Wireless Mesh Node Registration via Upstream Path Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless mesh networks for meter reading nodes are costly and inefficient in terms of bandwidth usage due to the need for each node to maintain and update extensive route tables and perform periodic route maintenance messaging, which increases memory and processing requirements and affects network performance.
Innovation Solution
A method for efficiently registering new nodes in a wireless mesh network where only the address of selected already-registered nodes is stored, allowing for upstream communication, reducing memory and processing needs, and avoiding flooding and periodic route management messages, while handling changes in node connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If general purpose mesh protocols are used to support mobile nodes, then the network can handle mobile node routing, but memory and processing requirements increase due to extensive route table maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into stationary meter reading nodes and mobile nodes, applying different routing strategies to each segment. Stationary nodes use simplified routing tables that only need to track upstream paths to the base station, while mobile nodes use the full mesh protocol. This segmentation reduces the complexity for stationary nodes without sacrificing mobile node support capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making routing behavior location-dependent. Stationary nodes at the edge of the network (meter reading nodes) use simplified routing logic appropriate for their fixed position, while nodes closer to the base station or mobile nodes use more complex routing logic. This allows each node to have routing capabilities matched to its specific role and mobility characteristics.
2Reliability
If periodic route maintenance messaging is performed, then route reliability is maintained, but bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies periodic action by making route maintenance messaging event-driven rather than strictly periodic for stationary nodes. Route updates are triggered only when actual changes occur in the network topology or when mobile nodes require service, eliminating unnecessary periodic messages from stationary nodes while maintaining reliability through timely updates when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by enabling mobile nodes to actively request route information and trigger route maintenance messaging when they need service. Instead of the network continuously probing for mobile nodes, the mobile nodes themselves initiate the route establishment and maintenance process, reducing unnecessary bandwidth consumption from the network infrastructure.
3Measurement precision
If extensive state information is stored at each node, then routing accuracy is improved, but memory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes unnecessary state information from stationary meter reading nodes. Specifically, it removes the need for stationary nodes to store complete routing tables or maintain state about all other nodes in the network. Only the essential upstream path information to the base station is retained, while more detailed routing state is maintained only at nodes that actually need it (base station and mobile nodes).
Data Source
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AI summary
A meter reading system includes a meter reading wireless mesh network having already-registered nodes already registered for communication with an access point, and not-yet-registered nodes not yet registered for communication with the access point. To register a new node with meter reading wireless mesh network, the new node transmits a request to register message. Neighboring already-registered nodes receiving the request to register message transmit responses back to the new node, whereas neighboring not-yet-registered nodes receiving the request to register message do not transmit responses back to the new node and do not transmit responses to neighboring already-registered nodes. The new node selects an already-registered node based on evaluation of the responses, and communicates to the access point via the selected already-registered node to thereby be added to network.