Wireless Mesh Node Selection via Composite Scoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communications networks, existing technologies face challenges in efficiently selecting the optimal mesh access point for data transmission, particularly when the root access point is overloaded, leading to reduced connectivity and data rates due to increased hop distances and varying signal quality.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that detect multiple mesh nodes connected to a common communications medium, calculate scores based on hop distance, signal quality, data bandwidth, and current node usage, and select the most suitable mesh node as an access point for data transmission, thereby optimizing connectivity and reducing network congestion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the root access point is used for data transmission, then network connectivity is maintained, but data rates are reduced due to overloaded conditions and increased hop distances

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission rateVSAvoidnetwork connectivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces intermediate mesh nodes as mediators between wireless devices and the root access point. Instead of direct connection to the overloaded root AP, devices connect through selected mesh nodes that act as relays, improving data rates while maintaining connectivity through the mesh network path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The network path is segmented into multiple hops through intermediate mesh nodes rather than a single direct connection to the root access point. This segmentation allows traffic to be distributed across multiple nodes, reducing the burden on the root AP and improving overall transmission efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Speed

If mesh nodes are selected based on shortest hop distance, then transmission efficiency improves, but signal quality varies due to different path conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission efficiencyVSAvoidsignal quality

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the selection criteria from solely hop distance to a composite score that includes multiple parameters: hop distance, signal quality (RSSI), data bandwidth availability, and current node usage. This multi-parameter approach balances transmission efficiency with signal quality reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The node selection process uses a composite scoring mechanism that combines multiple performance metrics (hop distance, signal strength, bandwidth, utilization) into a single evaluation score, similar to how composite materials combine different properties to achieve optimal performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple mesh nodes are available for connection, then connectivity options increase, but selection complexity increases due to varying hop distances and signal qualities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnectivity optionsVSAvoidselection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service through automated node selection and scoring. The wireless device automatically evaluates multiple mesh nodes using the scoring mechanism and selects the optimal node without manual intervention, managing the complexity internally while presenting simple connectivity options to the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where mesh nodes report their current usage status, signal quality, and bandwidth availability. This feedback information is used by the scoring mechanism to dynamically select the best node, allowing the system to adapt to changing network conditions automatically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Productivity

If traditional access point selection methods are used, then implementation is simple, but network congestion increases leading to reduced data rates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata rateVSAvoidselection mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating scores for multiple mesh nodes before actual data transmission begins. The scoring mechanism evaluates hop distance, signal quality, bandwidth, and current usage in advance, so when data transmission is needed, the optimal node is already identified, improving data rates without adding complexity during active transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10142927B2Selection of a mesh access point in a wireless mesh network

Publication Date: 2018.11.27 RED HAT INC

AI summary

An example method of transmitting data to a destination node in a wireless communications network includes detecting, at a wireless device, a plurality of mesh nodes connected to a common communications medium used to access a wireless communications network. The method also includes calculating a score for the mesh nodes of the plurality of mesh nodes, where the score is based on a hop distance between the respective mesh node and a root access point connected to the wireless communications network, the quality of signal between the wireless device and the respective mesh node, the data bandwidth between the wireless device and the respective mesh node, and/or the current number of mesh nodes using the respective mesh node as a wireless access point to connect to the wireless communications network. The wireless device selects a mesh node to connect to as a mesh access point based on the calculated scores.