Wireless Mesh Routing Metric Battery Node Awareness
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless mesh networks, battery-operated mesh nodes in energy-saving mode cause rapid battery consumption and delay in data packet transmission, as existing routing protocols like IEEE 802.11s/HWMP do not effectively consider battery-operated nodes during path selection, leading to inefficient path choices and lack of information for the target node about battery-operated nodes in the path.
Innovation Solution
The method incorporates two bits in routing messages to indicate the number of battery-operated or energy-saving mesh nodes in the path, allowing the target node to receive explicit information and select paths based on preset rules that prioritize fewer hops and a better path metric, ensuring correct path metric information and efficient battery usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If battery-operated mesh nodes use energy-saving mode to reduce power consumption, then battery life is extended, but data packet transmission delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having mesh nodes wake up in advance to process routing requests before actual data transmission is needed. The target node sends route request messages to multiple potential path nodes, and intermediate nodes process these requests proactively. This allows nodes to be in sleep mode during normal operation but wake up temporarily to handle routing protocols, thereby reducing overall transmission delay while maintaining energy-saving benefits.
2Measurement precision
If routing protocols process all route request messages to ensure path selection, then path selection accuracy is improved, but processing complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling different processing behaviors for different types of mesh nodes. Battery-operated nodes process routing requests selectively based on their power state and configuration, while infrastructure nodes handle all requests. Each node type has optimized processing logic suited to its characteristics, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining accurate path selection through localized optimizations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mesh nodes forward data packets through battery-operated nodes to maintain network connectivity, then network coverage is improved, but battery consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the routing protocol adaptive to the power state of intermediate nodes. The system dynamically adjusts path selection based on whether nodes are in sleep mode or active state. When battery-operated nodes are in sleep mode, the protocol seeks alternative paths through infrastructure nodes. When battery nodes wake up, they can forward traffic. This dynamic adaptation maintains network connectivity while minimizing battery consumption through state-aware routing decisions.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a device for which, for determining a routing-metric for a mesh-network, in particular according to standard IEEE 802.11s, routing messages sent in wireless mesh networks or mobile ad-hoc-networks, on various paths of source nodes, via the mesh nodes of the mesh networks to the target nodes, are evaluated in order to determine the best path for transferring data packets from source nodes to target nodes. Said nodes are battery-operated and mesh nodes are only used in the energy-saving mode as intermediate nodes of a path when this can not be prevented due to necessary connectivity in the mesh network or due to predetermined guidelines. Also, in each routing message sent from source nodes to target nodes via various paths, a plurality of bits, preferably two bits, are used for the number of mesh nodes operating in the path in the energy-saving mode or are battery-operated when the remaining bits of the routing-message are used for the path metric.