IoT Relay Service via Mobile Device for Single-RAT Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
IoT objects with a single uplink Radio Access Technology (RAT) face reliability issues due to the lack of redundant connectivity paths, making them prone to communication failures.
Innovation Solution
A method is implemented to manage IoT objects with a single active RAT by establishing a relay connection through a hub of a local network, using user equipment to detect connectivity loss and set up a relay path between the IoT object and the data network, ensuring continuous connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple RATs are provided in a device to achieve high reliability connectivity, then reliability is improved, but device cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
A mobile device acts as an intermediary relay between the IoT object and the data network. The relay device establishes a wireless connection to the IoT object using the single RAT and forwards data packets to the data network through its own network connection, thereby providing reliable connectivity without requiring the IoT object to have multiple RATs.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution shifts from horizontal diversification (multiple RATs at the IoT object level) to vertical layering (relay architecture). Instead of adding multiple communication technologies at the same level, the system introduces an intermediate layer that bridges the single-RAT IoT object to the network, effectively adding a dimensional layer to the communication path.
2Device complexity
If a single RAT is used in IoT objects to reduce cost, then device cost is reduced, but connectivity reliability deteriorates due to lack of redundant paths
Solution Approach 1:
The relay device serves as a mediator that compensates for the lack of redundancy in the IoT object. By positioning the relay between the single-RAT IoT object and the network, the system provides alternative communication paths without requiring changes to the IoT object's hardware configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay device autonomously monitors the connectivity status of the IoT object and automatically establishes relay connections when failures are detected. The system performs self-diagnosis and self-repair functions, detecting connectivity loss and initiating relay mode without external intervention.
3Reliability
If relay connection is established to provide alternate path, then connectivity reliability is improved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The relay device continuously monitors connectivity status and uses feedback signals to determine when to switch between direct and relay communication modes. When the IoT object loses direct network connectivity, the relay device detects this through feedback mechanisms and automatically activates the relay path, maintaining seamless communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication architecture dynamically adapts between direct connection mode and relay connection mode based on real-time network conditions. The system can flexibly switch between these modes, making the network topology dynamic rather than static, which allows reliability improvement without permanent structural complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for managing an Internet of Things object having a single active Radio Access Technology for communication with a data network via a hub of a local network. The method comprises: receiving, by a service provider server connected to the data network, information indicating a loss of connectivity between the Internet of Things object and the data network via the hub; and establishing, by the service provider server, a relay connection between the Internet of Things object and the data network, connectivity between the Internet of Things object and the data network being restored via the relay connection.