End Node Assisted Neighbor Discovery in Wireless Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in message routing due to reliance on network layer addresses, which are larger and less suited for resource-restricted air links, and require manual configuration for neighbor discovery, leading to labor-intensive and error-prone processes, especially during phased deployment and environmental changes.
Innovation Solution
End nodes are empowered to discover and communicate information about access nodes, automating the neighbor discovery process by using physical layer identifiers to update routing information, allowing communication even without a direct uplink link and facilitating decentralized network expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration is used for neighbor discovery, then network routing information can be established, but the process becomes labor-intensive and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables access nodes to automatically discover neighbors and exchange routing information without manual configuration. End nodes assist in this process by providing feedback about accessible access nodes, allowing the network to self-configure and maintain accurate routing information dynamically
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where end nodes provide information about accessible access nodes to their serving access node. This feedback loop enables automatic update of neighbor relationships and routing tables, eliminating manual configuration errors and keeping routing information current
2Adaptability or versatility
If network layer addresses are used for message routing, then routing flexibility is achieved, but message size increases and efficiency decreases on air links
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the addressing function into two parts: physical layer identifiers for local access node identification and network layer addresses only when necessary for external routing. This segmentation allows efficient local communication using small physical identifiers while maintaining routing flexibility through network layer addresses only when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension to the addressing hierarchy by enabling end nodes to provide feedback about accessible access nodes. This additional information dimension allows the system to make intelligent routing decisions at the link layer, avoiding unnecessary network layer address usage and reducing message sizes on air links
3Reliability
If end nodes maintain multiple bidirectional communications links, then communication reliability improves, but link selection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables end nodes to autonomously discover and report accessible access nodes, allowing automatic multi-link establishment without complex manual configuration. The end node itself performs the discovery function, simplifying the overall system complexity while maintaining multiple reliable links
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for using end nodes, e.g., wireless terminals, to discover base stations and communicate information about discovered access nodes, e.g., base stations, to other access nodes in a system are described. As the wireless terminal roams in the system and new access nodes are encountered, one or more physically adjacent access nodes will be informed of the presence of the new access node as a result of communications with the wireless terminal. A message indicating an access node's inability to route a message to another access node which is known to a wireless terminal may trigger the wireless terminal to begin the process of updating access node routing and neighbor information.