IoT Connection Triggering via Network Online Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing low-power IoT devices is challenging due to inefficient communication methods that waste power or cause delays, such as frequent check-ins draining battery life or unknown device availability, especially when the IoT devices are not connected to a mains electricity supply.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that integrates with telecommunications networks to detect when low-power IoT devices come online, obtaining their IP addresses, and sends a push signal to establish communication, reducing redundant attempts and optimizing battery usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the management server contacts the IoT device frequently to check for communication needs, then the device can be managed in real-time, but the device battery is drained quickly due to frequent wake-ups and communications
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of the management server actively polling the IoT device for status updates (traditional approach), the system inverts the communication initiative by having the mobile network notify the management server when the device comes online. This allows real-time management capability while minimizing device wake-ups and battery consumption, as the device only needs to establish connection when necessary rather than responding to frequent polling requests.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile network acts as an intermediary between the IoT device and the management server. The network monitors device online status and pushes notifications to the server without requiring the device to actively communicate its status. This mediator approach enables efficient device management while keeping the low-power device in sleep mode longer, reducing battery consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the management server waits for the IoT device to come online before communicating, then battery power is conserved, but communication delays occur when management operations are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the mobile network continuously monitors IoT device online status and provides real-time notifications to the management server when status changes occur. This feedback loop allows the server to immediately initiate communication when the device is available, eliminating waiting delays while maintaining battery conservation by not polling the device unnecessarily.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile network performs preliminary monitoring of device online status in advance, so when the device comes online, the management server is already notified and ready to communicate immediately. This preliminary action by the network eliminates the delay between device availability and communication initiation, while the device itself remains in low-power state.
3Ease of operation
If the management server sends communication requests without knowing device online status, then communication can be initiated anytime, but power is wasted on unsuccessful communication attempts
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile network serves as an intermediary that provides accurate device online status information to the management server before communication attempts. This allows the server to flexibly initiate communication when needed while ensuring requests are only sent when the device is actually online, preventing wasted power on unsuccessful attempts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the management server to self-service by providing it with real-time device availability information through network notifications. The server can autonomously decide when to initiate communication based on received online status updates, maintaining operational flexibility while avoiding energy waste through informed communication timing.
Data Source
AI summary
Described is an apparatus including a memory configured to store computer-readable instructions; and a processor configured to execute the computer-readable instructions which, when executed, cause the apparatus to: receive a device online indication indicative of a change of network status of an Internet of Things (IoT) device from an offline state to an online state; obtain an address of the IoT device in dependence on the change of network status of the IoT device from the offline state to the online state; and transmit a push signal to the IoT device using the address to establish communication between the apparatus and the IoT device. The apparatus facilitates improved communication with IoT devices, for example low power IoT devices.