Hybrid Wireless Mesh Network Path Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless telecommunications devices face challenges in efficiently utilizing limited network resources, leading to congestion and inefficiencies, particularly when multiple devices try to connect through cellular networks, which can result in slow internet speeds and battery drain, and existing mesh network solutions suffer from route determination issues causing unstable connections.

Innovation Solution

A telecommunications system that determines optimal paths for data transmission based on factors like carrier types, power status, cost, spectrum use, battery drain, and transmission speed, using a hybrid approach with multiple gateways including cellular, WiFi, and satellite connections, and dynamically adjusts network configurations to optimize resource utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple wireless devices connect through cellular networks, then network coverage is maintained, but network congestion increases and transmission speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork coverageVSAvoidtransmission speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the network connection path by introducing multiple intermediate relay devices (mesh nodes) between the end devices and the cellular base station. This segmentation distributes the network traffic across multiple parallel paths, reducing congestion on any single path while maintaining cellular network coverage for backhaul connectivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces WiFi access points and mesh network nodes as intermediary devices that relay data traffic between wireless devices and the cellular network. These intermediaries offload traffic from the cellular network, reducing congestion while devices remain connected to cellular infrastructure for broad coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If mesh network routing requests are flooded to build routes, then route discovery is achieved, but network efficiency decreases and battery drain increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroute discoveryVSAvoidnetwork efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary route discovery and optimization by having mesh nodes proactively establish and cache routing information before actual data transmission occurs. Routes are pre-computed based on network topology and quality metrics, so when data needs to be transmitted, devices can use existing routes without flooding the network with routing requests.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where mesh nodes continuously monitor route quality metrics (signal strength, latency, packet loss) and dynamically adjust routing decisions. This feedback loop allows the network to adapt to changing conditions without requiring complete route rediscovery, improving efficiency and reducing unnecessary routing traffic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of energy

If devices switch to WiFi networks to avoid cellular costs, then transmission cost decreases, but network availability becomes limited and may become overwhelmed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission costVSAvoidnetwork availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal hybrid network system that can operate across multiple network types (cellular, WiFi, satellite) with a unified mesh architecture. Devices can seamlessly switch between different network technologies based on availability, cost, and performance requirements, making the system adaptable to various environments while maintaining consistent functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic path selection where the mesh network continuously evaluates available routes across different network technologies and automatically adjusts transmission paths based on real-time conditions such as network congestion, cost considerations, and signal quality. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize for cost when WiFi is available while maintaining cellular fallback for broad availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If hybrid mesh networks are implemented to optimize resource use, then network efficiency improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a centralized coordination server as an intermediary that manages the complexity of hybrid mesh network operations. This server handles route optimization, resource allocation, and cross-network coordination, allowing individual mesh nodes to operate with simpler local logic while the system as a whole achieves high efficiency through centralized intelligence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3164968B1Methods, devices and systems for implementing centralized hybrid wireless self-organizing networks
Publication Date: 2022.02.16 TRINITY MOBILE NETWORKS
  • EP3164968B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3164968B1 patent drawingFigure 2(A)
  • EP3164968B1 patent drawingFigure 2(B)

AI summary

A telecommunications device, operable in a system comprising one or more servers, the device being a client device in the system. The device is constructed and adapted to: provide a client configuration state for the client device to the one or more servers; and obtain from the one or more servers a first sub-network configuration, comprising at least one path from the one or more servers to the client device, and being based on the client configuration state and on at least one other client configuration state of at least one other client device. The device can use a path specified in the first sub-network configuration to obtain at least one resource via the one or more servers.