Dynamic Wi-Fi Scanning Policies for Mobile Vehicle Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication networks are inadequate for supporting complex arrays of both moving and static nodes, such as in autonomous vehicle networks, as they fail to provide efficient connectivity and adaptability.
Innovation Solution
A communication network architecture that dynamically configures a combination of fixed and mobile nodes, utilizing adaptive and dynamic Wi-Fi scanning policies to ensure robust, scalable, and energy-efficient connectivity, with vehicles acting as Wi-Fi hotspots to expand coverage and offload cellular traffic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current communication networks are used to support moving and static nodes, then basic connectivity is provided, but efficient connectivity and adaptability are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic Wi-Fi scanning policies that adapt scanning intervals and depths based on node mobility status. Mobile nodes use shorter scanning intervals when moving and longer intervals when stationary, while static nodes use different scanning parameters. This dynamic adjustment allows the network to adapt to changing conditions, improving both adaptability and connectivity reliability without requiring complete network reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes network parameters such as scanning interval, scanning depth, and connection timeout values based on node type (mobile vs. static) and environmental conditions. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the network achieves better adaptability to different scenarios while maintaining reliable connectivity through optimized parameter selection for each situation.
2Reliability
If Wi-Fi scanning is performed frequently to improve connectivity, then network reliability improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic scanning policies where mobile nodes use shorter scanning intervals (e.g., 500ms-2s) when moving to maintain connectivity, while static nodes use longer intervals (e.g., 2s-5s) to conserve energy. The scanning depth and frequency are adjusted based on the node's mobility state, achieving a balance between connectivity reliability and energy consumption that adapts to real-time conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic Wi-Fi scanning with variable intervals based on node type and movement status. Instead of continuous scanning, nodes perform scans at predetermined intervals that are optimized for their specific situation, reducing unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining adequate connectivity monitoring for both mobile and static nodes.
3Area of stationary object
If vehicles act as Wi-Fi hotspots to expand coverage, then network coverage improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables vehicles to function as mobile Wi-Fi access points, allowing them to provide network coverage in addition to their primary transportation function. This multi-functionality expands network coverage to areas without fixed infrastructure while utilizing existing vehicle computing resources, avoiding the need for dedicated complex infrastructure in each location.
Solution Approach 2:
Vehicles equipped with Wi-Fi hotspot capability provide network service to other nodes autonomously, without requiring centralized coordination or complex infrastructure deployment. The vehicle-based access points self-configure and provide coverage dynamically as vehicles move through the environment, expanding network reach through self-service rather than centralized management.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for use of adaptive and dynamic Wi-Fi® scanning policies in a network of moving things. A vehicle-based network node may be configured to obtain, during operations in an area of a network of moving things, context-related data associated with the vehicle, and to manage Wi-Fi® scanning based on the context-related data. The managing may include determining based on the context-related data, when to scan for Wi-Fi® access points, and when scanning, selecting based on the context-related data, at least one Wi-Fi® scan policy, and configuring Wi-Fi® scanning based on the at least one Wi-Fi® scan policy. A cloud-based network node may be configured to receive from network nodes in the vehicle communication network Wi-Fi® connectivity-related data, and to generate or update, based on processing of the Wi-Fi® connectivity-related data, at least one Wi-Fi® scanning decision model for optimizing Wi-Fi® scanning operations in mobile network nodes.