Fog Node State Change Prediction via Sensor Data Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Fog nodes in fog computing networks face challenges in predicting and managing state changes due to internal and external factors, such as sensor malfunctions and climatic conditions, which can lead to sudden inactivity or loss of location, disrupting network functionality and data transmission.

Innovation Solution

A method using a new learning model with induced features to predict fog node state changes by estimating probabilities based on internal and external sensor parameters, employing an F-measure-based rose sampling approach to address the imbalance issue and maximize classifier performance, and utilizing deep learning neural networks for classification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fog nodes transmit information to the cloud periodically, then data transmission is maintained, but sudden failures result in loss of crucial data and network disruption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork reliabilityVSAvoiddata loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring fog node parameters (battery level, CPU usage, memory, temperature) and predicting potential failures before they occur. The prediction model analyzes current state and historical data to forecast future failures, enabling preventive maintenance and avoiding data loss before it happens.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously collecting real-time data from fog nodes about their operational status, battery levels, and environmental conditions. This feedback loop allows the prediction model to update its forecasts and the cloud platform to adjust maintenance schedules based on actual node conditions, improving overall network reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If fog nodes are monitored continuously to anticipate state changes, then network disruptions are prevented, but monitoring complexity and resource consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefog node reliabilityVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring system is segmented into distinct functional modules: data collection agents on fog nodes, a prediction model layer, and a cloud-based analysis platform. Each module handles specific tasks independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining continuous monitoring capability. The segmentation allows distributed monitoring without centralized complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The prediction model serves as an intermediary between raw sensor data from fog nodes and the cloud-based maintenance system. It processes and interprets complex multi-parameter data (battery, CPU, memory, temperature) and converts it into actionable failure predictions, simplifying the monitoring architecture by introducing a specialized intermediate layer that handles analytical complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If fog nodes operate in remote locations with battery power, then deployment flexibility is improved, but sudden inactivity due to power issues or environmental factors occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeployment flexibilityVSAvoidfog node availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary assessment by monitoring battery levels, environmental temperature, and operational patterns to predict power-related failures before they occur. By analyzing trends in energy consumption and environmental conditions, the system can forecast when a remote fog node might go offline due to power depletion or environmental stress, allowing preventive intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Productivity

If the fog node state changes to inactive mode, then business transactions must standstill, but predicting state changes can maintain business continuity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebusiness transaction continuityVSAvoidbusiness standstill time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The prediction model performs preliminary identification of fog nodes at risk of state changes by analyzing current operational parameters and historical failure patterns. When potential failures are predicted, the system can proactively migrate business transactions to alternative fog nodes or prepare failover procedures, maintaining business continuity and avoiding standstill before the actual failure occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3729765B1System and method for predicting the state changes of network nodes
Publication Date: 2024.07.10 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3729765B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3729765B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3729765B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In one aspect, a method performed by a network node for predicting a probability of state change of a node (e.g., a fog node) in a network is provided. The network node determines a set of weights based on attributes of the node. The network node estimates the probability of state change of the node using the determined set of weights and a set of one or more attribute values related to the node where determining the set of weights includes maximizing an evaluation value associated to the node.