Beacon Scheduling for Mesh Networks Using Super Frame Segmentation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The IEEE802.15.4 MAC standard does not support mesh network structures in beacon enabled mode, leading to inefficiencies due to beacon collision and increased algorithm processing delay, as it only supports tree network structures and lacks a method for scheduling beacons in mesh networks.

Innovation Solution

A beacon scheduling method that uses a distribution method to select a super frame for beacon transmission based on received beacon allocation information from neighboring nodes, avoiding collisions by delaying transmission and using an offset value to prevent overlap, allowing for mesh network support without altering the conventional super frame structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a tree network structure is used with IEEE802.15.4 MAC beacon enabled mode, then the network can operate with scheduled beacons, but mesh network structure cannot be supported

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork structure supportVSAvoidnetwork structure limitation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The beacon interval is divided into multiple super frames, each capable of carrying beacon transmissions. This segmentation allows different nodes to transmit beacons in different super frames, enabling mesh network support while maintaining the beacon enabled mode structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a temporal dimension by allowing multiple super frames within a beacon interval. Nodes can select different super frames for beacon transmission based on their network position and requirements, adding flexibility beyond the traditional single-beacon-per-interval approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If beacon collision avoidance is performed in upper layer, then mesh network can operate, but algorithm processing delay increases and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeacon collision avoidanceVSAvoidalgorithm processing delay

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Nodes perform preliminary beacon allocation by selecting specific super frames for beacon transmission based on their network position and received beacon allocation information from neighbors. This advance planning prevents collisions without requiring complex real-time upper layer algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Each node autonomously selects its beacon transmission super frame based on local information and simple rules, without requiring complex centralized coordination or upper layer intervention. This self-service approach reduces processing delay while maintaining collision avoidance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Area of stationary object

If multiple nodes transmit beacons simultaneously in mesh network, then network coverage is improved, but beacon collision occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork coverageVSAvoidbeacon collision

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The beacon transmission opportunity is segmented into multiple super frames within each beacon interval. Nodes that would otherwise collide can transmit in different super frames, allowing simultaneous operation of multiple nodes while preventing collisions through temporal separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9031007B2Super frame structure and beacon scheduling method for mesh networking

Publication Date: 2015.05.12 ELECTRONICS & TELECOMM RES INST

AI summary

A super frame structure supporting a mesh network, and a beacon scheduling method. The super frame structure and the beacon scheduling method may support a mesh topology in a beacon enabled mode, may have an algorithm that is simple and easily realized via beacon scheduling using a distribution method, and may easily adapt to changes in a network environment.