Mains Powered Proxy for Battery Powered Network Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery-powered devices in communication networks face reduced battery life due to communication requirements specified by network protocols, which is unsustainable for devices expected to operate for extended periods without recharging.
Innovation Solution
Employing a mains powered device as a proxy to communicate on behalf of battery powered devices, thereby reducing the need for frequent data transmissions and maintaining network connectivity without depleting battery power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If battery powered devices transmit data periodically according to network protocol requirements, then network connectivity is maintained, but battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A mains powered device acts as an intermediary or proxy between the battery powered device and the network. The proxy maintains network connectivity by transmitting data on behalf of the battery powered device, allowing the actual device to remain in low-power sleep mode while still participating in the network through the intermediary's periodic transmissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication function is segmented between two devices: the battery powered device that generates data and the mains powered proxy that handles network communications. This segmentation allows the battery powered device to focus only on data generation while the proxy manages all network interactions, reducing its power consumption burden.
2Adaptability or versatility
If battery powered devices increase communication ability to support differing protocols, then protocol compatibility is improved, but battery consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mains powered proxy device assumes the role of a universal communication adapter that handles multiple network protocols. Instead of requiring each battery powered device to support multiple protocols independently, the proxy provides multi-protocol capability centrally, allowing battery powered devices to communicate with diverse networks through a single interface.
3Duration of action of moving object
If battery powered devices remain in low power mode to conserve energy, then battery life is extended, but network participation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The proxy serves as an active intermediary that maintains network participation on behalf of the battery powered device. While the actual device remains in low-power mode, the proxy continuously monitors network conditions, receives data, and transmits it periodically, ensuring the device remains actively participating in the network without consuming significant power.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for employing a Mains Powered Device as a proxy for communicating on behalf of a Battery Powered Device are described herein. In some examples, the Mains Powered Device may be a parent node to the Battery Powered Device in a network which operates using a Routing Protocol for Low-Power and Lossy Networks (RPL). The Mains Powered Device may detect and/or forward a Destination Advertisement Object (DAO) transmitted from the Battery Powered Device to a DODAG root of the network, and begin to perform subsequent transmission of DAOs on behalf of the Battery Powered Device. In this way, the Mains Powered Device updates a routing table of the DODAG root periodically to include an indication of the Battery Powered Device as existing in the network, while extending the battery life of the Battery Powered Device by transmitting DAOs on behalf of the Battery Powered Device.