Hybrid Mesh Routing via Radio Link Quality Metrics
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Solution Overview
Problem
In high-density mesh networks, routing data through multiple optical links can be resource-intensive due to the need for exchanging and storing network topology information, which hinders network performance.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method where intermediate nodes in a mesh network with hybrid radio and optical interfaces use radio link quality metrics to relay data packets through optical links, eliminating the need for generating and retaining forwarding paths or topology information, and utilizing multi-hop free-space optical communication for higher throughput and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If data is routed through multiple optical links in a mesh network, then data throughput and security are improved, but resource overhead increases due to exchange and storage of network topology information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the topology information exchange and storage requirements from the data routing process. By using radio communication solely for discovering neighboring nodes and establishing initial connections, while optical communication handles actual data transmission without requiring comprehensive topology knowledge, the system removes the burden of maintaining full network topology information from each node's responsibilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the communication functions into two distinct layers: radio communication handles node discovery and topology establishment, while optical communication handles high-speed data transmission. This segmentation allows each communication type to operate independently with its own simplified requirements, avoiding the need for optical nodes to maintain complete network topology information.
2Use of energy by moving object
If data is routed through multiple optical links, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to maintenance of forwarding paths and topology information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the topology maintenance burden from the energy-consuming operations. By using radio communication for lightweight node discovery and optical communication for energy-efficient data transmission without requiring comprehensive topology knowledge, the system removes the energy-intensive tasks of maintaining forwarding paths and topology information from optical communication nodes.
3Ease of operation
If radio communication is used for data routing, then ease of operation is improved due to no line-of-sight requirement, but data throughput decreases compared to optical communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments communication functions by using radio communication for node discovery and connection establishment (where ease of operation is critical due to no line-of-sight requirement), and optical communication for high-speed data transmission (where throughput is critical). This segmentation allows each communication type to operate in its optimal performance regime.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses radio communication as an intermediary to establish optical communication links. Radio signals penetrate obstacles that block optical signals, allowing nodes to discover each other and set up optical data paths even when direct line-of-sight is not available, thereby combining the advantages of both communication types.
Data Source
AI summary
Data is routed in a mesh network of devices that can communicate wirelessly through a plurality of technologies. One or more of such devices receive broadcast message(s) from a destination device intended to receive the data, and generate a first radio link quality metric (RLQM) value based on the broadcast message(s). A source device originates and delivers a quantum of data with an embedded first RLQM value. A set of intermediate devices relays the quantum of data if a forwarding criterion is fulfilled; the forwarding criterion is based in part on the first RLQM value and a second RLQM value generated by an intermediate device in the set of intermediate devices based on the broadcast message(s). The intermediate device exploits an optical interface to transmit the quantum of data. The destination device broadcasts an acknowledgement signal in response to receiving intended data.