Extender Router for Multihop IoT Network Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large multihop networks, such as IoT device networks, face challenges with increasing memory and processing burdens on border routers due to the need for storing and processing routing information, leading to increased latency and potential network blockages as the network size grows.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an extender router device with two wireless transceivers that forms a sub-network with its own parameters, relieving the border router of some responsibilities by storing routing information and handling authentication and routing for attached devices, thereby reducing the load on the main network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the network size is increased to support more IoT devices, then the network coverage and connectivity are improved, but the memory and processing burden on border routers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the border router's routing functions into two segments: the main border router handles high-level routing and external connectivity, while extender devices handle local routing for groups of attached devices. This segmentation allows the network to scale by adding extenders without proportionally increasing the burden on the border router, as each extender independently manages routing for its attached devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The extender device acts as an intermediary between the border router and attached IoT devices. It receives routing information from the border router and translates/manages it for local devices, thereby reducing the direct processing burden on the border router while maintaining network connectivity and routing functionality.
2Ease of operation
If routing information is stored centrally at the border router for all devices, then routing control is simplified, but latency increases due to queue load at the border router
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the routing control function by distributing routing management to multiple extender devices, each responsible for a subset of attached devices. This allows routing decisions to be made locally at the extender level rather than requiring all messages to queue at the border router, thereby reducing latency while maintaining simplified routing control through hierarchical management.
Solution Approach 2:
The border router pre-configures extenders with routing information and device group assignments before messages need to be routed. This preliminary action allows extenders to handle routing decisions locally without real-time communication with the border router, reducing message latency while maintaining centralized control oversight.
3Quantity of substance
If the network depth is increased to accommodate more devices, then network capacity is improved, but protocol overheads increase and can block the network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into hierarchical levels with border routers at the top and multiple extender devices below, each managing subsets of devices. This segmentation reduces the depth of routing information required in packets by allowing local routing decisions at extender levels, thereby maintaining network capacity while reducing protocol overhead that would otherwise block the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to the network structure, organizing devices into groups managed by extenders, which are in turn managed by the border router. This hierarchical organization allows routing information to be compressed and managed more efficiently, reducing the overhead in packets while maintaining the ability to accommodate large numbers of devices.
Data Source
AI summary
An extender device for communication in a multihop network comprises: a first wireless transceiver operable in electronic communication with a border router; a second wireless transceiver operable in electronic communication with one or more network attachable devices; and a routing component operable to cause said extender device to assume routing control of messages received at said first wireless transceiver for one or more said network attachable devices operable to handle messages having a specified identifier.