Network Layer FEC for Predicted Wireless Events
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-traditional wireless network deployments in environments like mines and warehouses face severe signal degradation and interference due to metal presence and dynamic node movements, leading to communication disruptions that can interrupt controlled processes.
Innovation Solution
Implementing network-layer forward error correction (FEC) encoding predicted by a controller based on mobile node movements, applied only during events that may impact wireless communications, such as signal quality drops or node roaming, to form encoded packets that can be transmitted alongside regular packets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network-layer FEC encoding is applied continuously to all packets, then communication reliability is improved, but network overhead increases and bandwidth is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The controller predicts future network events (such as mobile node movements or signal quality degradation) in advance and proactively applies FEC encoding to packets that will be transmitted during these predicted events. This preliminary action ensures reliability is maintained during critical periods without requiring continuous FEC encoding, thereby reducing overall network overhead while preventing packet loss during predicted problematic periods
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the application of FEC encoding based on predicted network conditions rather than applying it statically to all packets. The controller monitors mobile node positions, signal quality metrics, and movement patterns to determine when FEC encoding should be applied, making the system adaptive to changing network conditions and optimizing the balance between reliability and overhead
2Reliability
If FEC encoding is applied during predicted events, then packet loss is reduced, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs prediction of network events in advance using pre-collected data about mobile node movements and signal characteristics. By determining which packets require FEC encoding before transmission, the system avoids complex real-time decisions during packet transmission, reducing processing complexity while maintaining packet delivery reliability through proactive encoding
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses readily available information such as mobile node positions, signal quality measurements, and movement patterns that are already being collected for other network functions. This existing data is leveraged for prediction purposes, avoiding the need for additional complex sensing or measurement systems, thereby reducing overall processing complexity while achieving reliable packet delivery
3Stability of the object's composition
If FEC encoding is applied during mobile node movements, then communication stability is improved, but bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller predicts mobile node movements and signal quality degradation in advance, applying FEC encoding only to packets that will be transmitted during these predicted events. This targeted approach ensures communication stability during critical movement periods while avoiding unnecessary FEC encoding during stable periods, thereby reducing overall bandwidth consumption while maintaining communication stability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying FEC encoding to all packets (excessive action), the system applies FEC encoding only to the specific subset of packets that will be transmitted during predicted mobile node movements or signal degradation events (partial action). This selective application provides sufficient protection for critical transmissions while minimizing the total bandwidth overhead associated with FEC encoding
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a controller predicts an occurrence of an event in a wireless network, based in part on a movement of a mobile node of the wireless network. The controller initiates application of network-layer forward error correction encoding to a stream of packets to be sent during the event between the mobile node and an access point of the wireless network, to form one or more encoded packets. The controller causes the one or more encoded packets to be transmitted in conjunction with the stream of packets during the event. The controller ceases application of the network-layer forward error correction encoding after the event has occurred.