Mesh Network Channel Allocation via Neighbor Node Table

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Solution Overview

Problem

In mesh networks, the 'hidden terminal problem' occurs when multiple channels are used, causing interference as nodes switch channels without knowledge of neighboring nodes' channel usage, leading to inefficiencies in data transmission.

Innovation Solution

A method and system where each node manages a neighbor node table to track channel use states, updating it based on changes and sharing channel information through specific messages to determine channel availability and usage, allowing nodes to switch channels efficiently and avoid interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple channels are used in mesh network, then channel use efficiency is improved, but hidden terminal problem occurs causing interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel use efficiencyVSAvoiddata transmission reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by having nodes broadcast their intended channel usage information before actual data transmission occurs. Each node announces its planned channel switching schedule in advance, allowing neighboring nodes to prepare and avoid conflicting channel assignments, thus preventing the hidden terminal problem while maintaining multi-channel efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where nodes continuously monitor and report their channel usage status to neighbors. This feedback loop enables dynamic adjustment of channel assignments based on real-time conditions, ensuring that nodes switch channels coordinates and avoiding interference while maximizing channel utilization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If nodes switch channels without knowledge of neighboring nodes' channel usage, then channel flexibility is improved, but interference occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel switching flexibilityVSAvoidinterference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces intermediary messages that carry channel usage information between nodes. These intermediary communication packets serve as mediators that convey channel status and switching plans, enabling nodes to make informed channel switching decisions while maintaining flexibility and avoiding interference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If single channel is used, then hidden terminal problem is avoided, but channel use efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidchannel use efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the wireless spectrum into multiple channels and assigns them to different spatial groups of nodes. By dividing the network into segments that can operate on different channels simultaneously, the system achieves both reliability (avoiding hidden terminal problems within segments) and efficiency (utilizing multiple channels across the network)

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8144604B2Method and system for allocating multiple channels in a mesh network

Publication Date: 2012.03.27 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A method and system for establishing multiple channels between nodes each having a single radio interface in a mesh network supporting multiple channels are provided. Each node in the mesh network initially generates a neighbor node table, taking into account at least one traffic channel temporarily established for data transmission to a neighbor node. The neighbor node table is updated when a traffic channel is established for data transmission to the neighbor node, and the neighbor node table is updated according to channel use information of the neighbor node received from the neighbor node or channel use information of a node two hops away.