Mesh Network Parent Node Selection Using Reboot Time Metrics
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mesh networks, battery-powered device nodes face frequent loss of network connectivity and increased battery consumption due to frequent access point reboots, leading to reduced operational life and resource overhead when selecting new access points without considering reboot frequencies.
Innovation Solution
Access points maintain and transmit a reboot time metric, allowing nodes to select parent nodes based on both connection quality and access point reboot frequencies, reducing the need for frequent scanning and resource expenditure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If nodes frequently scan for new access points when current access point reboots, then network connectivity is maintained, but battery consumption increases and operational life reduces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having access points proactively transmit their reboot time metrics to child nodes before actual reboots occur. This allows child nodes to anticipate potential connectivity disruptions and plan their parent node selection in advance, reducing the need for frequent reactive scanning and thereby lowering battery consumption while maintaining network connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where access points continuously monitor and report their reboot time metrics to child nodes. This feedback loop enables child nodes to make informed decisions about parent node selection based on historical reboot data, optimizing the balance between maintaining connectivity and conserving battery power through intelligent rather than reactive scanning behavior.
2Device complexity
If nodes select parent nodes without considering access point reboot frequencies, then selection process is simple, but network stability deteriorates due to frequent reconnections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing reboot time metrics as an additional criterion for parent node selection. Instead of using only traditional metrics like signal strength, the system now incorporates historical reboot data, transforming the selection process from simple to more sophisticated. This parameter addition significantly improves network stability by preventing nodes from selecting frequently rebooting access points as parent nodes.
3Measurement precision
If access points transmit detailed quality metrics including reboot times, then node selection accuracy improves, but communication overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by isolating and transmitting only the most critical metric - reboot time information - separately from other quality metrics. Rather than transmitting all available access point data continuously, the system extracts and communicates specifically the reboot time metric that has the greatest impact on long-term network stability, thereby improving node selection accuracy while minimizing communication overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments set forth a method comprising identifying, by a first node of a mesh network, a plurality of potential parent nodes; receiving, by the first node, reboot time metrics for respective access points associated with the plurality of potential parent nodes; selecting, by the first node, a first parent node from the plurality of potential parent nodes based on the reboot time metrics; and transmitting, by the first node, a message for a destination outside of the mesh network via the first parent node.