Dynamic Mesh Router Functionality in Cellular Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems relying on edge routers for LTE networks are limited by the need for centralized authority placement and expensive infrastructure, which restricts network expansion and increases user costs due to reliance on fixed edge router locations for mesh network connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A wireless remote communication unit that can dynamically configure itself with mesh router functionality when out of cellular coverage, using information from received messages to transfer data within a mesh network, thereby enabling multi-hop connectivity and reducing reliance on centralized edge routers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If centralized edge routers are deployed at fixed locations, then network coverage and connectivity are provided, but infrastructure costs increase and network expansion is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables user equipment to autonomously determine its coverage status and dynamically switch between cellular and mesh network modes without requiring centralized deployment decisions. Devices self-configure as mesh routers when needed, eliminating the need for expensive centralized infrastructure planning and deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static edge router deployment to dynamic mesh network formation. User equipment can dynamically switch between cellular direct connection and mesh network connectivity based on real-time coverage conditions, allowing the network topology to adapt flexibly to changing environmental conditions.
2Ease of operation
If centralized edge routers are used for mesh network connectivity, then routing functionality is provided, but user costs increase due to reliance on fixed locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes user equipment multi-functional by enabling it to operate both as an end device and as a mesh router depending on coverage conditions. This eliminates the need for dedicated centralized edge routers, allowing any user equipment to provide routing functionality when out of cellular coverage, thereby reducing costs and enabling network expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic role assignment where user equipment can transition between being an end node and a mesh router based on real-time cellular coverage status. This dynamic adaptability enables network expansion without requiring pre-planned centralized infrastructure.
3Reliability
If user equipment acts as router when out of coverage, then connectivity is maintained, but device functionality complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic functionality activation where user equipment only enables mesh router capabilities when cellular coverage is lost. The device continuously monitors coverage status and switches between simple end-device mode and complex mesh router mode as needed, maintaining reliability while minimizing unnecessary complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
User equipment autonomously monitors its own coverage status and self-configures router functionality without external control. The device determines when to activate mesh routing capabilities based on its own cellular signal conditions, enabling connectivity maintenance while keeping the activation logic simple and device-specific.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless remote communication unit for communicating with a cellular network node and other wireless remote communication units is described. The wireless remote communication unit comprises: at least one transceiver configured to communicate with a cellular network node using either a first technology employed with mesh connectivity via at least one other wireless remote communication unit or a second technology employed with a direct connection; and a processor coupled to the at least one transceiver and arranged to: determine when the wireless remote communication unit moves out of coverage of the cellular network node and, in response thereto, configure the wireless remote communication unit with mesh router functionality that transfers data from one node to another node within a mesh network using the first technology based on, at least in part, information obtained from received first messages using the first technology employed with mesh connectivity from at least one other wireless remote communication unit.