Modified Trickle Algorithm for Mesh Network Broadcast Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Trickle algorithms in mesh networks, particularly in G3-PLC networks, face challenges in delivering broadcast messages effectively across multi-level networks with varying attenuation levels, leading to network congestion and message loss, especially in densely populated areas.
Innovation Solution
A modified Trickle algorithm that incorporates the Hops Left field from the Mesh Header, along with Broadcast Sequence Number and Originator Address, to determine consistent broadcast frames, allowing nodes to ignore repeated messages from previous levels and ensuring multiple nodes repeat messages to subsequent levels, thereby optimizing channel usage and ensuring delivery across all network levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional Trickle algorithm is used in mesh networks, then network congestion is reduced, but broadcast message delivery reliability deteriorates in multi-level networks with high attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the Trickle algorithm by introducing a new parameter 'Hops Left' from the Mesh Header to determine consistent broadcast frames. This parameter change enables nodes to distinguish between broadcast messages at different network levels, allowing nodes to ignore repeated messages from previous levels while ensuring delivery to subsequent levels, thereby improving reliability without excessive retransmissions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where nodes use the Hops Left field and Broadcast Sequence Number to determine whether a received broadcast message is consistent with previously received messages. This feedback loop allows nodes to make intelligent decisions about retransmission, ensuring reliable delivery while avoiding redundant transmissions that would congest the network
2Reliability
If broadcast messages are repeated multiple times to ensure delivery, then message delivery reliability improves, but transmission channel overload increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters used to determine message consistency by incorporating Hops Left and Broadcast Sequence Number. This allows the network to achieve reliable delivery through smarter retransmission decisions rather than blind repetition, reducing channel overload while maintaining delivery reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by having nodes selectively retransmit broadcast messages only when necessary, based on the consistency determination using Hops Left and Broadcast Sequence Number. This prevents excessive retransmissions that would overload the channel while ensuring sufficient replication for reliable delivery across multi-level networks
3Reliability
If nodes repeat broadcast messages to subsequent network levels, then delivery to all network levels is ensured, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by incorporating the Hops Left field from the Mesh Header into the consistency determination logic. This additional parameter provides clear guidance on message propagation scope, enabling nodes to automatically determine when to repeat messages to subsequent levels without complex decision-making logic
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the Trickle algorithm multi-functional by enabling it to handle broadcast messages across multiple network levels simultaneously. The enhanced consistency determination mechanism allows a single algorithm to manage both local and multi-level message delivery, reducing the need for separate handling mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment is a method including receiving, by a first device via a mesh communication network, a first broadcast message over a first communication channel, the first broadcast message having a first hop count, receiving, by the first device via the mesh communication network, a second broadcast message over the first communication channel, and determining, by the first device, whether the second broadcast message is a consistent broadcast message with the first broadcast message, the determining including determining, by the first device, whether the first broadcast message has a same originator address as the second broadcast message, and determining, by the first device, whether the second hop count is larger than the first hop count.