Wireless Mesh Relay Node MAC Header Modification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless mesh network protocols face challenges in maintaining reliable network paths and extending coverage area, particularly due to limited range and compatibility issues with legacy nodes, leading to difficulties in implementing reliable data frame transmission and network reconfiguration.
Innovation Solution
A method for operating a wireless mesh network that involves modifying the MAC header of data frames to manage relay nodes effectively, allowing for efficient data frame routing and redundant paths, ensuring compatibility with existing IEEE 802.11 standards, and enabling seamless integration of new nodes while preventing circular routing paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If relay nodes are implemented to extend network coverage beyond access point range, then coverage area is improved, but compatibility with legacy network nodes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a relay node as an intermediary device that bridges legacy network nodes and the access point. The relay node receives data frames from legacy nodes that cannot directly communicate with the access point, processes them through a modified MAC header format, and forwards them to the access point, thereby extending coverage while maintaining compatibility with legacy devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network into different node types (access point, relay node, legacy node) with specialized functions. The MAC header is segmented to include additional fields specifically for relay node operation, allowing legacy nodes to continue using standard headers while new relay nodes utilize the extended format for coordinated communication.
2Adaptability or versatility
If data frames are propagated by hopping from transceiver to transceiver, then network path flexibility is improved, but reliability of data transmission deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where relay nodes track and report the status of data frame transmission along multi-hop paths. This feedback enables the network to identify successful deliveries and detect failures, allowing for retransmission decisions and path optimization to maintain reliability despite the flexibility of hopping transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares for potential transmission failures by implementing redundancy in the routing protocol. Before data frames are transmitted through multiple hops, the system establishes alternative paths and prepares for potential failures, cushioning against the unreliability inherent in multi-hop propagation.
3Productivity
If MAC header is modified to manage relay nodes, then routing efficiency is improved, but compatibility with existing standards deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the MAC header modification localized to relay node operations rather than requiring changes throughout the entire network. Legacy nodes continue to use standard MAC headers, while relay nodes utilize the modified format with additional fields for routing management, allowing efficiency improvements without forcing standard changes on the entire network.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a mesh network is disclosed (FIG. 6). The method includes receiving a data frame (600) having a header with plural addresses (FIG. 1) and determining that the data frame is not from an access point or a leaf node (602) of the mesh network. A next recipient address of the plural addresses is removed (610) when the next recipient is a final destination. The next recipient address is set (612) when the next recipient of the data frame is not a final destination. The data frame is transmitted (614) to the next recipient.