Wireless Mesh Network Virtual Node Routing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional potential routing schemes in wireless mesh networks face inefficiencies in channel access and fail to address data transmission failures in topologies with vacant areas and linear configurations, particularly near gateways, leading to performance deterioration and inefficient resource allocation.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of virtual nodes based on boundary conditions allows for flexible routing in any network topology, enabling efficient packet routing and scheduling through potential values, which helps in overcoming challenges like straight-line node configurations and network separation, and improves resource allocation by considering gateway bottlenecks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional potential routing scheme is used, then routing path can be determined based on potential values, but data transmission fails in topologies with vacant areas and linear configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces virtual nodes as intermediary elements to represent vacant areas in the network topology. These virtual nodes act as mediators between real nodes, enabling the potential routing scheme to handle topologies with vacant areas and linear configurations that would otherwise cause transmission failures. The virtual nodes provide the necessary topological structure for potential value calculation without requiring physical presence.
2Productivity
If IEEE 802.11 CSMA/CA scheduling is used, then channel access can be controlled, but channel access rights are allocated inefficiently to specific flows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different priority levels to different flows based on their specific characteristics and requirements. Instead of uniform channel access control, the system determines priority for each flow individually, allowing efficient channel access rights allocation tailored to each flow's needs while ensuring reliable service for all flows.
3Productivity
If back-pressure scheduling is used, then throughput can be optimized in infinite buffer environment, but gateway bottleneck areas are not considered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the back-pressure scheduling parameters by incorporating gateway bottleneck considerations into the priority determination process. The system adjusts scheduling parameters dynamically based on gateway load and bottleneck conditions, enabling throughput optimization while simultaneously addressing gateway area performance degradation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If virtual nodes are introduced to handle boundary conditions, then routing flexibility improves, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses virtual nodes as copies or representations of vacant areas rather than physical network elements. These virtual nodes replicate the topological structure needed for routing calculations without adding physical complexity to the network. The virtual nodes are software-based abstractions that provide routing flexibility while maintaining physical network simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless mesh network system generates at least one virtual node within a transmission area of a specific mesh node when no mesh nodes exist in two or three continuous quadrants within the transmission area with reference to the specific mesh node. Also, the system performs routing by combining uplink and downlink routing methods so as to support unicast between the mesh nodes in a domain. Further, a channel access order of the mesh nodes is determined based on the potential values allocated to the mesh nodes forming the wireless mesh network according to the field theory. In this instance, the channel access order can be established by a central control method by a central processor for controlling the wireless mesh network or a distributed control method using contention per mesh node.