Effective Bandwidth Path Metric for Wireless Mesh Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless mesh networks face challenges in optimizing path computation for multi-hop paths, particularly in mixed wireless and wired networks, where interference and resource utilization affect communication efficiency and throughput.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an effective bandwidth path metric computation method that considers the inverse sustainable data rate, number of wireless links, and total links, along with interference effects, to determine optimal paths that maximize bandwidth, minimize latency, and reduce packet loss across mixed wireless and wired mesh networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional path computation methods are used in wireless mesh networks, then the path selection process is simpler, but communication efficiency and throughput are reduced due to interference and resource utilization issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-computes effective bandwidth metrics for all possible paths between node pairs before actual data transmission occurs. These metrics, which account for interference and resource utilization, are stored and reused for routing decisions, avoiding repeated complex calculations while maintaining high communication efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The effective bandwidth metric is dynamically updated based on current network conditions including interference levels and resource utilization. The path computation adapts to changing network states by recalculating metrics when conditions change, balancing computational complexity with real-time performance optimization
2Reliability
If paths with more wireless links are selected, then network coverage and connectivity are improved, but interference increases and sustainable data rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an effective bandwidth metric that transforms the path selection criterion from simple link counting to a composite parameter that incorporates interference levels and resource utilization. This parameter change enables the network to select paths with adequate connectivity while minimizing interference through quantitative evaluation
3Productivity
If available bandwidth is increased for a path, then sustainable data rate improves, but the number of wireless links and resource utilization increases leading to more interference
Solution Approach 1:
The effective bandwidth metric incorporates feedback about current network conditions including interference levels and resource utilization. This feedback mechanism allows the path computation to identify paths that achieve high sustainable data rates while maintaining acceptable interference levels by continuously monitoring and adjusting based on network state
Data Source
AI summary
Enhanced mesh network performance is provided by computation of a path metric with respect to multi-hop paths between nodes in a mesh network and determination of a path through the mesh network that is optimal according to the path metric. Information is communicated in the mesh network according to the determined path. Nodes in the mesh network are enabled to communicate via one or more wireless links and/or one or more wired links. The path metric optionally includes an effective bandwidth path metric having elements (listed from highest to lowest conceptual priority) including an inverse of a sustainable data rate, a number of wireless links, and a number of wireless and wired links. The sustainable data rate is a measure of communication bandwidth that is deliverable by a path for a period of time. Accounting is made for interference between contiguous wireless links operating on the same channel.