Parallel Route Discovery in mmWave Mesh Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current routing protocols in ad-hoc and mesh networks, such as AODV, do not efficiently discover multiple routes or utilize multiple routing paths, particularly in mmWave networks, leading to potential communication disruptions due to blockages and limitations in directional transmissions.
Innovation Solution
The method involves modifying the routing protocol to simultaneously discover and secure both primary and secondary routes using extended RREQ and RREP messages, allowing for independent multiple path discovery and transmission, even in MIMO capable networks, ensuring continuous communication by utilizing both paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional routing protocols (AODV) are used for route discovery in ad-hoc networks, then the protocol implementation is simple, but multiple routes cannot be discovered and communication reliability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the route discovery process into parallel primary and secondary route discovery phases. The source STA simultaneously initiates two separate RREQ transmissions with different route types, allowing independent discovery of multiple routes without overwhelming the system with a single complex monolithic protocol
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the source STA pre-configure and simultaneously transmit both primary and secondary RREQ frames before actual data transmission begins. This advance preparation ensures multiple routes are established beforehand, improving reliability without adding complexity during active communication
2Loss of time
If sequential route discovery is used to find primary and secondary routes, then the routing protocol is simple to implement, but the time to establish multiple routes is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges primary and secondary route discovery operations into a single simultaneous process. The source STA combines both route discovery requests into parallel transmissions, and intermediate STAs are configured to handle both route types in one processing pass, thereby discovering multiple routes at the same time rather than sequentially
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic behavior by allowing intermediate STAs to adaptively process different route types (primary and secondary) based on received RREQ frames. The system dynamically manages multiple route discoveries concurrently, adjusting processing based on route type without requiring complex sequential control logic
3Reliability
If directional transmissions are used in mmWave networks, then transmission reliability is improved, but route discovery capability is reduced due to limited beam coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a route type dimension to the directional transmission framework. By introducing primary and secondary route classifications alongside directional beams, the system can transmit RREQ frames through multiple directional paths simultaneously, effectively using an additional dimension (route diversity) to overcome the limitations of single-directional beam coverage
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for routing data through independent routes substantially between a source station and a destination station of a mesh network. The routes are discovered in a non-sequential, pseudo-simultaneous manner from a source station (STA) to a destination station (STA). An extended routing request (RREQ) and routing reply (RREP) are utilized which provide a primary and secondary flag indication, which is utilized in combination with advanced programming for setting path cost metrics to assure independence of primary and secondary routes.