LoRa Frame Singularization via Counter and Index Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low-power wireless communication networks, such as LoRa, face challenges in distinguishing and preventing retransmitted frames, which can lead to data pollution and overload, potentially causing issues like over-billing or inappropriate medical treatment due to the limited capacity of counters used for frame identification.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a counter and an additional index in frames transmitted by connected objects, where the counter is incremented and the index is modified upon reset, making each frame unique and difficult for malicious users to reproduce, thereby facilitating detection and blocking of retransmissions without reducing the lifespan of connected objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a counter is used for frame identification, then frame uniqueness is improved, but the counter resets rapidly due to limited dimension, reducing the lifespan of connected devices
Solution Approach 1:
The frame identification mechanism is segmented into two independent components: a counter (FCnt) and an additional index (IS). The counter handles sequential frame identification within a connection, while the additional index provides long-term uniqueness across multiple connections and counter cycles. This segmentation allows each component to have optimized dimensions for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between short-term identification reliability and long-term device lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a single-dimensional counter to a two-dimensional identification space by introducing the additional index as a second dimension. The counter operates in one dimension (sequential frames), while the additional index operates in another dimension (connection instances), creating a combined identification space that vastly extends the unique frame identification capacity without limiting device lifespan.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the counter dimension is increased to extend lifespan, then device lifespan is improved, but frame size and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than increasing the counter dimension alone, the solution segments the identification function into two smaller components with optimized sizes. The counter maintains its standard small dimension for efficient processing, while the additional index uses a compact representation that together provides sufficient uniqueness without excessive frame size or processing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution changes the identification parameters from a single large counter to two smaller parameters (counter + additional index). This parameter transformation maintains the mathematical space required for long-term uniqueness while reducing individual parameter sizes, thereby lowering processing complexity and frame overhead compared to a single large counter.
3Reliability
If additional identification elements are added to frames, then frame uniqueness is improved, but network overhead and processing load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The additional index uses a minimal number of bits (e.g., 32 bits) which is sufficient when combined with the counter to provide unique identification across the device's entire lifespan, without adding excessive overhead. This partial action approach adds just enough identification capacity to resolve retransmission issues without proportionally increasing network data volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transforms the identification approach by changing from a single large parameter to two smaller parameters, where the additional index is carefully sized to provide the necessary uniqueness while minimizing network overhead. The combined parameter space (counter + additional index) achieves the required uniqueness with less total data transmission than a single large counter would require.
4Reliability
If retransmitted frames are allowed, then network robustness is improved, but data pollution and server overload occur
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving end (gateway or server) uses feedback based on the counter and additional index values to detect retransmitted frames. By comparing received frame identifiers against previously processed identifiers, the system provides feedback to identify and block duplicate frames, maintaining network robustness while preventing data pollution from retransmissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The counter and additional index are preliminarily configured in each frame before transmission, enabling the receiving end to perform preliminary checks to detect retransmissions before processing. This preliminary action prevents retransmitted frames from entering the processing pipeline, blocking data pollution at the entry point while maintaining network robustness.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to the singularisation of frames to be transmitted by a connected object and the blocking of the frames retransmitted over a low-power wireless communication network, and in which the connected objects use LoRa technology (registered trademark). One aim of the invention is a method for singularisation of frames to be transmitted by an object connected to a server via a low-power wireless communication network, the singularisation method comprising an integration, in a frame to be transmitted identifying the transmitting connected object and comprising useful data, of at least: · a counter capable of being incremented as a function of the frame to be transmitted, the counter having a predefined size; and · an additional index which can be modified when the counter is reset to zero. Thus, two frames coming from the same object with the same useful data will be unique since they will have at least one distinct counter and/or additional index. The use of the additional index makes it possible, without reducing the useful life of the connected object, to singularise a larger number of frames.