Mesh Devices in Overlapping Multi-Tree Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) systems face limitations in mesh network reliability and path diversity due to vulnerabilities in mesh gate failures and limited paths between mesh devices, which can lead to communication disruptions and reduced bandwidth.
Innovation Solution
Mesh devices are enabled to associate with multiple mesh networks, exchange neighbor information, and calculate paths that include mesh devices from multiple networks, allowing for path diversity and improved reliability by acting as conduits between overlapping networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mesh devices are limited to a single mesh network, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability and path diversity deteriorate due to vulnerability to mesh gate failures
Solution Approach 1:
Mesh devices are configured to perform multiple functions: they can associate with multiple mesh networks simultaneously, exchange neighbor information across networks, and calculate paths through multiple networks. This multi-functionality allows a single device to operate in overlapping mesh networks, providing alternative paths and improving reliability without requiring additional dedicated hardware for each network
2Adaptability or versatility
If mesh devices use multiple paths through multiple networks, then path diversity and reliability improve, but device complexity increases due to neighbor information exchange and path calculation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Mesh devices proactively exchange neighbor information with neighboring devices in multiple mesh networks before communication disruptions occur. This preliminary action builds a neighborhood table that stores routing information in advance, enabling rapid path calculation and selection when needed without requiring complex real-time decision-making algorithms
3Reliability
If mesh devices exchange neighbor information across multiple networks, then access diversity improves for failure recovery, but loss of information increases due to the need to manage and update neighborhood tables
Solution Approach 1:
Mesh devices autonomously manage their own neighborhood tables by automatically exchanging neighbor information with neighboring devices and updating their routing tables without requiring external coordination or manual intervention. This self-service approach reduces information management overhead by distributing the maintenance burden across all participating devices rather than requiring centralized management
Data Source
AI summary
A method for a first mesh device associated with two mesh networks to serve as a conduit in an overlapping mesh network environment comprises associating with both a first access point over a first mesh network and a second access point over a second network, wherein each access point manages a respective mesh network; responsive to receiving a neighbor information broadcast from a first neighboring mesh device in the first mesh network, updating a neighborhood table; responsive to receiving a neighbor information broadcast from a second neighboring mesh device in the second mesh network, updating the neighborhood table; responsive to a request to transmit a message from a device in the first mesh network to a destination in the second mesh network, determining a next device, wherein the next device is on a path towards the destination in the second mesh network; and transmitting the message to the next device.