Hybrid Network Manager Cost-Based Path Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hybrid communication networks fail to efficiently integrate cellular and WLAN technologies, as they do not account for the costs associated with ad-hoc network usage and the benefits of better cellular channel links, leading to suboptimal resource allocation and quality of service.
Innovation Solution
A method for managing a hybrid network that computes and compares the costs of direct and indirect connections using dual-mode mobile terminals, employing a centralized hybrid network manager to select the most cost-effective path for data transmission by considering the quality of both cellular and ad-hoc links, and optimizing the number of hops in the ad-hoc network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If ad-hoc network is used to extend coverage and improve connectivity, then coverage and connectivity are improved, but energy consumption and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a centralized hybrid network manager as an intermediary that coordinates between cellular and ad-hoc networks. This manager optimizes path selection and relay node assignment to extend coverage area while minimizing the energy consumption of ad-hoc terminals by intelligently managing which nodes act as relays and for how long.
2Reliability
If direct cellular connection is used, then connection reliability is improved, but coverage area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges cellular network infrastructure with ad-hoc network capabilities to create a hybrid network. This combination allows the system to maintain the reliability of direct cellular connections when available while extending coverage through ad-hoc relaying when users are outside cellular coverage zones.
Solution Approach 2:
Ad-hoc relay nodes serve as intermediaries that bridge the gap between users outside cellular coverage and the cellular network infrastructure. These relay terminals forward data packets, effectively extending the coverage area while maintaining connection reliability through the coordinated management of the hybrid network manager.
3Area of stationary object
If ad-hoc relaying is implemented to extend coverage, then coverage and connectivity are improved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized hybrid network manager acts as an intermediary that centralizes the complexity of managing ad-hoc relaying. It handles path selection, relay node assignment, and resource allocation, thereby extending coverage area while preventing the complexity from propagating to individual terminals and keeping the overall system manageable.
4Productivity
If more relay nodes are used in ad-hoc network, then coverage and throughput are improved, but operational costs and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid network manager implements feedback mechanisms to monitor the performance, energy consumption, and channel conditions of relay nodes. Based on this feedback, the manager dynamically adjusts relay node assignment and path selection to optimize network throughput while minimizing energy loss, ensuring that relay nodes are used efficiently and only when beneficial.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a method of managing a hybrid network including a cellular network and a local network wherein a number of dual mode mobile terminals are connectable to a base station of the cellular network through a direct cellular link and are also connectable, one with respect to the other, through the local network by a radio access technique. The method includes the steps of computing a cost associated with a direct connection established along a path (A) extending from a selected mobile terminal to the base station through the cellular link only, computing a cost (Ccg) associated with at least one indirect connection established along a path (B) extending from the selected mobile terminal to the base station through the local network and the cellular network, and selecting for data transmission the path that minimizes the cost.