Mesh Network Node Repair via Dynamic Topology Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication networks face challenges in building automation due to structural barriers that deflect or cause interference with radio frequency signals, leading to reduced quality and reliability, while wired networks are costly and inflexible.
Innovation Solution
A mesh network system that uses a discovery node to sense changes in topology, transmit explore frames, and determine functional network routes, allowing for reliable and flexible communication by routing signals through multiple nodes and updating network topology dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless communication networks are used in building automation, then flexibility and ease of installation are improved, but reliability and quality are worsened due to structural barriers and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The network is divided into multiple nodes that can independently route signals around obstacles. Each node acts as an independent communication unit, allowing the network to segment around structural barriers rather than requiring a direct line-of-sight connection, thus maintaining reliability while preserving wireless installation flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
Intermediary nodes are introduced to relay communications between source and destination nodes. These intermediate nodes receive and forward signals, enabling communication to bypass structural barriers and interference zones, thereby improving reliability without compromising the wireless ease of installation
2Reliability
If wired networks are used in building automation, then reliability and stability are improved, but cost and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh network automatically performs route discovery and topology management without requiring manual configuration. Nodes self-organize into functional routes when changes occur in the network, eliminating the need for complex wired installation while maintaining reliable communication through automatic adaptation
3Area of stationary object
If wireless signals are transmitted through structural barriers, then coverage area is improved, but signal quality and reliability are worsened due to deflection and interference
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of transmitting signals directly through barriers, the network segments the transmission path into multiple hops through intermediate nodes. This allows coverage to extend beyond direct line-of-sight while maintaining signal quality by relaying through nodes with clear reception paths, avoiding the deflection and interference caused by structural barriers
Data Source
AI summary
In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for sensing a change in a network topology using a discovery node in a mesh network; transmitting an explore frame, based at least in part on the sensed change, from the discovery node to a destination node using an intermediate node; receiving a response to the explore frame from the destination node; determining at least one functional network route from the discovery node to the destination node based at least in part on route information received in association with the response to the explore frame, wherein the route information includes a node path; and transmitting an instruction to the destination node from the discovery node based on a reverse node path.