FHSS Beacon Configuration for Mesh Network Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless mesh networks face inefficiencies in node synchronization and routing information dissemination due to the lack of flexible beacon transmission and reception methods, particularly in Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) networks, which can lead to traffic congestion and inefficient neighbor discovery.
Innovation Solution
The method allows nodes in an FHSS network to configure beacon transmission and reception by sending a message with beacon frequency, transmit time, and hopping sequence information, enabling selective tuning and synchronization, and reducing redundant transmissions through pseudo-random beacon channel selection and prioritization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If nodes transmit beacons periodically on pre-determined channel sequences, then neighbor discovery and routing information dissemination are enabled, but traffic congestion occurs due to redundant transmissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different nodes to use different beacon transmission parameters (channel sequences, time offsets, frequencies) based on their local network conditions and roles. Each node customizes its beacon transmission characteristics rather than using a uniform approach, reducing redundant transmissions while maintaining effective information dissemination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making beacon channel sequences and time offsets configurable and adaptable rather than fixed. Nodes can dynamically adjust their beacon transmission parameters based on network conditions, enabling the system to respond to changing traffic patterns and reduce congestion adaptively.
2Loss of information
If all nodes listen to all beacons, then complete network information is obtained, but synchronization complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the beacon listening function into selective reception based on node roles and information needs. Instead of all nodes listening to all beacons, nodes are segmented into different listening groups or patterns based on their specific requirements, reducing overall synchronization complexity while maintaining necessary information flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality through a configurable beacon transmission framework that can adapt to different node types and network configurations. The same basic beacon mechanism serves multiple functions: routing information dissemination, neighbor discovery, and synchronization, with parameters that can be universally configured across different node roles.
3Reliability
If beacon transmissions occur at fixed intervals, then timing synchronization is maintained, but flexibility in adapting to network conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making beacon time offsets configurable rather than fixed. Nodes can adjust their beacon transmission timing based on network conditions while maintaining regular intervals, allowing the system to adapt to varying traffic patterns and network states while preserving synchronization reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing beacon transmission parameters (intervals, time offsets, channel sequences) to be configured and modified based on network conditions. This enables the system to maintain reliable synchronization through regular intervals while adapting parameters to optimize performance under different network states.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods include those by which nodes in a Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) wireless network may be flexibly configured for beacon transmission and reception. The method may allow for any node to synchronize to any other node's given frequency to receive one or more beacon (broadcast) packets from that node at the designated period. The method may include sending, by a first node, a message to one or more neighbor nodes and responding, by the one or more neighbor nodes, with a message to the first node, the response message including a beacon frequency, a beacon transmit time and information about the current hopping sequence. The first node periodically programs its receiver to the beacon frequency at the beacon transmit time and uses the hopping sequence to receive information including at least one of routing information and timing updates for hopping channel synchronization from the one or more neighbor nodes.