Mesh Slave Routing With Dual-Protocol Rank Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems in wireless mesh networks struggle to efficiently select the most preferable communication system when both communication units capable of using multiple types of systems and those capable of using only one type are present, particularly in scenarios involving smart meters and next-generation smart meters.
Innovation Solution
A slave unit equipped with a protocol decision unit to calculate a second rank value using a second protocol, allowing it to select a more preferable communication system by recording the ID of a master node and transmitting a notification message, thereby facilitating multi-hop communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single protocol (first protocol) is used to calculate rank values in wireless mesh networks, then existing communication systems can maintain backward compatibility, but communication efficiency and bandwidth are limited when next-generation smart meters with multiple communication capabilities are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of protocol selection by introducing a second protocol alongside the first protocol. The slave unit calculates rank values using both protocols and compares the results to select the most suitable communication system. This parameter change enables next-generation smart meters to leverage their multiple communication capabilities while existing smart meters continue to operate with the first protocol, thus improving adaptability without forcing a complete system overhaul.
2Productivity
If multiple communication systems are supported by slave units, then communication bandwidth and efficiency can be enhanced, but the complexity of protocol decision-making and route selection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slave unit performs self-service by autonomously calculating rank values using both the first and second protocols, comparing the results, and independently selecting the optimal communication system and master node. The protocol decision unit within the slave unit automatically makes routing decisions based on the calculated rank values, eliminating the need for external intervention or complex centralized control, thus improving productivity while managing complexity through decentralized autonomous operation.
3Reliability
If rank information from multiple protocols is processed, then the most preferable communication system can be selected, but the calculation and comparison overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slave unit performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating rank values using both the first and second protocols before actual data transmission begins. The protocol decision unit prepares the routing table with master node IDs and corresponding rank values in advance, so that when data collection needs to occur, the optimal communication path is already determined. This preliminary calculation and preparation reduces the time loss during actual operations while maintaining reliable selection accuracy.
Data Source
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AI summary
In a slave unit connected to a wireless mesh network, a second communication device (200) that receives a control message from a neighboring node, a protocol decision unit (330) that decides whether to process the control message with a first protocol or a second protocol, and an upward route construction unit (360) that calculates a first rank value in accordance with the first protocol and a second rank value in accordance with the second protocol using the route information contained in the control message, selects a master node from the neighboring nodes based on the first rank value and the second rank value, and records the ID of the master node in a routing table (902).