Emergency Indication Flag for Mesh Network Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing emergency call handling procedures in traditional wireless networks are not applicable to mesh networks due to their dynamic and ad-hoc nature, making it challenging to maintain a consistent path for emergency calls, especially when MSTAs can move, sleep, or be turned off, which may disrupt the ability to support emergency communications effectively.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an Emergency Indication (EI) flag in mesh networks allows MSTAs to recognize and prioritize emergency calls by indicating the call type in frames, enabling special behaviors such as load balancing, proactive path discovery, and resource prioritization, even without authentication, ensuring uninterrupted emergency communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional emergency call handling procedures are used in mesh networks, then network operations can proceed normally, but emergency calls cannot be reliably maintained due to MSTA mobility, sleep modes, and dynamic topology changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing a dedicated emergency call path before the emergency call is actually needed. When an MSTA indicates emergency call capability, the network proactively sets up a reserved path through selected MSTAs, so that when an emergency call occurs, the path is already established and can immediately carry traffic without being disrupted by normal mesh network dynamics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the emergency call path selection and maintenance adaptive to mesh network conditions. The system dynamically selects which MSTAs will form the emergency path based on current network state, and the path can be re-established or modified as MSTAs move or change status, allowing the system to adapt to the dynamic nature of mesh networks while maintaining emergency call reliability.
2Reliability
If authentication is required for emergency calls in mesh networks, then security is improved, but emergency call setup time increases and may prevent immediate emergency communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the emergency call path establishment from the normal authentication process. The emergency call capability indication and path setup occur independently of full authentication procedures, allowing the critical path to be established quickly without waiting for complete authentication, while security can still be applied to the actual call transmission.
3Reliability
If mesh networks maintain strict path consistency for emergency calls, then call reliability improves, but the system becomes less adaptable to MSTA movement and network changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by creating a semi-dynamic emergency path that maintains stability during normal operation but can be re-established when necessary. The path remains consistent once established to ensure reliable emergency communication, but the system monitors network conditions and can re-setup the path if MSTAs move or fail, balancing path stability with adaptability to topology changes.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for managing an emergency call in a mesh network. The method comprises a mesh station receiving an emergency indicator indicating that a call is an emergency call.