Mesh Network Configuration via Geographic Node Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mesh networks face challenges in managing packet routing and minimizing performance issues due to hidden nodes, which cause packet collisions, leading to sub-optimal performance.
Innovation Solution
The system uses geographic information from GPS and GIS data to determine configuration data, including transmission power and frequency hopping parameters, to optimize packet routing and channel allocation, thereby minimizing collisions and enhancing network performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If mesh networks use peer radio devices without cabling to reduce infrastructure costs and simplify deployment, then ease of manufacture and ease of operation are improved, but packet routing management complexity and performance coordination become significantly more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a headend system as an intermediary that centralizes the management of configuration data for mesh network nodes. The headend receives packets from nodes, references geographic information to determine appropriate configuration parameters, and communicates configuration data back to nodes. This mediator approach simplifies routing management by consolidating control functions externally rather than requiring complex distributed routing logic in each peer device.
2Reliability
If mesh networks rely on distributed peer-to-peer communication to improve network resilience and eliminate single points of failure, then reliability is improved, but coordination of packet routing and channel allocation becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mesh network management functions by separating control plane operations from data plane operations. The headend handles control functions such as configuration data generation and distribution, while individual nodes handle data forwarding and local packet routing. This segmentation allows the network to maintain distributed resilience for data transmission while centralizing coordination tasks to simplify routing management.
3Reliability
If mesh networks use dynamic channel allocation and frequency hopping to mitigate hidden node problems and reduce packet collisions, then packet transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the headend pre-determine configuration data including channel assignments and frequency hopping parameters based on geographic information before nodes engage in data transmission. Nodes receive these pre-configured parameters and use them directly without performing complex real-time calculations or dynamic negotiations, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining transmission reliability through proactive collision avoidance.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes receiving packets from a group of nodes configured to operate in a mesh network; referencing geographic information associated with the group of nodes; evaluating a subset of the group of nodes within a particular geographic area; determining a global positioning system (GPS) location and a relative location associated with the subset of the group of nodes; determining configuration data for the subset of the group of the nodes; and communicating the configuration data to the subset of the group of nodes.