Coordinated Mesh Network Handover for Tree Topologies
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mesh networks, individual node handovers lead to connectivity disruptions and inefficiencies, as nodes must rediscover access points, causing service disruptions and suboptimal radio resource management.
Innovation Solution
A coordinated handover method for trees of nodes, where information about the new access point and timing is forwarded to enable sequential or simultaneous switching, minimizing connectivity loss and optimizing radio resource management by determining the root node and selecting the new access point based on load, frequency, and service considerations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If individual nodes perform handover independently, then each node can switch access points autonomously, but connectivity breaks and service disruptions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges individual handover operations into a coordinated tree-based handover process. Instead of nodes switching independently, the root node initiates handover and downstream nodes follow in a coordinated manner, combining multiple independent actions into a unified operation that maintains connectivity throughout the transition.
Solution Approach 2:
The root node performs preliminary actions by determining the new access point and forwarding handover information to downstream nodes before the actual handover occurs. This preliminary coordination ensures that all nodes are prepared and connected to the new access point simultaneously, preventing connectivity breaks.
2Reliability
If nodes perform coordinated handover as a tree, then connectivity is maintained and service disruption is minimized, but handover coordination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the handover process into distinct roles: root node responsibilities (determining new access point, forwarding information) and downstream node responsibilities (receiving information, switching according to timing). This segmentation simplifies the coordination mechanism by assigning clear, differentiated tasks to different nodes rather than requiring complex peer-to-peer coordination among all nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The root node acts as an intermediary that coordinates the handover process for the entire tree. It receives handover information, determines the new access point, and distributes timing information to downstream nodes, thereby mediating the complex coordination task and reducing the overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If entire trees perform handover simultaneously, then connectivity loss is minimized, but radio resource management becomes suboptimal due to lack of coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the root node receives information about available access points and determines the optimal new access point based on radio resource conditions. The coordinated handover timing is adjusted based on this feedback, allowing the system to maintain connectivity while optimizing radio resource management by selecting access points with available capacity and appropriate frequency resources.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for performing a handover in a mesh network for a plurality of nodes (A, A′, B) of said mesh network from a first access point (AP1) to a second access point (AP2), whereas said plurality of nodes (A, A′, B) forms a tree of nodes, said tree comprising a root node (B) and one or more further nodes (A,A′) connected to said root node either directly or via intermediate nodes, and said handover being performed for said tree of nodes in a coordinated fashion, said method comprising:forwarding to said members of said tree (A, A′, B) information about said second access point (AP2) and timing information to enable a coordinated handover of said nodes of said tree;switching said root node (B) and said further (A,A′) nodes from said first access point to said second access point according to said timing information.