NAN Mesh Data Path Setup Mechanism for IoT Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mesh data path setup mechanisms in wireless networks are inefficient, leading to slow data path establishment and resource wastage, especially in scenarios requiring extended network range and IoT applications, where building a mesh network is crucial.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a mesh data path setup mechanism that allows for accelerated setup and energy-efficient data link establishment between devices, leveraging the NAN Data Path to maintain scheduling resources only if the data path setup through the route is successful, using a NAN Mesh device with a Mesh Data Engine and a NAN Data Engine to manage peer-to-peer connectivity and routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing mesh data path setup mechanisms are used, then data path establishment can be achieved, but the setup process is slow and resources are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing NAN data paths between neighboring devices before actual data transmission is needed. Devices maintain scheduling resources and discovery window information in advance, so when data path setup is required, the infrastructure is already in place, eliminating the need for time-consuming real-time path discovery and negotiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses NAN data paths as intermediaries to accelerate mesh data path establishment. Instead of directly setting up complex mesh routing paths between distant nodes, the system establishes simpler NAN data paths between adjacent devices first, which serve as building blocks that can be quickly assembled into complete mesh data paths through existing scheduling frameworks.
2Area of stationary object
If mesh network is built for extended network range, then network coverage is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mesh network into smaller NAN clusters with individual data paths between neighboring devices. Each segment operates independently with its own scheduling resources, allowing devices to maintain only the necessary discovery window information locally rather than maintaining global network state, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while extending network coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a mechanism where scheduling resources and discovery window information are maintained only as long as needed for active data paths. When data paths are terminated or devices go out of range, these resources are released or updated, preventing continuous energy consumption for maintaining stale network state across the entire extended network.
3Speed
If scheduling resources are maintained continuously, then data path establishment is faster, but resource wastage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the maintenance of scheduling resources adaptive rather than static. Resources are maintained actively only when data paths are established and needed, and are released or updated when paths are terminated. This dynamic resource management allows fast data path establishment when needed while preventing continuous resource wastage during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback mechanisms where devices monitor the status of data paths and scheduling resources, adjusting resource maintenance behavior based on actual usage conditions. When data paths are active, scheduling resources are maintained to enable quick re-establishment. When paths are inactive or terminated, feedback signals trigger resource release, preventing wastage while maintaining the ability to rapidly establish paths when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Some demonstrative embodiments include apparatuses, systems and/or methods of establishing a mesh data path. For example, a first Neighbor Awareness Networking (NAN) device may be configured to transmit a NAN data path request to a second NAN device to request to establish a NAN data path between the first NAN device and the second NAN device, the NAN data path request including a first path information attribute corresponding to a mesh data path; and to process a NAN data path response from the second NAN device, the NAN data path response including a second path information attribute corresponding to the mesh data path, the second path information attribute including a path status indicator to indicate whether mesh data path routing to the destination address of the mesh data path is successful.