Wireless Mesh Network Fast Active Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless mesh network protocols face challenges in balancing power consumption and latency, particularly in low-power, battery-operated devices, as globally activated fast active schedules waste power in nodes not benefiting from increased traffic and introduce unnecessary latency due to synchronized communication schedules.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a demand-based routing mechanism where the message buffer queue parameter (BQ#) is included in network message headers, allowing nodes to locally adjust their traffic capacity and schedule based on unmet message demand, enabling selective activation of fast active schedules only where needed, reducing power consumption and latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a global fast active schedule is activated to reduce latency and increase traffic capacity, then network responsiveness improves, but power consumption increases in all nodes including those not benefiting from the increased traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by allowing individual nodes to independently activate fast active schedules based on their own traffic demands. Each node monitors its message buffer queue depth and selectively activates fast scheduling only when local demand exceeds a threshold, rather than globally activating fast schedules for all nodes. This ensures that only nodes experiencing high traffic demands consume the additional power required for fast scheduling, while other nodes maintain lower power consumption modes.
2Use of energy by moving object
If duty cycling is used to reduce average power consumption, then battery life extends, but network latency increases due to synchronized On/Off schedules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the duty cycle configurable and adaptable at each node based on real-time traffic conditions. Nodes can dynamically adjust their duty cycle parameters, transitioning between low-power modes and fast active schedules as needed. This dynamic adjustment allows nodes to optimize the trade-off between power consumption and latency response based on current network conditions and traffic demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes periodic action through duty cycling where nodes alternate between active and sleep states in periodic cycles. By configuring appropriate duty cycle periods and activation thresholds, the system achieves periodic low-power operation interspersed with bursts of high-speed communication when traffic demands require it, balancing power savings with responsive data transmission.
3Stability of the object's composition
If pre-determined time slots and channels are assigned for communication to enable regular message delivery, then network stability improves, but flexibility to adapt to changing traffic demands decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple active schedules with different characteristics (fast and slow schedules, different time slots and channels) before network operation begins. These pre-determined schedules provide a stable foundation for regular message delivery. When traffic demands change, nodes can selectively activate appropriate pre-configured schedules without requiring real-time negotiation or reconfiguration, thus maintaining stability while adapting to varying traffic conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless mesh network is formed by nodes having a regular active schedule for transmitting and receiving messages, and a fast active schedule mode that is locally activated when a demand exists for transmission of a larger number of messages. As each node transmits a message to another node, the transmitting node includes a message buffer queue parameter that indicates the number of messages in the transmitting nodes, pending message queue. The receiving node determines, based upon the message buffer queue parameter received and its own capacity, whether to continue on the regular schedule, or to activate the fast active schedule. If the fast active schedule is activated, the receiving node sends a special acknowledge message back to the sending node, so that both nodes will transmit and receive messages over a fast active schedule link until the message buffer of the sending node has been reduced and the fast active schedule can be deactivated in favor of the regular active schedule.