Multi-Hop Network Synchronization via Centralized Beacon Slots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-hop networks face high computation and power consumption for synchronization and communication, along with the 'hidden node' problem due to radio communication collisions, which limits their efficiency and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a central node that transmits synchronization signals with beacon slots and hop count values, allowing nodes to synchronize and determine their predecessors based on criteria, creating collision-free communication paths and reducing power consumption by optimizing network structure and adapting to changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional synchronization and communication methods are used in multi-hop networks, then data transmission can be achieved, but high computation and power consumption occur in individual nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the synchronization function from individual nodes and centralizes it in a dedicated synchronization node. This synchronization node is responsible for generating and distributing synchronization signals to all other nodes, eliminating the need for each node to independently perform complex synchronization computations and significantly reducing their power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a synchronization node as an intermediary that mediates the synchronization process between the central node and other network nodes. This intermediary handles the computationally intensive synchronization tasks, allowing other nodes to simply receive and follow synchronization signals, thereby reducing their computational burden and power consumption.
2Ease of operation
If traditional radio communication is used for data exchange, then communication between nodes is possible, but the 'hidden node' problem occurs due to collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a preliminary synchronization phase before data transmission, where all nodes align their timing and frequency based on synchronization signals from the synchronization node. This preliminary action ensures that subsequent data transmissions occur in coordinated time slots and frequency channels, preventing collisions and eliminating the hidden node problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the synchronization node monitors the synchronization status of all network nodes and adjusts synchronization signals accordingly. This feedback ensures that all nodes remain synchronized even when conditions change, maintaining reliable communication and preventing the hidden node problem.
3Reliability
If nodes continuously optimize and maintain the network, then network performance is improved, but computation requirements and power consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts network optimization and maintenance functions from individual nodes and centralizes them in the synchronization node and central node. The synchronization node handles timing and frequency optimization, while the central node manages data routing and network topology optimization. This division allows individual nodes to operate with minimal computational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization node performs multiple functions including synchronization signal generation, distribution, monitoring, and adjustment. By consolidating these diverse optimization and maintenance tasks into a single multi-functional node, the patent eliminates the need for each node to independently perform complex computations for network maintenance.
4Productivity
If central nodes transmit many data packets, then data communication is achieved, but the duty cycle becomes long reducing node lifetime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic synchronization signals transmitted at optimized intervals rather than continuous transmission. The synchronization node sends synchronization signals at specific periods, allowing nodes to enter low-power sleep modes between periods. This periodic action maintains necessary communication functionality while significantly extending node lifetime by reducing active transmission time.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for synchronization and communication in a multi-hop network includes: transmitting a synchronization signal by a central node or a previously synchronized node, with a beacon slot assigned a beacon and the hop count value of the transmitting node transmitted in the frame of the synchronization signal, and, for all previously synchronized neighbor nodes of the transmitting node transmitting respective beacon slots and the hop count values in the frame of the synchronization; receiving by a first node the synchronization signal and the data transmitted in connection therewith; synchronizing the first node to the synchronization signal; detecting by the first node its neighbors and their respective beacon slot assignment and hop count values; determining the predecessor of the first node in the network by the first node in dependence of given criteria; storing by the first node the data received with the synchronization signal and data received in connection therewith and determined therefrom; and repetition the foregoing steps until synchronization of all the nodes.