Network Node Dynamic Addressing for IoT Energy Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

IoT networks face inefficiencies due to centralized address management, resource wastage, and security vulnerabilities in address allocation, particularly in large-scale IoT environments like Smart Cities, where long addresses lead to congestion and expose sensitive information.

Innovation Solution

A network node implements a distributed, localized addressing scheme using a pseudo-random number generator to dynamically update addresses before each transmission, reducing the need for central management and enhancing security by generating and tracking sequence numbers for address identification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If long fixed addresses (64-bit MAC, 16-bit network, 128-bit IP) are used for node identification, then every node can be uniquely identified and communicated with, but resource wastage occurs in terms of channel utilization and energy consumption during transmissions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenode identification accuracyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static fixed addresses to dynamic temporary addresses. Nodes generate temporary addresses on-demand for each transmission using a pseudorandom number generator, and these addresses change over time. This dynamic approach reduces the length of addresses transmitted while maintaining node identifiability, thereby reducing channel utilization waste and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of address length from fixed long addresses to variable short addresses. Instead of always transmitting full 64-bit MAC addresses or 128-bit IP addresses, the system uses shorter temporary addresses generated locally, changing the address parameter adaptively based on communication needs rather than using maximum-length addresses consistently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If centralized address management is implemented at network coordinator or router, then address allocation and uniqueness checking can be performed, but it is not cost efficient and less effective for large-scale IoT networks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaddress uniquenessVSAvoidcentralized management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling nodes to autonomously generate their own temporary addresses using locally stored pseudorandom number generators and initial seed values. Each node independently manages its own addressing without requiring centralized allocation or verification, eliminating the need for complex centralized address management infrastructure while maintaining address uniqueness through cryptographic security of the PRNG seeds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of information

If fixed long addresses are always quoted during transmissions, then complete node identification is provided, but channel utilization is wasted especially in short range communications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenode identification informationVSAvoidchannel utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by transmitting only the necessary portion of address information. Instead of always transmitting complete long addresses, the system uses shorter temporary addresses that contain sufficient information for identification and routing in the local context. This partial addressing approach eliminates redundant address bits while maintaining communication effectiveness, thereby improving channel utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Ease of operation

If standard addresses are used for node identification, then communication protocols can function properly, but security-sensitive information may be exposed to potential attackers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotocol compatibilityVSAvoidsecurity vulnerability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-generating secure temporary addresses using pseudorandom number generators before communications occur. Nodes prepare their temporary addresses in advance based on secure seed values, so that when communications happen, they use pre-established secure identifiers rather than exposing standard addresses. This preliminary address preparation enhances security while maintaining protocol compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3282675B1Network node and method for identifying a node in transmissions between neighbouring nodes of a network
Publication Date: 2020.01.29 NXP BV
  • EP3282675B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3282675B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~4
  • EP3282675B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A network node (10) for a wireless network (30) comprises a processor (16), a memory (20) and an antenna (12). The network node (10) is operable to generate a random or pseudo-random number and to assign said number as an address for identifying said node (10) to other nodes in said network (30).