Bluetooth Mesh Proxy Node Selection for Resource Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bluetooth mesh networks face inefficiencies in resource usage and network latency due to the need for frequent peer-to-peer connections and broadcast transmissions, which can hinder the use of radio resources for other communication protocols like WiFi.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a network monitoring procedure and proxy node selection method that reduces the number of proxy nodes required, allowing for selective use of peer-to-peer connections for reception while maintaining broadcast transmissions for transmission, thereby optimizing radio resource usage without significant impact on latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If frequent peer-to-peer connections and broadcast transmissions are used in Bluetooth mesh networks, then communication reliability is improved, but hardware resource usage deteriorates and radio resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a proxy node as an intermediary between the provisioner and mesh nodes. The proxy node receives messages from the provisioner and forwards them to the appropriate mesh nodes, eliminating the need for the provisioner to establish frequent peer-to-peer connections with each mesh node. This intermediary mechanism maintains communication reliability while significantly reducing the hardware resource usage and radio resource consumption of the provisioner.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple proxy nodes are used in Bluetooth mesh networks, then network coverage is improved, but network latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the proxy node selection adaptive to local network conditions. The provisioner monitors network conditions and dynamically selects or adjusts proxy nodes based on local requirements. This allows the network to maintain wide coverage through multiple proxy nodes where needed, while avoiding unnecessary proxy nodes in areas where direct communication is sufficient, thereby minimizing overall network latency.
3Ease of operation
If broadcast transmissions are used for all communications, then ease of operation is improved, but radio resource usage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication mechanism into two parts: broadcast transmissions for message distribution and selective peer-to-peer connections for reception. The provisioner uses broadcast transmissions to send messages to the proxy node, which then forwards them to specific mesh nodes. This segmentation allows the system to maintain ease of operation through broadcast while reducing radio resource usage by establishing peer-to-peer connections only when necessary for receiving responses.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for managing connections in a mesh network are described. In an example, a device sends, to a plurality of devices of the mesh network, one or more messages requesting an action to be performed by a first device of the mesh network. The device determines, based at least in part on data about the mesh network, that the first device is to be reached via a second device of the mesh network. The second device being a single hop away from the device. The device establishes a peer-to-peer connection with the second device and receives, over the peer-to-peer connection, a response of the first device to the message.