Mobile Gateway Relay for Remote LPWAN End Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low power wide area networks (LPWAN) face challenges in communicating with end nodes that are remotely located outside the range of fixed gateways, making it inefficient to deploy additional gateways due to low concentration of end nodes.
Innovation Solution
A mobile data-handling device is used to move within communication range of remote end nodes, receive data packets, and relay them to a data-receiving device, with acknowledgement mechanisms to ensure data transmission and reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If fixed gateways are deployed to cover remote locations, then communication range is improved, but deployment cost and complexity increase due to low concentration of end nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static fixed gateway into a mobile gateway that can dynamically move to different locations. The mobile gateway travels to remote areas to collect data from end nodes, then returns to a central location to transmit data to the network. This dynamic approach allows the system to cover large areas without deploying fixed infrastructure in every location, resolving the contradiction between coverage area and deployment complexity.
2Loss of information
If end nodes transmit data continuously, then data freshness is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic data transmission where end nodes transmit data at scheduled intervals rather than continuously. The mobile gateway visits end nodes at specific times to collect data, creating a periodic communication pattern. This approach maintains data freshness by regularly updating the network with new data while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous transmission.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mobile gateway moves frequently to reach remote end nodes, then communication coverage is improved, but transmission time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action by having the mobile gateway visit end nodes and collect data in advance before returning to the central network location. The gateway proactively travels to remote areas, gathers data from multiple end nodes during its visit, and then transmits all collected data in a single batch return trip. This eliminates the need for repeated trips and reduces overall transmission time while maintaining flexible coverage of remote areas.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for effectuating communication in a low power wide area network using a mobile data-handling device are disclosed. A method may comprise moving a mobile data-handling device to a first position that is within communication range of an end node of a low power wide area network. The mobile data-handling device may receive a data packet from the end node and may move to a second position at which the mobile data-handling device connects to a data-receiving device. The mobile data-handling device may transmit, via the data-receiving device, the data packet to a computing system for further processing.