Dynamic IoT Endpoint-Relay Roles for Adaptive Wireless Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IoT devices in local networks often operate as endpoints, limiting their ability to enhance connectivity and adapt to changing client device positions, leading to suboptimal wireless coverage and quality of service.
Innovation Solution
IoT devices dynamically select between endpoint and relay roles based on client proximity and network conditions, using a SON protocol to coordinate with other devices for seamless coverage and traffic management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If IoT devices operate as endpoints only, then device simplicity is maintained, but network coverage and connectivity enhancement are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic role selection where IoT devices can switch between endpoint and relay operating modes based on real-time network conditions, client device positions, and connectivity requirements. This dynamic adaptation allows the network to optimize coverage area by activating relay functionality only when and where needed, rather than having all devices permanently configured as relays which would increase complexity continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables IoT devices to perform multiple functions by allowing them to operate in different roles (endpoint or relay) depending on network needs. A single IoT device can serve as an endpoint for its own communications and simultaneously or alternatively function as a relay to extend network coverage for other devices, thereby increasing network coverage area without requiring dedicated relay hardware for each device.
2Reliability
If IoT devices dynamically switch between endpoint and relay roles, then network coverage and connectivity are enhanced, but device operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where IoT devices autonomously determine their optimal operating role based on local measurements of network conditions, signal strength, and client device proximity. Each device independently evaluates whether to function as an endpoint or relay without requiring complex centralized control, thereby improving connectivity reliability through adaptive role selection while keeping individual device complexity manageable through automated decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where IoT devices continuously monitor network conditions, communication quality, and client device positions to inform their role selection decisions. This feedback-driven approach allows devices to dynamically adjust between endpoint and relay modes based on real-time performance metrics, ensuring reliable connectivity while avoiding unnecessary role switches that would increase operational complexity.
3Area of stationary object
If relay role is activated for all IoT devices, then network coverage is maximized, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic role activation where IoT devices switch between endpoint and relay modes based on real-time network coverage requirements. Instead of all devices permanently operating as relays (which would maximize coverage but consume excessive energy), the system dynamically activates relay functionality only for devices that currently need to extend coverage, thereby optimizing the balance between coverage area and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality optimization where each IoT device independently determines whether to function as a relay based on local network conditions, client device proximity, and coverage gaps in its specific area. This localized decision-making ensures that relay functionality is activated only where and when needed to maintain adequate coverage, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption by devices in areas where coverage is already sufficient.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for an internet of things (IoT) device. In some implementations, the IoT device can select an operating role for the first IoT device in a local network. The operating role may be selected from between an endpoint role and a relay role. The operating role may be dynamically selected by the first IoT device based whether the relay role would enhance connectivity for a client device that is within a wireless range of the first IoT device. The IoT device may participate in a self-organizing network (SON) and may coordinate with other devices in the SON to enhance wireless coverage for the client device based on a position of the client device relative to the one or more IoT devices.