Mesh Network Node Frequency Segmentation for Message Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mesh networks inefficiently handle both point-to-point and broadcast messages, often optimizing for one type of message distribution at the expense of the other, leading to redundant traffic and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
Nodes in the mesh network identify distinct frequencies for point-to-point and broadcast messages, with the broadcast frequency optionally offset from the point-to-point frequency, allowing for simultaneous and efficient communication across multiple layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If nodes treat both point-to-point and broadcast messages in the same manner, then device complexity is reduced, but network performance deteriorates due to redundant traffic and inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frequency spectrum into distinct ranges for point-to-point and broadcast messages. Nodes are configured to listen on different frequencies depending on message type, separating the handling of these message types at the network layer without requiring complex per-node configuration. This frequency-based segmentation enables efficient message distribution while maintaining relatively simple node architecture.
2Productivity
If networks are optimized for point-to-point message distribution, then point-to-point communication performance is improved, but broadcast message distribution becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by having different parts of the network (different frequency channels) optimized for different message types. Point-to-point frequencies are optimized for direct, reliable communication between specific nodes, while broadcast frequencies are optimized for wide-area dissemination. Each frequency channel has tailored characteristics suited to its primary message type, allowing simultaneous optimization of both communication modes without compromise.
3Productivity
If networks are optimized for broadcast distribution, then broadcast message delivery is improved, but point-to-point message delivery becomes very inefficient requiring every node to listen on all frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments frequency usage so that broadcast messages are transmitted on dedicated broadcast frequencies, while point-to-point messages use separate point-to-point frequencies. Each node only needs to monitor the broadcast frequency for broadcast messages and its assigned point-to-point frequency for directed communication, eliminating the need for nodes to listen on all frequencies. This segmentation dramatically reduces node complexity while maintaining efficient broadcast delivery.
4Reliability
If broadcast messages are sent via point-to-point distribution, then message reliability is improved, but network traffic increases due to redundant transmissions from overlapping neighbors lists
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network traffic by separating broadcast messages from point-to-point messages onto different frequency channels. Broadcast messages are transmitted only on broadcast frequencies, avoiding the redundant re-transmission problem that occurs when broadcast messages traverse point-to-point frequencies through overlapping neighbor lists. This frequency-based segmentation maintains message reliability through dedicated broadcast channels while dramatically reducing overall network traffic volume.
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects of the present invention relate to optimizing the distribution of point-to-point and broadcast messages in a layered mesh network of nodes. In one aspect, a node in the mesh network identifies a point-to-point frequency for sending a point-to-point message to a preferred node, which facilitates communication with a collector node. The node also identifies a broadcast frequency of the preferred node that is distinct from the point-to-point frequency. According to one configuration, the broadcast frequency is offset a predetermined number of frequency channels from the point-to-point frequency. In addition to listening on the broadcast frequency, the node further identifies and listens on a receive frequency for point-to-point messages from other nodes.