Mesh Network MPR Selection Using Collision Metrics
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing OLSR protocol for mesh networks faces inefficiencies in selecting multipoint relay (MPR) nodes, leading to suboptimal performance due to unnecessary redundancy and collisions during network neighborhood discovery messages.
Innovation Solution
A method where each node calculates a collision metric based on detected collisions and neighboring nodes, normalizes it, and compares it with neighboring nodes to determine suitability as an MPR, with the node with the highest metric being elected as an exclusive relay for topology information propagation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the OLSR protocol uses multiple multipoint relay nodes to cover all two-hop neighbors, then the network coverage and reliability are improved, but the number of relay nodes increases causing unnecessary redundancy and increased collision probability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the selection parameter from simple topological coverage to a metric-based selection that considers collision probability. Each node calculates a metric representing its suitability as MPR, taking into account both coverage capability and collision risk, then selects the node with the optimal metric value.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional geometric/topological selection mechanism with a metric-based selection mechanism. Instead of purely topological considerations, the system uses calculated metrics that incorporate collision detection data to determine MPR selection.
2Reliability
If more nodes are selected as multipoint relays to ensure complete coverage, then the reliability of topology information propagation is improved, but the network overhead and redundancy increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a metric parameter that quantifies the suitability of each node for MPR role, replacing the simple coverage-based selection. This metric allows the network to achieve adequate coverage with fewer nodes by selecting only those with optimal characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
Each node autonomously calculates its own metric and makes its own MPR declaration based on its measurements and comparisons with neighbors, eliminating the need for complex centralized selection and reducing overall network overhead.
3Speed
If nodes use a shared transmission resource for broadcasting discovery messages, then the network responsiveness to transmission condition changes is improved, but collisions on the medium increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces collision-free reserved resource allocation with a metric-based selection system that operates over the shared medium. Nodes detect collisions and use this information to calculate metrics that inherently account for medium conditions, selecting MPRs that minimize collision impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful collision phenomenon into useful information for MPR selection. By detecting and measuring collisions, the system identifies nodes that are better suited for relay duties, turning a problematic side effect into a selection criterion.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a communication method in a communication system comprising communication nodes forming a mesh network in which each node periodically transmits, via a shared transmission resource accessible to all the nodes, an adjacent network discovery message to said adjacent nodes, in order to detect the links that interconnect them, each node listening to the medium used to hold the shared transmission resource in order to determine whether said medium is free, nodes of a subassembly of the mesh network nodes being used as exclusive relays for the propagation of topological data distribution messages, characterized by the steps involving, for each node: detecting collisions with the medium while listening; the calculation of a metrics from the number of collisions detected; writing the metrics in a first field of the adjacent network detection message that the node transmits; receiving the adjacent network detection message originating from the adjacent nodes thereof; comparing the metrics thereof to the metrics of the adjacent nodes thereof; and adding a node to said subassembly depending on the result of the comparison.