Mesh-Tree Network Protocol for Narrow-Band Wireless Sensor Coverage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing narrow-band wireless sensor networks lack efficient meshing capabilities and require complex setup processes, limiting their coverage and customization options, especially in scenarios with large numbers of devices where direct wireless coverage is impractical.
Innovation Solution
A network protocol that utilizes a central provisioning server to manage and configure a mesh-tree structure, enabling simple radio devices to form links and synchronize data transmission, allowing devices to autonomously join the network and manage their connections through a gateway device with multiple radio channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If cellular technologies are used for narrow-band wireless networks, then coverage range is extended, but meshing capability is lost preventing coverage extension beyond base station range
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into multiple independent device nodes that each function as both end devices and potential relay nodes. This segmentation allows the network to extend coverage by creating a mesh topology where each node independently manages its own connections while contributing to overall network coverage extension.
2Adaptability or versatility
If IP-based mesh networks are implemented, then mesh functionality is achieved, but setup complexity increases requiring pre-installation staging or field configuration
Solution Approach 1:
Device nodes automatically perform self-configuration and self-registration with the central provisioning server without requiring manual field configuration or pre-installation staging. The autonomous setup process reduces complexity by eliminating the need for technical specialists to manually configure each device during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The central provisioning server performs preliminary configuration actions by automatically generating network parameters and assigning device roles before devices need to communicate. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for complex field configuration while maintaining full mesh functionality.
3Ease of operation
If direct wireless coverage is used, then network setup is simple, but coverage is limited to base station range
Solution Approach 1:
The network uses a nested hierarchical structure where end devices are nested within mesh networks, and mesh networks are nested within the overall network topology managed by the central provisioning server. This nesting allows simple star-topology devices to be integrated into complex mesh networks without increasing setup complexity.
4Reliability
If custom security features are added to cellular technologies, then security is improved, but system flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The central provisioning server provides universal security management that serves multiple functions including device authentication, network parameter distribution, and secure communication establishment. This multi-functional approach maintains security while preserving system flexibility by avoiding the need for separate custom security implementations.
Data Source
AI summary
A narrow-band wireless data network includes a central provisioning server that is configured for providing command and control data to the network, to retain the mesh-tree structure of the network, and to manage and retain all sensor data and new connection requests. A gateway device is connected to the central provisioning server for communicating with the network through a first and a second radio receiver/transmitter that is configured to send and receive data on at least one frequency channel. Multiple device nodes that control and communicate with associated sensor devices for collecting sensor data. The device nodes interpret and execute commands transmitted from the gateway device or other device nodes on the network addressed to individual device nodes. The commands are executed with no acknowledgment.