Logical Hierarchy for Network Resource Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ad-hoc routing schemes in dynamic, heterogeneous networks are inefficient due to 'blind' forwarding of packets without consideration of next-hop nodes' processing and communication capabilities, leading to suboptimal network utilization, throughput, and latency.
Innovation Solution
A system that groups nodes based on characteristic-metric values and constructs a logical hierarchy to facilitate informed traffic forwarding, allowing nodes to select suitable next-hop nodes within their access group or higher hierarchy levels based on policies, optimizing resource allocation and packet flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ad-hoc routing schemes are used to allow any node to forward packets, then network flexibility is improved, but network utilization deteriorates due to blind forwarding without knowledge of next-hop capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having nodes proactively discover and evaluate the capabilities of their neighbors before actual data transmission occurs. Nodes perform capability discovery, metric calculation, and access group assignment in advance, so that when forwarding is needed, the decision can be made efficiently based on pre-collected information about processing power, memory capacity, signal-detection strength, and other characteristics of potential next-hop nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of access groups and logical hierarchies that mediate between the sender and potential next-hop nodes. Instead of direct blind forwarding, the sender uses the access group structure as an intermediary to identify suitable next-hop nodes. This intermediary layer provides the knowledge needed to make informed forwarding decisions while maintaining the ad-hoc flexibility of allowing any node to potentially forward packets.
2Ease of operation
If nodes blindly forward packets to any neighbor, then forwarding simplicity is improved, but packet loss increases due to unsuitable next-hop selection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the forwarding decision process from a simple topological choice to a parameter-based selection. Nodes evaluate multiple parameters including processing power, memory capacity, signal-detection strength, battery power, and transmission range when selecting next-hop nodes. The access group assignment based on capability metrics and the logical hierarchy construction enable forwarding decisions to be made based on these parameters while maintaining relatively simple operation through pre-computed group memberships.
3Loss of information
If flooding is used to learn neighbor information, then network knowledge is improved, but energy consumption and network traffic increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by having nodes discover and learn information only about their immediate neighbors rather than attempting to learn about all nodes in the network. The capability discovery process is localized to direct neighbors, and this partial knowledge is sufficient for making forwarding decisions. Nodes use this localized information to construct access groups and logical hierarchies, avoiding the excessive energy consumption and network traffic that would result from attempting to learn complete network topology through flooding.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates improved resource allocation in a network. During operation, the system determines one or more metrics value for a node based on a characteristic of the node and assigns nodes within the network to access groups based on each node's characteristic-metric value and a grouping policy. The system further constructs a logical hierarchy of access groups based on the characteristic-metric values of the nodes within each access group. Additionally, the system allows a node to forward traffic to a next-hop node identified within an access group on a logical hierarchy level, thereby facilitating better resource allocation in the network.