LoRaWAN Gateway Selection for Frame Collision Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In LoRaWAN networks, the transmission of multipoint frames to a group of terminals can result in collisions among multiple gateways, leading to a high risk of frame loss, particularly when all gateways within range are solicited to relay the same data, which is undesirable due to the inefficiency and potential data loss.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to select a subset of gateways based on communication quality information, calculating a metric that represents the risk of data loss due to collisions, and choosing the subset with the lowest risk, thereby reducing the number of gateways involved in data relaying to minimize collisions and ensure reliable data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If all gateways within range are solicited to relay multipoint frames, then coverage is improved, but the risk of frame loss due to collisions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical approach of broadcasting to all gateways with a selective gateway identification mechanism. The server identifies specific gateways capable of receiving multipoint frames by processing gateway identification information in uplink frames, substituting the brute-force approach with a targeted selection system that reduces collisions while maintaining coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different roles to different gateways based on their capabilities. Instead of treating all gateways uniformly, the system identifies and selects specific gateways that are suitable for receiving multipoint frames, creating a differentiated approach where each gateway's function is optimized to its local characteristics and capabilities.
2Reliability
If multiple gateways relay the same multipoint frame simultaneously, then redundancy is improved, but energy consumption increases and collisions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the unnecessary redundancy by selecting a specific subset of gateways rather than using all available gateways. By taking out only the essential gateways needed for reliable transmission, the system maintains adequate redundancy while eliminating the energy waste and collision risks associated with over-provisioning gateways.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using only the necessary number of gateways rather than all possible gateways. This selective approach provides sufficient redundancy for reliable transmission without the excessive energy consumption and collision risks that would result from involving all gateways in the network.
3Reliability
If a selective gateway method is implemented, then collision risk is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling gateways to self-identify their capabilities through the uplink frames they receive. The gateway identification information is automatically included in the uplink frame transmission process, allowing the system to self-organize and select appropriate gateways without requiring complex external coordination or management overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by having gateways pre-register their identification information and capabilities with the server before multipoint frame transmission occurs. This advance preparation allows the server to quickly identify suitable gateways when needed, reducing the complexity of real-time gateway selection while maintaining high reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for selecting at least one gateway from a set of gateways to relay data which are received from a server and intended for each terminal of a group of terminals, each terminal of the group communicating with the server via at least one gateway from the set of gateways, the group of terminals and the set of gateways forming a LoRa network, each gateway receiving data intended for at least one terminal which retransmits the data to each terminal for which the data are intended in a frame conforming to the LoRaWAN protocol. The method comprises: selecting a gateway subset from the set of gateways, thereby enabling the server to communicate with each terminal of the minimum-sized group, the selected subset minimising a risk that data transmitted by the server and relayed by each gateway of the subset may be lost due to collisions between frames relaying the data transmitted by the gateways of the subset.