Self-Healing IoT Network Coordinator Role Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless sensor networks lack redundancy, leading to network failures and data disruptions when the coordinator malfunctions, runs out of power, or is compromised by security hacks, as there is no mechanism for redundancy in IoT networks with mesh architectures.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a self-healing service with dynamic network role-switching between active and non-active coordinators, allowing for local or remote switching, where the active coordinator can switch roles with a non-active coordinator to ensure continuous network operation and data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single coordinator is used in the wireless sensor network, then the network structure is simple and easy to manage, but the network reliability deteriorates when the coordinator malfunctions, runs out of power, or is compromised by security hacks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating between active coordinator and non-active coordinator roles. The active coordinator performs coordination functions while non-active coordinators remain standby with identical capabilities, creating localized redundancy only where needed for reliability without duplicating the entire network structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring non-active coordinators in the network before failures occur. These non-active coordinators are positioned and prepared in advance, so when the active coordinator fails, the switch can happen immediately without needing to discover or configure new coordinator roles during the failure event
2Reliability
If redundancy is added to the network through multiple coordinators, then the network reliability improves, but the device complexity and difficulty of management increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the coordinator roles dynamic rather than static. The network can switch between active and non-active coordinator configurations based on operational needs and failure conditions. This dynamic role assignment allows the system to maintain simplicity during normal operation while providing redundancy when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating non-active coordinators that are identical copies of the active coordinator in terms of capabilities and functionality. These copies are maintained in standby mode, providing exact replicas that can immediately take over if the original fails, thus adding reliability without requiring complex differentiating features
3Ease of operation
If the active coordinator continuously monitors and manages the network, then the network management is effective, but the battery life of the coordinator deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by having non-active coordinators periodically monitor the active coordinator's health status and readiness. Instead of continuous monitoring that would drain the active coordinator's battery, the system uses periodic checks and has pre-positioned non-active coordinators ready to take over, thus reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective network management
4Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic network role-switching is implemented, then the network adaptability improves, but the complexity of coordination and control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the network to automatically perform role-switching operations without external intervention. When the active coordinator fails or needs to be replaced, the non-active coordinator automatically takes over the active role, and the network self-adjusts its configuration. This eliminates the need for complex external coordination mechanisms while maintaining high adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
A method, a device, and a non-transitory storage medium are provided to provide an active coordinator service in a sensor network, analyze maintenance information that indicates a battery level of a device, determine whether the device can continue to provide the active coordinator service; request maintenance information from another network device in the sensor network when the battery level does not satisfy a threshold level, determine whether the other network device can provide the active coordinator service based on its maintenance information, cease providing the active coordinator service when the other network device can provide the active coordinator service, in which a long-range wireless communication interface is turned off, and enable an IoT service that includes turning on a sensor, generating sensor information, and transmitting the sensor information to the other network device.