Minimalistic Connected Objects Network Architecture for IoT Scalability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current IoT network architectures face scalability issues due to excessive complexity and resource constraints, leading to exponential growth in overall system complexity as functionality increases, making it difficult to manage large-scale Low-Power and Lossy Networks (LLNs) effectively.
Innovation Solution
The proposed network architecture introduces Minimalistic Connected Objects (MCOs) with limited intelligence, Distributed Intelligence Agents (DIAs) hosted on edge devices, and Central Intelligence Controllers (CICs) to manage complex tasks, shifting intelligence from constrained devices to more capable edge routers, thereby reducing complexity and enhancing scalability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sophisticated networking protocols are implemented on constrained devices to handle QoS, routing, and traffic engineering, then device functionality and intelligence are improved, but device complexity and resource consumption increase exponentially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the networking intelligence into three distinct layers: Minimalistic Connected Objects (MCOs) at the edge with basic functionality, Distributed Intelligence Agents (DIAs) at network nodes for intermediate processing, and Central Intelligence Controllers (CICs) for centralized management. This segmentation allows each layer to have appropriate complexity levels, resolving the contradiction between device functionality and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces Distributed Intelligence Agents (DIAs) as intermediary components that mediate between MCOs and the core network. DIAs handle complex networking tasks such as routing, QoS, and traffic engineering, allowing MCOs to remain simple while still providing sophisticated network capabilities. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by offloading complexity from constrained devices to intermediate agents.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more functionality is added to smart connected objects, then application capabilities are improved, but scalability of the network deteriorates due to exponential growth in system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the system into MCOs with minimal functionality and DIAs/CICs with advanced capabilities. This segmentation allows the network to scale efficiently because MCOs remain simple and uniform, while complexity is concentrated in the DIA and CIC layers that can be replicated and managed centrally, thus improving network scalability while maintaining application capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent shifts the complexity from the device dimension (MCOs) to the network dimension (DIAs and CICs). By moving intelligence from individual constrained devices to network-level agents, the system achieves both rich application capabilities and network scalability, as the complexity is managed at a different organizational level.
3Power
If constrained devices perform complex application-specific data processing, then processing capability is improved, but resource consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts complex data processing functionality from constrained MCOs and places it in DIAs and CICs that have sufficient computational resources. MCOs are left with only basic sensing and data collection functions, while complex processing is performed by external agents, thereby reducing resource consumption at the edge while maintaining processing capability at the network level.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a network architecture comprises minimalistic connected objects (MCOs), distributed intelligence agents (DIAs), and central intelligence controllers (CICs). MCOs have limited intelligence sufficient to perform their respective designated task, securely join computer networks, and provide nominal state information. The MCOs are not configured to perform complex application-specific data processing, or complex networking tasks, such as making QoS decisions, participating in CAC operations, providing TE services, executing sophisticated reliability protocols, or extrapolating network management information. DIAs are configured to provide a computer network edge for the MCOs, and are responsible for intelligent networking management and for performing complex application-specific data processing for the MCOs. CICs operate within the computer network and are in communication with the DIAs to perform complex tasks for overarching control of MCO/DIA operation, and are also configured to provide one or more interfaces to receive a set of user-defined rules for MCO/DIA operation.