Multi-hop Wireless Relay Support for Mesh Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network relay technologies are limited in energy efficiency and coverage extension, particularly in multi-hop relay scenarios, and are mainly restricted to mission-critical and V2X operations with limited hop capabilities.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of multi-hop relay techniques in a mesh network, where relay capabilities and hop numbers are advertised, a relay capabilities table is updated, and packets are selectively routed through a series of relay WTRUs based on traffic type, maximum hops, and relay capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If network relays are used to extend network coverage, then coverage area is improved, but network capacity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidnetwork capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the relay network into multiple hops with each relay WTRU managing its own relay capabilities table and independently selecting relays based on traffic type and hop count constraints. This segmentation allows distributed decision-making that preserves network capacity while extending coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic relay selection where relays can be chosen based on current network conditions, traffic types, and available hops. The relay capabilities tables are updated dynamically based on advertisements from other relays, enabling adaptive routing that maintains capacity while expanding coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Area of stationary object

If relay selection is implemented for broadcast mode operations, then coverage is extended, but energy efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecoverageVSAvoidenergy efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by having each relay WTRU maintain a relay capabilities table specific to its local environment, storing information about nearby relays and their capabilities. This localized knowledge enables energy-efficient relay selection without requiring global network state information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Relay WTRUs autonomously manage their own relay capabilities tables and independently perform relay selection based on locally stored information and received advertisements. This self-service approach eliminates the need for centralized control, reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective relay operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Area of stationary object

If multi-hop relay operations are enabled, then coverage extension is improved, but device complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage extensionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by having relay WTRUs pre-establish and maintain relay capabilities tables with information about nearby relays before actual relay operations are needed. This pre-computation reduces the complexity of real-time relay selection decisions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The relay capabilities table acts as an intermediary data structure that simplifies the complex multi-hop relay selection process. By pre-storing relay information and capabilities in this intermediate structure, the system reduces the computational complexity of making relay decisions during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If relay capabilities tables are updated based on advertisements, then adaptability is improved, but processing time deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by having relay WTRUs update their capabilities tables at scheduled intervals or in response to periodic advertisements from neighboring relays. This periodic updating mechanism balances adaptability with processing time by avoiding continuous updates while still maintaining current network information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS20250175248A1Multi-hop wireless relay support

Publication Date: 2025.05.29 INTERDIGITAL PATENT HOLDINGS INC

AI summary

Methods, devices, and systems are disclosed for multi-hop relays that may be implemented by advertising first relaying capabilities and a first number of hops to reach a remote wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU), receiving second relaying capabilities and a second number of hops to reach the remote WTRU from a selected relay WTRU, updating a relay capabilities table based on the second relaying capabilities and the second number of hops, receiving a packet comprising a payload, the packet having a traffic type and further comprising a maximum number of hops, selecting the selected relay WTRU based on the traffic type, the maximum number of hops, and the relay capabilities table, generating a first updated packet comprising the payload, the traffic type and a first updated number of hops that is one less than the maximum number of hops, and transmitting the first updated packet to the selected relay WTRU.