Gateway Synchronization for M2M Heterogeneous Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In machine-to-machine (M2M) communication systems using heterogeneous networks, the asynchronous power saving cycles of wide-area and local wireless communication networks lead to unnecessary transmission power consumption and delays due to misalignment of communication windows.
Innovation Solution
A method and gateway architecture that synchronizes power saving cycles by determining whether the connected communication networks are in allowed or forbidden periods, adaptively adjusting the superframe duration to beacon interval ratio or polling rate of the local wireless network to align with the wide-area network's power saving cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If the gateway operates with independent power saving cycles in heterogeneous networks, then each network can optimize its own power consumption, but the asynchronous cycles cause transmission delays and unnecessary power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power saving cycles of the wide-area network and local network by synchronizing their allowed periods and forbidden periods. The gateway aligns the superframe structure of the local network with the TAU cycles of the wide-area network, so that both networks wake up and enter allowed periods simultaneously, eliminating transmission delays caused by asynchrony while maintaining power saving benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the superframe duration and beacon interval ratio of the local network based on the gateway's operational state. When the gateway is in an allowed period, it extends the superframe duration to maximize data transmission; when in a forbidden period, it reduces activity. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to changing network conditions and maintain synchronization while optimizing power consumption.
2Device complexity
If the gateway uses fixed superframe duration and beacon interval settings, then the local network operation is simple, but communication efficiency decreases when power saving cycles are misaligned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the superframe duration to beacon interval ratio based on the gateway's allowed and forbidden period states. The gateway monitors its synchronization status with the wide-area network and automatically adjusts local network parameters accordingly, transforming a static configuration into a dynamic adaptive system that optimizes communication efficiency without requiring complex manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters of the local network including superframe duration, beacon interval, and polling rate based on the gateway's operational state. By adjusting these parameters dynamically - extending superframe duration during allowed periods and reducing activity during forbidden periods - the system optimizes communication efficiency while maintaining simple operational principles.
3Ease of operation
If the gateway polls M2M devices at fixed intervals, then device operation is simple, but power consumption increases when polling occurs during forbidden periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the polling rate of M2M devices based on the gateway's allowed and forbidden period states. During allowed periods, the gateway increases polling frequency to maximize data transmission; during forbidden periods, it reduces or suspends polling to save power. This dynamic adjustment maintains simple device operation while significantly reducing unnecessary power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the polling rate parameter of M2M devices according to the gateway's synchronization state with the wide-area network. By adjusting this key operational parameter - higher polling rates during allowed periods, lower rates during forbidden periods - the system optimizes power consumption while maintaining ease of device operation and consistent interface behavior.
Data Source
AI summary
An operation method in heterogeneous networks, and a gateway and a wireless communication device using the same are disclosed. The operation method in heterogeneous networks includes followings. When a gateway, connecting a first communication network and a second communication network, operates in a beacon mode, the gateway determines whether the first communication network is in an allowed period or a forbidden period, and generates a determination result. Then, the gateway adaptively adjusts a ratio of a superframe duration to a beacon interval of a periodic beacon of the second communication network according to the determination result. In addition, the gateway is connected to a M2M communication server via the first communication network, and the gateway is connected to at least one M2M communication device via the second communication network.