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 needed for communication, allowing for selective use of peer-to-peer connections for reception while minimizing network latency and optimizing radio resource usage.
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 network latency increases
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 direct peer-to-peer connections with multiple mesh nodes. This intermediary mechanism maintains communication reliability while reducing the hardware resource burden on the provisioner.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing proxy node connections in advance and maintaining them for multiple message transmissions. Instead of creating new peer-to-peer connections for each message, the provisioner establishes connections with proxy nodes once and reuses them, thereby reducing the frequency of connection establishment and broadcast transmissions, which improves resource efficiency while maintaining reliable communication.
2Reliability
If frequent peer-to-peer connections are established in Bluetooth mesh networks, then message delivery reliability is improved, but network latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes peer-to-peer connections with proxy nodes in advance and maintains them for multiple message transmissions. By preparing these connections beforehand, the system avoids the time-consuming process of establishing new connections for each message, thereby reducing network latency while ensuring reliable message delivery through the pre-established communication channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The proxy node acts as a mediator that maintains a persistent connection with the provisioner and handles multiple message forwarding operations. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for the provisioner to repeatedly establish direct connections with individual mesh nodes, reducing the overall network latency while maintaining message delivery reliability through the stable proxy connection.
3Area of stationary object
If broadcast transmissions are used extensively in Bluetooth mesh networks, then network coverage is improved, but radio resource availability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The proxy node serves as an intermediary that receives messages from the provisioner and forwards them to the appropriate mesh nodes through targeted unicast transmissions rather than extensive broadcast transmissions. This approach maintains network coverage by ensuring messages reach the intended nodes while significantly reducing the consumption of radio resources that would be required for widespread broadcast transmissions.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using broadcast transmissions that consume radio resources across the entire network, the system employs targeted unicast transmissions from the proxy node to specific mesh nodes. This local quality approach delivers messages only to the intended recipients, maintaining effective network coverage for relevant communications while preserving radio resource availability for other uses.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for managing connections in a mesh network that includes multiple provisioners are described. In an example, a computer system receives, from a first device set up as a first provisioner in the mesh network, a first identifier of a third device of the mesh network. The computer system also receives, from a second device set up as a second provisioner in the mesh network, the first identifier of the third device. The computer system generates an association between the third device and the first device based at least in part on a determination that the third device is to be reached exclusively via the first device. The computer system also generates a message about an action to be performed by the third device and sends, based at least in part on the association, the message to the first device.