Low-Power Wireless Mesh Nodes Using NB-IoT Time Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless mesh networks consume high power due to continuous monitoring of data communication, increasing manufacturing costs and power consumption, especially in IoT applications where simultaneous activation of sensors is hindered by lack of time synchronization among nodes.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a wireless mesh network with low-power nodes that support both mesh technology and NB-IoT technology, using SFN and H-SFN of a base NB-IoT cell for time synchronization, allowing nodes to monitor data transmission at intervals and reduce power consumption by optimizing receiving and transmitting slots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mesh nodes continuously monitor data communication to ensure real-time data reception and redirection, then data communication reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic monitoring instead of continuous monitoring by defining specific receiving slots and idle slots within a period. Nodes wake up at predetermined intervals to monitor data communication and then enter sleep mode, achieving both reliable data reception and reduced power consumption through this periodic on-off monitoring cycle
2Device complexity
If mesh nodes operate based on internal clock timing signals without synchronization, then device complexity is reduced, but simultaneous sensor activation cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the timing synchronization function with the existing NB-IoT network infrastructure by using the base station's SFN and H-SFN as the timing reference for all mesh nodes. This integration allows nodes to achieve synchronized operation without adding complex independent synchronization mechanisms to each node
Solution Approach 2:
The NB-IoT base station acts as an intermediary that provides the timing reference (SFN and H-SFN) to all mesh nodes. Instead of nodes synchronizing directly with each other or using complex distributed algorithms, the base station mediates the synchronization process by broadcasting the timing signal that all nodes use to align their operations
3Use of energy by moving object
If all mesh nodes activate sensors simultaneously to reduce duty cycle, then power consumption is reduced, but time synchronization among nodes is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the NB-IoT timing signal (SFN/H-SFN) serve multiple functions: it provides both the timing reference for simultaneous sensor activation and the synchronization mechanism for coordinated data transmission. This multi-functional use of the timing signal enables power reduction without adding separate synchronization complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless mesh network includes multiple low-power nodes. When functioning as a data receiving node or a data relay node, each low-power node is used to monitor data transmission at intervals. Each node performs time synchronization based on an SFN and an H-SFN of a base NB-IoT cell. At least one of the multiple low-power nodes is located in the base NB-IoT cell.