Dynamic Router Configuration in Cellular Mesh Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems require centralized edge routers for mesh network connectivity, which are expensive and rely on a central authority, limiting network flexibility and increasing costs for users.
Innovation Solution
A wireless remote communication unit that can dynamically configure itself as an edge router based on information from other units, using a processor to determine the best unit for this role within the network, allowing for efficient routing between different technologies and adapting to changes in coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If centralized edge routers are deployed to provide mesh network connectivity, then network coverage and routing capability are improved, but device cost and network complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables ordinary wireless communication units to perform routing functions in addition to their basic communication functions. By configuring a wireless communication unit as a router based on discovery messages and voting results, the system allows multiple units to serve dual purposes: end nodes and routing nodes, eliminating the need for specialized centralized edge routers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-organization where wireless communication units autonomously discover each other through broadcast messages, evaluate their suitability for routing based on voting algorithms considering factors like battery level and signal strength, and dynamically configure themselves as routers without requiring centralized deployment or manual configuration.
2Ease of operation
If centralized edge routers are used to manage mesh networks, then routing functionality is provided, but user costs and deployment expenses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, specialized edge router hardware with ordinary wireless communication units that can be mass-produced at lower cost. These standard units can be dynamically configured as routers when needed, eliminating the need to purchase and deploy costly dedicated routing devices for each mesh network.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention allows standard wireless communication units to perform both end-node communication and routing functions. By enabling ordinary devices to serve as routers through software configuration based on discovery and voting mechanisms, the system eliminates the need for separate expensive routing infrastructure.
3Ease of operation
If a central authority is required to deploy edge routers, then network management is simplified, but network flexibility and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements autonomous self-organization where wireless communication units independently discover each other through broadcast messages, evaluate their routing suitability using voting algorithms that consider battery level, signal strength, and other factors, and dynamically configure themselves as routers without requiring centralized deployment or manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic router selection where the routing configuration can change over time based on network conditions. Units can transition between being end nodes and routers based on real-time evaluation of their capabilities and network needs, allowing the network structure to adapt dynamically rather than being fixed by centralized planning.
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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 receiver configured to receive first messages using a first technology from at least one other wireless remote communication unit and configured to receive second messages using a second technology from the cellular network node; at least one transmitter configured to transmit first messages using the first technology to at least one other wireless remote communication unit and configured to transmit using the second technology to the cellular network node; and a processor coupled to the at least one receiver and the at least one transmitter and arranged to configure the wireless remote communication unit as a router to support mesh network communications using the first technology based on, at least in part, information obtained from the received first messages from at least one other wireless remote communication unit.