Mesh Node Association via Advertised Backhaul Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Determining optimal node associations in mesh networks is challenging due to the need for quick and efficient information transfer, which is affected by factors like node failures, network traffic changes, and environmental conditions, requiring improved systems and methods for routing and association.
Innovation Solution
Each wireless node in a mesh network advertises backhaul throughput information and stores local throughput estimates to determine uplink throughput for candidate nodes, allowing it to associate with the node offering the highest uplink throughput, using a processor and antenna to establish wireless connections based on calculated values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If routing algorithms determine node associations to enable quick and efficient information transfer, then information transmission speed is improved, but the complexity of determining optimal routes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter used for route determination from complex multi-factor algorithms to a simpler metric based on backhaul throughput and hop count. Nodes advertise their backhaul throughput capability, and receiving nodes use this advertised parameter along with local throughput measurements to select parent nodes, replacing complex routing algorithms with simpler parameter-based selection.
2Reliability
If a receiving node associates with multiple parent nodes to provide redundancy against node failures, then reliability is improved, but the complexity of managing multiple associations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having parent nodes advertise their backhaul throughput capability in advance before any failure occurs. When a node failure happens, the receiving node already has pre-collected information about alternative parent nodes and can quickly reassociate without complex real-time decision-making, thus improving reliability while keeping management simple.
3Adaptability or versatility
If nodes continuously monitor and update associations based on changing network conditions, then adaptability is improved, but the overhead of continuous monitoring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action where nodes perform throughput measurements and association updates at scheduled intervals rather than continuously. Nodes periodically measure local throughput to parent nodes and reevaluate associations based on current backhaul throughput advertisements, providing adaptability to network changes while reducing monitoring overhead through time-efficient periodic operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Determining associations in wireless mesh networks are provided. In a mesh network that includes a wired border node and multiple wireless nodes, each wireless node advertises a backhaul throughput approximating the throughput between that wireless node and the wired border node. Using the advertised backhaul throughput information and the stored local throughput information, a receiving node determines a node association from among various candidate nodes.