MIMO Beam Steering for Mesh Network Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mesh wireless networks, finding the most efficient route for data traffic between nodes is challenging due to the lack of effective methods for determining optimal transmission paths, especially when nodes are not directly connected or within each other's transmission areas.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using MIMO beam steering techniques to tag data packets with node location or direction information, determining if the target node is within the transmission area, and if not, selecting a third node within the transmission area based on this information to relay the packet, thereby establishing an optimal transmission path through the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If directional antennas are used for medium access control, then spatial reuse of the wireless channel is increased, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses directional antennas as intermediaries to enable simultaneous communication between multiple node pairs. The directional antenna focuses energy in specific directions, allowing spatial reuse by directing beams toward intended recipients while minimizing interference to other nodes, thus improving productivity without requiring complete system redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the radiation pattern parameter of the antennas from omnidirectional to directional. By adjusting the beamforming parameters and steering angles, the system achieves spatial reuse and extended range while managing the complexity through parameter optimization rather than structural complexity increases
2Length of stationary object
If directional antennas with higher gain are used, then transmission range is extended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the antenna system multi-functional by combining beamforming capability with routing functionality. The same directional antenna system that extends transmission range also provides spatial reuse and enables the mesh routing algorithm to make informed decisions about packet forwarding based on directional information
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where nodes exchange directional information and location data. This feedback enables the system to dynamically adjust beam steering angles and select optimal relay nodes, extending effective transmission range through coordinated multi-node communication while managing complexity through information-based control
3Productivity
If MIMO beam steering is used for routing, then transmission path efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-tagging data packets with location and directional information before transmission. Nodes maintain location information for all nodes in their local area, and packets are tagged with destination location data in advance, enabling efficient routing decisions at each hop without real-time complex calculations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses location tags and directional information as intermediaries to simplify the routing decision process. Instead of complex real-time path optimization, the system uses pre-computed location data and directional beam steering information to guide packet forwarding, reducing the computational complexity at each node while maintaining high transmission path efficiency
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables the determination of the shortest or fastest transmission path in mesh networks by utilizing MIMO beam steering to steer data packets through the network, improving data transmission efficiency by selecting the most suitable relay nodes based on direction and location information.
Implementation Method 1
the at least two antennas enable beam forming
Implementation Method 2
the first node is associated with a device comprising multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) capability
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention is directed to systems, methods and computer program products for determining a transmission path for a data packet through a network. An exemplary method comprises: tagging, at a first node, a data packet with at least one of a direction or a location of a second node; determining whether the second node is in a transmission area of the first node; in response to determining the second node is not in the transmission area of the first node, selecting a third node within the transmission area of the first node based on the at least one of the direction or the location of the second node; and transmitting the data packet to the third node.