Mesh Network Path Optimization via RTS Relay
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Solution Overview
Problem
In enterprise mesh networks, route optimization is hindered by collisions and delays caused by pre-emptive messaging protocols like RTS/CTS, especially when multiple nodes attempt to transmit simultaneously, and intermediate nodes fail to notify upstream nodes of failures.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves relaying pre-emptive request messages, such as RTS messages, through intermediate nodes and delaying the response messages, such as CTS messages, until after receiving a response to their own relayed RTS message, allowing for quicker RTS message delivery and providing path information for optimal route selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RTS/CTS messaging is performed at each intermediate node, then collision avoidance is improved, but communication delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple RTS/CTS messaging operations into a single RTS message that is relayed through intermediate nodes. Instead of each node performing separate RTS/CTS handshakes, the source node sends one RTS message that traverses the entire path, and all nodes respond with CTS messages that are aggregated and returned in a single response. This merging approach maintains collision avoidance while eliminating the cumulative delay of multiple sequential handshakes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces relay nodes as intermediaries that forward RTS messages downstream without immediately responding with CTS messages. These relay nodes wait for downstream nodes to send their CTS responses before aggregating and returning the complete response upstream. This intermediary mechanism allows the RTS message to propagate quickly through the network while maintaining proper collision avoidance protocols.
2Reliability
If immediate CTS response is required from each intermediate node, then path verification is improved, but message transmission speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by having relay nodes forward RTS messages downstream before receiving CTS responses from downstream nodes. This allows the RTS message to be transmitted quickly through the network path while path verification is performed in advance by nodes preparing their CTS responses. The verification is completed before the final aggregation response is sent upstream, maintaining both speed and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by having relay nodes continuously forward RTS messages downstream while simultaneously preparing and aggregating CTS responses. The useful action of path verification continues in parallel with message transmission, rather than sequentially blocking the path. This allows verification to be completed without significantly slowing down the overall message transmission speed.
3Reliability
If traditional RTS/CTS protocol is used at each node, then collision detection is improved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the RTS message structure universal by including fields that serve multiple functions: the RTS message simultaneously identifies the source node, specifies the target node, indicates relay node status, and carries path verification information. This multi-functional RTS message structure reduces network complexity by eliminating the need for separate control messages at each node while maintaining collision detection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by having relay nodes automatically forward RTS messages and aggregate CTS responses without requiring complex coordination or centralized control. Each relay node autonomously performs the relay function and response aggregation based on simple local logic, reducing overall network complexity while maintaining reliable collision detection through the distributed protocol.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are systems, methods, and apparatuses for determining an optimal path in a mesh network. A pre-emptive message, such as a request to send (RTS) message, carrying, for example, an address of a target mobile device, may be sent from an access point to a computing device in a mesh network. The computing device may relay the RTS to the target mobile device. A clear to send (CTS) message and transmission parameters indicating channel conditions may be transmitted from the target mobile device to the access point via the computing device. The access point may determine an optimal path based on the transmission parameters and send data via the optimal path.