Dynamic Multi-Path Network Architecture for Mobile IoT Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication networks are inadequate for supporting complex networks involving both moving and static nodes, such as the Internet of Moving Things and autonomous vehicle networks, as they fail to provide reliable, scalable, and efficient connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A communication network architecture that dynamically configures a complex array of both static and moving nodes, utilizing a platform that is always-on, responsive, robust, and energy-efficient, with adaptable connectivity options including vehicles as Wi-Fi hotspots, and a multi-network on-board unit (OBU) capable of selecting the best available wireless link for internet access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current communication networks are used to support complex networks with moving and static nodes, then network coverage is provided, but reliability and scalability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its architecture based on node mobility patterns. Mobile nodes can switch between direct wireless connections, relay through other mobile nodes, or connect to static infrastructure nodes. The network topology and routing protocols are dynamically adjusted to maintain reliable connectivity as nodes move in and out of range, transforming the static network architecture into a flexible, adaptive system that preserves reliability while accommodating diverse mobility scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication network is designed to support multiple node types (mobile and static) and multiple communication modes (direct wireless, relay through mobile nodes, infrastructure-based) within a single unified architecture. This multi-functional design allows the same network to serve diverse applications from autonomous vehicle coordination to IoT sensor networks, improving both reliability through redundant paths and adaptability through flexible node roles.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a platform supports both moving and static nodes with adaptable connectivity, then versatility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into distinct functional layers: physical wireless communication layer, network routing layer, and application layer. Each layer handles specific tasks independently, allowing complex adaptability requirements to be managed at the routing layer without overwhelming the entire system. Mobile nodes and static infrastructure nodes are segmented into different role categories, each with predefined behavior patterns, reducing the complexity of managing diverse node types while maintaining high versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
Static infrastructure nodes and gateway devices serve as intermediaries between mobile nodes and the core network. These intermediary nodes handle complex routing decisions, authentication, and network management tasks, allowing mobile nodes to maintain simple communication stacks while still achieving sophisticated adaptive connectivity through the intermediary layer.
3Productivity
If dynamic node configuration is implemented, then scalability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous active listening and transmission, mobile nodes employ periodic wake-up cycles and scheduled communications. Nodes can enter low-power sleep modes between scheduled activities, dramatically reducing energy consumption while maintaining scalability. The periodic action allows the network to scale to many nodes without each node continuously consuming power, as communications are activated only when needed for data exchange or network maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
Mobile nodes autonomously manage their own power states, making local decisions about when to wake, transmit, or sleep based on buffer status, network conditions, and scheduled activities. This self-service approach eliminates the need for energy-intensive centralized power management, allowing the network to scale efficiently while each node independently optimizes its own energy consumption patterns.
4Reliability
If multiple wireless links are available for selection, then connectivity reliability is improved, but decision-making complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameters used for link selection from complex multi-criteria optimization to simpler metrics such as signal strength thresholds, connection stability indicators, and predefined node priority lists. By changing the selection parameters to more manageable variables, the system maintains reliable communication through multiple available links while reducing the computational complexity of link selection decisions at each node.
Solution Approach 2:
Nodes pre-establish connection priorities and selection criteria before needing to make routing decisions. The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring fallback paths, pre-authenticating with multiple potential neighbors, and pre-establishing connection quality thresholds. This preliminary preparation reduces the complexity of real-time link selection, allowing nodes to quickly switch between multiple wireless links based on pre-determined criteria rather than performing complex analysis in the moment.
Data Source
AI summary
Communication network architectures, systems and methods for supporting a network of mobile nodes. As a non-limiting example, various aspects of this disclosure provide communication network architectures, systems, and methods for supporting a dynamically configurable communication network comprising a complex array of both static and moving communication nodes (e.g., the Internet of moving things).