LoRa Gateway Synchronization via Server-Mediated Beacon Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
LoRa network gateways, especially those indoors or temporarily out of range of GPS signals, face challenges in synchronization, leading to disruptions in beacon transmission and communication efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method where a gateway without synchronization means requests assistance from a nearby gateway with synchronization capabilities, receiving synchronization frames to determine beacon transmission times, allowing it to synchronize its beacon transmissions with other class B gateways in the network without additional hardware like GPS modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS synchronization means are installed in all gateways, then synchronization reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary that coordinates synchronization between gateways. Instead of each gateway independently using GPS, the server receives synchronization requests, selects appropriate reference gateways, and manages the synchronization process centrally, reducing the need for GPS modules in every gateway
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies of synchronization capability through software-based synchronization protocols. Gateways without GPS modules can obtain synchronization information through communication with reference gateways via the server, effectively copying the synchronization function without duplicating the GPS hardware
2Measurement precision
If GPS modules are added to all gateways, then synchronization precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the server universal by giving it multiple functions: it acts as a central coordinator, a synchronization manager, and a relay for synchronization information. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for expensive GPS hardware in each gateway while maintaining synchronization precision through software-based protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, permanent GPS hardware modules with cheaper, software-based synchronization protocols that can be deployed and updated remotely. The synchronization capability becomes a software feature rather than a hardware requirement, significantly reducing manufacturing costs
3Adaptability or versatility
If gateways use independent GPS synchronization, then synchronization autonomy is improved, but adaptability to environments without GPS coverage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the synchronization system into hierarchical levels: reference gateways that maintain GPS synchronization and non-reference gateways that obtain synchronization through the server. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different environmental conditions - GPS-available areas use reference gateways, while GPS-denied areas use server-mediated synchronization
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for synchronising a first gateway of a LoRa network, intended for allowing the first gateway to operate according to the Class B communication mode of the LoRaWAN protocol. The method relies on at least one reception (50) of a synchronisation frame by the first gateway, each synchronisation frame having been transmitted (49) by a second Class B gateway of the LoRa network, provided with synchronisation means and designated by a server. The first gateway uses the time at which it receives each of the synchronisation frames it receives to synchronise (51) beacon transmissions, used to implement the Class B communication mode, with beacon transmissions carried out by other Class B gateways of the LoRa network.