Network Node Role Assignment via Bootstrap and Intermediate Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In network configurations, especially in wireless feeder networks, it is challenging to dynamically determine the role and configuration of nodes without requiring specialized expertise, as existing methods are complex and prone to interference and congestion, especially with unpredictable local phenomena and changing network conditions.
Innovation Solution
A node with communication, bootstrap, and role assignment circuitry that can identify intermediate nodes and communicate with a management server directly or indirectly, allowing dynamic role assignment and configuration based on connectivity and priority lists, reducing the need for specialized expertise and improving network performance by adapting to interference and unanticipated conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If pre-planning network configuration is performed, then network structure is established, but complexity increases and accuracy decreases as more devices are added
Solution Approach 1:
The node automatically determines its own role and configuration by attempting direct communication with the management server and selecting intermediate nodes autonomously, eliminating the need for manual pre-planning and reducing configuration complexity as the network scales
Solution Approach 2:
The network configuration transitions from static pre-planning to dynamic self-configuration, where nodes adapt their roles and connections based on real-time network conditions and connectivity requirements
2Reliability
If manual network analysis is performed by engineer, then suitable location and configuration can be determined, but specialist equipment and expertise are required
Solution Approach 1:
The node autonomously performs network analysis functions by attempting direct server communication, evaluating intermediate nodes based on priority lists, and self-configuring its role without requiring external engineer intervention or specialist equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The management server pre-calculates and provides priority lists of intermediate nodes based on network topology and predicted conditions, enabling nodes to make informed decisions without requiring real-time expert analysis
3Ease of operation
If nodes are added dynamically without expertise, then ease of operation improves, but role determination and configuration become unclear
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring the network to assign roles to nodes, the node independently determines its own role by attempting direct communication with the management server and evaluating its connectivity needs, inverting the traditional control relationship
Solution Approach 2:
The management server acts as an intermediary by providing priority lists of intermediate nodes to feeder terminals, enabling automated role assignment and configuration without requiring manual intervention or complex node-to-node negotiations
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a node for use in a network, the node comprising: communication circuitry to communicate with a management server. Bootstrap circuitry initially identifies an intermediate node from at least one available node in the network in response to the communication circuitry being unable to communicate with the management server directly. The communication circuitry is arranged to communicate with the management server indirectly via the intermediate node when unable to communicate with the management server directly. Role assignment circuitry assigns a role to be performed by the node in the network based on whether the communication circuitry communicates with the management server directly, or indirectly via an intermediate node.