Wireless Mesh Node Time Sync via NB-IoT Timing Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless mesh networks, the lack of synchronized timing among nodes prevents simultaneous activation of sensors, leading to increased power consumption due to inefficient duty cycles.
Innovation Solution
A method for time synchronization in wireless mesh networks using both mesh technology and NB-IoT technology, where nodes acquire and broadcast SFN and H-SFN from a base NB-IoT cell, allowing for simultaneous sensor activation and reduced power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If each mesh node operates based on its internal clock without synchronization, then device complexity is reduced, but power consumption increases due to inability to simultaneously activate sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces SFN and H-SFN from NB-IoT base station as intermediary timing signals that mesh nodes use to synchronize their sensors. Instead of complex node-to-node synchronization, each node independently synchronizes to the NB-IoT timing signals, simplifying the system while enabling simultaneous sensor activation across all nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes mesh nodes dual-functional by enabling them to operate both as mesh network nodes and as NB-IoT devices. This allows nodes to leverage the existing NB-IoT timing infrastructure (SFN/H-SFN) for synchronization purposes, eliminating the need for separate synchronization mechanisms while reducing power consumption.
2Loss of time
If mesh nodes use internal clocks independently, then ease of operation is improved, but time synchronization precision deteriorates preventing simultaneous sensor activation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses NB-IoT timing signals (SFN and H-SFN) as intermediary references that provide precise time synchronization across all mesh nodes. Each node independently acquires these signals and uses them to synchronize sensor activation, achieving precise time alignment without complex node-to-node coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
Each mesh node autonomously acquires and processes NB-IoT timing signals to synchronize its own sensor operations. Nodes independently calculate their synchronization status based on received SFN/H-SFN values and adjust their sensor activation timing accordingly, eliminating the need for centralized control while achieving precise synchronization.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless mesh network includes multiple nodes each implemented with mesh and NB-IoT technologies. Each node performs time synchronization based on an SFN and an H-SFN of a base NB-IoT cell, wherein at least one of the multiple nodes is located in the base NB-IoT cell.