LPWAN Node Signal Quality Assessment via Mobile Mediator
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Solution Overview
Problem
In low-power wide-area networks (LPWANs), existing methods for determining signal strength between nodes and gateways are impractical due to the remote or inaccessible locations of nodes, often requiring physical connection via cables, which is challenging especially in rural or signal-blocking environments.
Innovation Solution
A method using a mobile electronic device to detect proximity to nodes by LPWAN signals, transmit control signals to request quality-of-signal data, and display this data via a user interface, allowing for remote assessment and adjustment of signal strength without physical contact, including storing historical data and introducing additional routing nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a test device is connected to the node via a cable to check signal strength, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the need for physical access to the node
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile electronic device as an intermediary that wirelessly communicates with the node to request and display quality-of-signal data. This mediator eliminates the need for direct cable connection between the test device and node, allowing remote signal quality assessment while maintaining measurement capabilities through wireless data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with a wireless communication system. Instead of physically connecting test devices to nodes via cables, the system uses wireless transmission of quality-of-signal data from nodes to mobile electronic devices, eliminating the need for mechanical connectors and physical access.
2Adaptability or versatility
If nodes are placed in remote or inaccessible locations to expand network coverage, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of repair deteriorates due to difficulty in accessing nodes for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile electronic device serves as a mediator that enables remote maintenance operations. Technicians can use the mobile device to wirelessly access nodes, retrieve quality-of-signal data, and assess signal quality without needing to physically travel to remote or inaccessible locations, thereby facilitating ease of repair while maintaining expanded network coverage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If nodes are placed in signal-blocking environments to provide coverage in dense areas, then the adaptability is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to poor or non-existent signal quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where nodes transmit quality-of-signal data back to mobile electronic devices for display and assessment. This feedback loop allows users to monitor signal quality in real-time, identify areas with poor signal reliability, and make informed decisions about node placement or configuration to improve performance in signal-blocking environments.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and remote checking and adjustment of signal quality between nodes and gateways, facilitating installation and maintenance in hard-to-reach locations without the need for physical contact or cable connections.
Implementation Method 1
detecting proximity of the respective node to a mobile electronic device by detecting an LPWAN signal of the respective node above a predetermined threshold value with the mobile electronic device
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a method of determining the strength of a signal between a node (1011, 1012, 101N) and a gateway (107) in a low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) (1). The method at least comprises detecting proximity of the respective node (1011) to a mobile electronic device (202) by detecting an LPWAN signal of the respective node above a predetermined threshold value with the mobile electronic device (202), transmitting (I) a control signal (201) from the mobile electronic device (202) to the respective node (1011) requesting quality-of-signal data (106) from the respective node (1011), the quality-of-signal data (106) representing the strength of the signal between the respective node (1011) and the gateway (107), transmitting (II) the quality-of-signal data (106) from the respective node (1011) to the mobile electronic device (202), and displaying the quality-of-signal data (106) via a user interface (203) of the mobile electronic device (202). This allows a user of the mobile electronic device to check the signal quality of the node without having to come into physical contact with the node, for example by connecting a test device to the node via a cable. Thus the signal quality of the node can be checked even if it is in a remote or inaccessible location. The invention also provides a mobile electronic device for use with an LPWAN to check the signal quality of the node, a node for use in an LPWAN which can be checked in this manner, an LPWAN comprising such a node, and a computer program product or a program code or system for operating such a mobile electronic device or for operating such a node.