Mobile Access Point Connectivity for Moving Things Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication networks are inadequate for managing connectivity in environments with moving nodes, such as the Internet of moving things, as they fail to provide robust, scalable, and efficient connectivity and Internet access to mobile and static devices, especially in complex arrays of both moving and static nodes.
Innovation Solution
A communication network platform that is always-on, responsive, and adaptable, utilizing mobile access points like vehicles as Wi-Fi hotspots to provide connectivity through a multi-network on-board unit (OBU) with long-range communication protocols, enabling vehicles to connect to wired infrastructure and other vehicles, and featuring a Cloud-based service-oriented architecture for real-time management and data processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current communication networks are used to manage connectivity in moving networks, then infrastructure complexity is reduced, but connectivity reliability and coverage are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables mobile access points (vehicles) to autonomously provide connectivity services to other moving devices without requiring fixed infrastructure. Each vehicle acts as a self-sufficient network node that can independently establish and maintain connections, eliminating dependency on traditional wired infrastructure while ensuring continuous connectivity in dynamic environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic network architecture where access points and clients continuously move and reconnect. The system adapts connectivity relationships in real-time based on vehicle positions, speeds, and communication ranges, allowing the network topology to fluidly reconfigure as nodes enter and exit communication zones, thereby maintaining reliability without static infrastructure.
2Area of stationary object
If mobile access points are deployed in networks of moving things, then connectivity coverage is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system activates mobile access points and communication protocols only when and where needed based on real-time network conditions. Vehicles dynamically adjust their communication activity levels, enabling connectivity services selectively in areas where moving clients are present, rather than continuously operating at full capacity, thereby extending coverage while controlling energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic scanning and connection establishment protocols where mobile access points intermittently broadcast availability signals and establish connections with passing vehicles. This periodic operation mode allows the system to maintain coverage capability while consuming energy only during active scanning and communication intervals, rather than continuous operation.
3Length of stationary object
If long-range communication protocols are used in multi-network OBUs, then connectivity range is extended, but data transmission latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the communication architecture into multiple network layers and protocols operating in parallel. Short-range high-speed protocols (e.g., Wi-Fi) handle data transmission when vehicles are in close proximity, while long-range protocols (e.g., cellular) provide backbone connectivity for distant connections. This segmentation allows the system to optimize for speed in local communications and range in remote communications, minimizing overall latency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces intermediate relay nodes (other vehicles acting as mobile access points) that forward data between distant vehicles. Instead of relying solely on direct long-range communication which incurs high latency, data hops through multiple intermediate nodes using shorter, faster local transmissions, effectively reducing end-to-end latency while maintaining extended communication range through the relay network.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for managing connectivity in a network of moving things. As non-limiting examples, various aspects of this disclosure provide systems and methods for managing connectivity in a network in which at least a portion of the network access points are moving.