mesh networking protocols, with each device autonomously managing its own connections and routing. This self-service approach reduces the need for centralized configuration and management, thereby reducing network management complexity despite the distributed architecture.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the host device provides WiFi hotspot services, then other devices can connect to the mobile network, but the host device's mobile network subscription bandwidth is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bandwidth consumption across multiple devices in the mesh network, where each device uses its own mobile network subscription independently. This eliminates the bandwidth consumption problem of a single host device while maintaining wireless access capability for all connected devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables each device to serve itself by using its own mobile network connection and backhaul resources. Devices independently manage their own connectivity and can provide backhaul services to others without consuming another device's bandwidth, thus eliminating the bandwidth loss associated with host-device-based hotspots.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments comprise systems, methods, architectures, mechanisms or apparatus configured to provide ad hoc, peer to peer communications among a plurality of wireless devices, wherein at least one wireless device is selected to further communicate with a wireless network to provide thereby backhaul services to other wireless devices, wherein the at least one wireless device providing backhaul services is dynamically selected in accordance with respective wireless network signal strength indicia.