Mesh Network Path Cost Function for Power Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mesh networks, high power consumption by stations acting as repeaters leads to battery drain and unnecessary interference, affecting network stability and quality of service.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a cost function that considers the transmitting power level and battery level to determine the most efficient path, reducing power output where possible and proactively managing signal strength to maintain connection quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a station transmits at high power output to provide high signal quality, then signal quality is improved, but power consumption increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the transmitting power parameter based on actual network conditions, distance to destination, and battery level. Instead of using fixed high power output, the system changes the power parameter adaptively to achieve adequate signal quality while minimizing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by transmitting at just sufficient power levels rather than maximum power. The cost function determines the minimum necessary power output required to maintain acceptable signal quality, avoiding excessive power transmission that would drain the battery unnecessarily.
2Length of moving object
If a station transmits at high power output to extend transmission range, then transmission range is improved, but interference in the mesh network increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adjusting transmission power according to the specific requirements of each communication link and station pair. Instead of uniform high power transmission across the network, each station transmits at the appropriate power level needed for its specific distance and environmental conditions, reducing overall network interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transmits at partial power levels sufficient for the required range rather than maximum power. The cost function calculates the minimum power needed to reach the destination with adequate signal quality, thereby extending necessary range while minimizing harmful interference to other network communications.
3Reliability
If a station acts as a repeater for other stations' communications, then network connectivity is improved, but battery of the repeating station drains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates battery level considerations into the path selection cost function in advance, before the station commits to repeating communications. By evaluating battery status upfront in the cost calculation, the system proactively selects paths that preserve battery life while maintaining network connectivity, rather than reacting after battery depletion occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the path selection parameters based on battery level. When battery level is low, the cost function favors paths that require less power for repetition, potentially routing through other stations with higher battery levels, thus maintaining connectivity while conserving the limited battery resource.
4Use of energy by moving object
If a station reduces power output to conserve battery, then power consumption is reduced, but signal quality may become inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring signal quality metrics (such as RSSI) and adjusting transmitting power accordingly. The cost function incorporates signal quality thresholds, and when quality falls below acceptable levels, the system increases power output to restore adequate signal strength, ensuring reliability while minimizing unnecessary power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by transmitting at the minimum power level sufficient to maintain adequate signal quality rather than using fixed high power. The cost function determines the precise power threshold needed for acceptable signal quality, using just enough power to meet the requirement without excessive consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A station (100, 330) for use in a mesh network comprising at least one first station (100a) and a second station (100b) wherein the station comprises a controller (210) configured to receive a path request for a path from the first station (100a) to the second station (100b) from a transmitting station (100a); determine a proposed path between the first station (100a) and the second station (100b); and determine a cost for the proposed path. The controller (210) is configured to retrieve a power output level for the transmitting station (100a), and to include the battery level in the determination of the cost for the proposed path, wherein an increase in power output level leads to an increase in cost for the proposed path.