Mesh Routing Protocol Using Link Quality and Node Health Metrics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) routing algorithms, such as AODV, prioritize the shortest number of hops, which can result in unstable routes due to less reliable links and excessive power depletion, leading to frequent route recalculations and network instability.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a link quality and node health aware routing protocol that considers both link quality indicators and node health metrics, such as residual battery life and traffic load, to calculate more stable and efficient routes, balancing traffic distribution and prolonging network lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the shortest number of hops is used as the route selection metric, then the routing path is minimized, but the route stability deteriorates due to less reliable links
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the routing metric from simple hop count to a composite metric that incorporates link quality indicators (LQI) and radio signal strength indicators (RSSI). This parameter transformation allows the system to evaluate routes based on both path length and link reliability, resolving the contradiction between routing efficiency and route stability.
2Productivity
If shortest path routes are selected, then the number of hops is minimized, but power consumption increases due to longer radio communication distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces RSSI (radio signal strength indicator) as a key parameter in the routing metric. By incorporating signal strength information, the system can identify routes that may have slightly more hops but use shorter radio communication distances, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining acceptable routing efficiency.
3Reliability
If frequent route discovery is performed to maintain route stability, then route reliability improves, but network power depletion accelerates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary evaluation of link quality and node health metrics before selecting routes. By pre-assessing LQI, RSSI, and residual battery levels of candidate nodes, the system identifies stable routes in advance that are less likely to fail, thereby reducing the frequency of route discovery operations and conserving network power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where nodes continuously monitor and report their link quality and battery status. This feedback information is used to dynamically adjust route selections, allowing the network to maintain stability without frequent route discovery by responding to real-time conditions.
4Productivity
If traffic is concentrated on fewer routing nodes to optimize path efficiency, then routing performance improves, but node depletion risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates node health metrics, specifically residual battery levels, into the routing decision process. By evaluating both link quality and node energy status, the system can distribute traffic across multiple nodes with varying health levels, preventing over-concentration on nodes that are nearing depletion and thereby maintaining both routing performance and node availability.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus for optimizing mesh routing for stability and system lifetime maximization in networks, for example in wireless networks. A routing module may be instantiated in nodes on the network. The routing module may implement a link quality and node health aware routing protocol on the network that considers a combination of link quality and node health/residual lifetime metrics in the calculation of the desirability of nodes and links between nodes as parts of an overall route. A route selection metric for each route may be determined from routing cost metrics for the nodes on the route and the number of hops on the route. A node may then select a best route according to the determined route selection metrics for the routes.