Multi-RAT Heterogeneous Mesh Network Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless mesh networks are limited in their ability to dynamically interconnect heterogeneous networks, such as internet, cellular, and sensor networks, leading to capacity issues during emergency situations where demand exceeds the capabilities of traditional cellular networks.
Innovation Solution
A heterogeneous mesh network utilizing multi-RAT nodes that can dynamically switch roles between client and server, operate across different protocols and frequencies, and employ self-organizing network principles to optimize performance, allowing for seamless data routing and increased capacity without the need for traditional gateways.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional cellular networks are used during emergency situations, then network infrastructure is simple and manageable, but network capacity is insufficient when demand exceeds capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into multiple mesh nodes that can independently operate and route traffic. Each node functions as a semi-autonomous unit with local intelligence, allowing the network to scale capacity by adding more nodes without proportionally increasing centralised infrastructure complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Mesh nodes are designed to support multiple radio access technologies (RATs) including cellular, Wi-Fi, and other wireless protocols simultaneously. This multi-functionality allows a single node to handle diverse traffic types and communicate with different network types, increasing overall network capacity without requiring separate infrastructure for each technology.
2Adaptability or versatility
If heterogeneous networks are interconnected using traditional gateways, then network compatibility is achieved, but communication efficiency decreases as nodes cannot communicate directly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges gateway functionality directly into mesh nodes, creating multi-RAT nodes that can natively speak multiple protocols. This eliminates the need for separate gateway devices and allows direct peer-to-peer communication between nodes of different network types, maintaining interoperability while significantly improving communication efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Multi-RAT nodes act as intermediaries between different network types, translating and routing traffic directly between heterogeneous networks without requiring external gateway infrastructure. This embedded mediation enables efficient direct communication while maintaining protocol compatibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mesh nodes dynamically switch roles between client and server, then network adaptability increases, but node operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Mesh nodes implement dynamic role assignment where each node can switch between client, server, and relay functions based on real-time network conditions, traffic patterns, and resource availability. This dynamic behavior is managed through automated protocols that adjust roles without manual intervention, providing network flexibility while keeping individual node operations standardized and manageable.
4Loss of time
If self-organizing network principles are employed, then network deployment time is reduced, but network control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Mesh nodes automatically perform self-configuration, self-registration, and self-optimization upon network entry. Nodes autonomously discover available multi-RAT nodes, establish appropriate communication channels, and adjust their operational parameters without centralized provisioning. This self-service capability dramatically reduces deployment time while the standardized automation protocols keep control complexity manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention discloses a mesh network comprised of at least two dynamic base station nodes, wherein the two dynamic base station nodes comprise each a multiple radio access technology architecture, the multiple radio access technology architecture comprising: at least two radio access technologies for providing access to a core network, and an abstraction layer communicatively coupled to the at least two radio access technologies for receiving and converting data into protocol agnostic data, wherein the first and second dynamic base station nodes are configured to: in response to a query regarding environmental conditions from a computing cloud component, send an environmental condition to the computing cloud component, receive an instruction from the computing cloud in response to the computing cloud component having processed the environmental condition, and change an operational parameter in response to the received instruction. The first and second dynamic base station nodes support at least two of a 3G RAT, a 4G RAT, and a 5G RAT.