Multichannel Edge Router for Mesh Network Throughput
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional mesh networks, such as those used in smart grid applications, often experience communication bottlenecks at the edge node due to single-channel communication, limiting data throughput and node density.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a multichannel wireless mesh network with a multichannel edge router that uses unique frequency hopping patterns across all available frequencies, including unlicensed frequencies, to enable simultaneous communication and eliminate the need for acknowledgement packets, thereby increasing data capacity and node density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If single-channel communication is used at the edge node, then device complexity is reduced, but data throughput is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system segments the available frequency spectrum into multiple channels, with each channel carrying independent data streams. The edge router is divided into multiple receivers, each tuned to a different frequency channel, allowing parallel data transmission across multiple frequencies simultaneously rather than sequentially on a single channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-channel sequential communication to multi-channel parallel communication by adding the frequency dimension. Multiple data streams are transmitted simultaneously across different frequency channels, effectively increasing throughput without proportionally increasing complexity at the edge node.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional forwarding tables with next-hop nodes are used, then routing is simplified, but routing flexibility and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The routing system transitions from static forwarding tables with fixed next-hop nodes to dynamic source routing where each node participates in selecting the optimal path. The source routing approach allows adaptive path selection based on real-time network conditions, enabling flexible routing decisions that can change dynamically rather than following predetermined tables.
3Quantity of substance
If frequency hopping patterns are used for simultaneous communication, then node density is increased, but synchronization complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic frequency hopping patterns where nodes cycle through predefined frequency sequences. This periodic action allows multiple nodes to transmit simultaneously on uncorrelated frequencies while maintaining synchronization through the repetitive, predictable nature of the hopping patterns, reducing the complexity of coordinating multiple transmitters.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A system including an edge router which collects data from a mesh network by receiving on multiple simultaneous frequencies. Using N simultaneous frequencies increases the throughput of a system by up to N-times, reducing the bottleneck that otherwise occurs at the take-out-point of a mesh communications system. Furthermore, nodes in direct communication with the edge router can send each data packet multiple times on multiple frequencies, increasing the probability that the packet is delivered correctly, eliminating the necessity to acknowledge (ACK) each packet. This further enhances system throughput.