Mesh Node Relay Feature Control via Neighbor Discovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling the relay feature in mesh networks, such as Bluetooth mesh networks, are inefficient and lack an optimal way to manage relay features across the network, leading to excessive network traffic or reduced message propagation range.
Innovation Solution
A method where each node device in a mesh network determines autonomously whether to keep its relay feature enabled or disabled by transmitting a neighbor relay discovery request and counting responses from neighboring nodes, disabling its relay feature if a threshold number of responses are received.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the relay feature is kept ON for all node devices in the mesh network, then message propagation range is maintained, but network traffic increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Each node device autonomously determines its own relay feature status by evaluating the relay capabilities of its neighbors and applying the optimization algorithm locally, without requiring centralized control or manual configuration, thereby achieving network-wide traffic optimization through distributed self-service decisions
Solution Approach 2:
The relay feature configuration is optimized locally at each node based on its specific neighborhood conditions and message traffic patterns, allowing different nodes to have different relay states (enabled or disabled) according to their local network requirements, rather than applying a uniform configuration across the entire network
2Quantity of substance
If the relay feature is turned off for some node devices, then network traffic is reduced, but message propagation range is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The optimization algorithm uses feedback from the network state (number of neighboring nodes with relay enabled, message traffic patterns) to dynamically adjust the relay feature status of each node, ensuring that relay features are disabled only when network conditions indicate that message propagation range will be maintained by other relay nodes
Solution Approach 2:
The relay feature configuration is not static but dynamic, allowing nodes to change their relay state from enabled to disabled based on changing network conditions and message traffic patterns, enabling the network to adaptively optimize traffic while maintaining propagation range as conditions evolve
3Ease of operation
If manual control of relay feature is used per Bluetooth mesh specification, then relay feature can be controlled, but control efficiency is low and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates the need for manual provisioning by implementing an automated optimization algorithm that each node executes independently to determine its own relay feature status, completely replacing the manual control process with self-service automation that dramatically improves control efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The relay feature status parameter is automatically adjusted by the optimization algorithm based on network conditions and message traffic patterns, transitioning from manual parameter setting to automated parameter optimization that adapts to changing network requirements
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a relay feature of a first node device in a mesh network is disclosed. The network comprises a plurality of operatively interconnected node devices including the first node device and a number of furthe node devices, a relay feature of each node device having an initial status of being enabled. The method is performed by the first node device and comprises the steps of: receiving a relay optimization message; transmitting a neighbor relay discovery request to the number of further node devices, after a random waiting period; awaiting neighbor relay discovery responses from the number of further node devices until expiration of a response period started upon transmission of the neighbor relay discovery request, wherein a neighbor relay discovery response is received from a further node device when the further node device operates in a responding mode; disabling its relay feature if a number of the neighbor relay discovery responses is more than or equal to a threshold value.