Hybrid Network Access Point Centralized Routing Topology

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing routing protocols in hybrid telecommunications networks are inefficient due to high computing power consumption and excessive control traffic, particularly in networks with limited energy resources and varying node activity.

Innovation Solution

A method where access points in hybrid telecommunications networks maintain topology information by receiving control messages only from active nodes, allowing for centralized routing algorithms and reducing network congestion, while nodes verify their status before contributing to routing requests and broadcasting announcement messages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If each node implements its own topology search algorithms and maintains knowledge of topology itself, then routing capability is distributed, but computing power consumption increases and modularity is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverouting capability distributionVSAvoidcomputing power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the topology maintenance function from individual nodes and concentrates it in access points. Nodes no longer independently run topology search algorithms but instead rely on access points to maintain and distribute topology information, thereby reducing node computing consumption while preserving routing capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Access points serve as intermediaries between nodes and the routing function. They collect topology information from nodes, maintain centralized topology knowledge, and distribute routing decisions, eliminating the need for nodes to independently manage topology while preserving distributed routing capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If each node periodically informs the access point of link state, then topology knowledge is centralized, but control traffic increases and redundant packets are generated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetopology knowledge centralizationVSAvoidcontrol traffic volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic topology maintenance where access points update topology information only when changes occur rather than requiring periodic updates from all nodes. This event-driven approach maintains centralized topology knowledge while significantly reducing control traffic and eliminating redundant packets from inactive nodes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If all nodes broadcast announcement messages, then topology discovery is comprehensive, but network congestion increases due to redundant packets from inactive nodes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetopology discovery completenessVSAvoidnetwork congestion from redundant packets
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by having different node types behave differently: active nodes broadcast announcement messages to contribute to topology discovery, while inactive nodes remain silent. This selective participation maintains comprehensive topology discovery among active nodes while eliminating redundant packets from inactive nodes that cause network congestion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2172074B1Access point and node for controlling routing in a hybrid network
Publication Date: 2018.07.04 ORANGE SA
  • EP2172074B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2172074B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP2172074B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

This access point (30) comprises: - a topology table comprising routes to the nodes recorded on request at the access point, and routes to the nodes that have responded to an announcement message broadcast by this access point (30) to just the nodes that have a predetermined status; and - means for selecting a route from among all the possible routes between a source node (S) and a destination node (D), which routes are determined on the basis of the aforesaid response messages. Only the nodes which have not contributed to the conveying of a recording request respond to the announcement message.