Packet Routing Apparatus Skipping Relay Nodes in Sensor Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sensor networks face challenges in reducing power consumption and packet transmission delay due to idle listening and the need for multiple nodes to relay data packets, which increases power consumption and causes transmission delays.
Innovation Solution
A packet routing apparatus and method that intervenes in the relay path by determining whether a data packet is routable and generating a clear to send (CTS) signal, allowing the apparatus to relay data packets directly to subsequent nodes, thereby reducing the number of relays and nodes involved in the transmission path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple relay nodes are used to transmit data packets in a sensor network, then the data can reach the destination node, but the power consumption increases and transmission delay occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the RTS/CTS signaling function from the traditional multi-hop relay process and implements it at the destination node. The destination node proactively sends CTS signals back to source nodes, eliminating the need for intermediate relay nodes to participate in signaling, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining transmission reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtual intermediary mechanism where the destination node acts as a mediator by sending CTS signals that contain routing information. This allows source nodes to directly transmit data to the destination without physical intermediate relays, reducing the number of active nodes and power consumption
2Use of energy by moving object
If relay nodes sleep to conserve power, then power consumption is reduced, but transmission delay increases when nodes are in sleep state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the destination node pre-calculate routing paths and send CTS signals containing this information before data transmission is needed. Source nodes can immediately transmit data upon receiving CTS signals without waiting for relay nodes to wake up, eliminating sleep-induced delays while maintaining power savings
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the CTS signal mechanism, where the destination node provides routing feedback to source nodes. This feedback contains pre-computed path information that enables source nodes to transmit data directly without iterative waiting or coordination with sleeping relay nodes
3Productivity
If the packet routing apparatus intervenes in the relay path, then the number of relays is reduced and transmission is expedited, but the complexity of determining routability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the destination node to autonomously determine routing paths and generate CTS signals without external assistance. The destination node maintains routing tables and independently evaluates routability, simplifying the overall system architecture while improving transmission speed
Data Source
AI summary
A packet routing apparatus and method are provided. The packet routing apparatus may participate in a sensor network. In certain aspects the packet routing apparatus may snatch a request to send (RTS) signal that is transmitted from a first node to a second node in the sensor network and may intervene on the relay path of the snatched data packet. In certain aspects, the packet routing apparatus may sniff a data packet that is transmitted from a first node to a second node and may intervene on the relay path of the sniffed data packet.