Adaptive Transmission Power Control in Wireless Mesh Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless mesh networks face challenges due to environmental conditions and self-interference, which affect link quality and data rates, requiring a balance between transmission power and interference control.
Innovation Solution
Adaptive method for setting transmission power levels in wireless mesh networks by monitoring reverse direction link quality, adjusting power levels based on thresholds to optimize link quality and data rates, and using routing packets to determine link persistence and quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If transmission power is increased to ensure proper link quality, then link reliability is improved, but interference with unintended receiving devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic transmission power adjustment where each node continuously monitors reverse direction link quality and adapts its transmission power level in real-time. The system transitions from static power settings to dynamic control, allowing power levels to fluctuate based on current network conditions, thereby maintaining link quality while minimizing interference when possible.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where nodes monitor the quality of reverse direction links and use this information to adjust their transmission power. The feedback loop involves measuring link quality metrics, comparing them against thresholds, and subsequently modifying power levels to optimize the balance between maintaining reliable connections and reducing interference to other nodes.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If transmission power is decreased to limit interference, then self-interference is reduced, but link quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality principles by allowing each node to independently adjust its transmission power based on its specific network position and local link conditions. Rather than applying a uniform power reduction across the network, each node tailors its power level to its particular requirements, enabling localized optimization that maintains link quality where needed while reducing interference where possible.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission power parameter dynamically based on monitored link quality conditions. The system adjusts this critical parameter in response to varying network states, transitioning power levels between high and low states according to whether link quality exceeds upper thresholds or falls below lower thresholds, thereby adapting to changing conditions rather than maintaining a fixed parameter value.
3Productivity
If transmission power is dynamically adjusted based on link quality, then network performance is optimized, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where each node autonomously monitors its own reverse direction link quality and independently adjusts its transmission power without requiring centralized control or complex coordination with other nodes. This distributed self-service approach simplifies the overall system architecture while achieving optimized network performance through local decision-making.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of adaptively setting a transmission power level of a node within a wireless mesh network is disclosed. The method includes monitoring a quality of a plurality of reverse direction links between the node and downstream nodes, and between the node and an upstream node, of the wireless mesh network. At least one worst quality reverse direction link is identified. If the at least one worst quality link is greater than a high threshold, then the transmission power level of the node is decreased. If the at least one worst quality link is less than a low threshold, then the transmission power level of the node is increased. A method of adaptively selecting transmission power of gateway nodes of a wireless mesh network is also disclosed. The method includes each gateway node monitoring a quality of a plurality of reverse direction links between the gateway node and downstream nodes of the wireless mesh network. Each gateway node identifies at least one worst quality reverse direction link. For each gateway node, if the at least one worst quality link is greater than a high threshold, then decreasing the transmission power level of the gateway node is decreased. For each gateway node, if the at least one worst quality link is less than a low threshold, then the transmission power level of the gateway node is increased.