Physical Attachment Point Identifiers for Wireless Message Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in message routing due to reliance on network layer addresses, which can lead to handoff delays and packet loss when end nodes lack a direct uplink connection to target access nodes, especially in resource-constrained environments.
Innovation Solution
The system employs physical layer identification information to route messages between end nodes and access nodes, using connection identifiers based on physical layer attachment points, allowing communication through adjacent access nodes without requiring network or link layer addresses, and storing mapping information in access nodes to facilitate routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network layer addresses are used for message routing, then routing flexibility is improved, but message size increases and resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the routing function from the network layer and implements it at the data link layer using physical attachment point identifiers. This allows routing to be performed using shorter identifiers (physical layer addresses) instead of full network layer addresses, reducing message size while maintaining routing flexibility through the use of identifier-based routing tables at access nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of operation by implementing routing functionality at the data link layer (Layer 2) rather than relying solely on network layer (Layer 3) addressing. This dimensional shift allows the system to use physical attachment point identifiers for routing decisions, achieving both reduced message size and maintained routing flexibility through cross-layer design.
2Reliability
If end nodes maintain multiple bidirectional communications links with different access nodes, then communication reliability is improved, but link management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces access nodes as intermediaries that maintain routing tables mapping physical attachment point identifiers to network layer addresses. This intermediary structure allows end nodes to communicate with multiple access nodes using simple physical identifiers without needing to manage complex network layer addressing or routing state, thereby improving reliability through multiple links while keeping end node complexity low.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying of routing information from access nodes to end nodes through broadcast channels. End nodes receive and store copies of physical attachment point identifiers and their associated routing information, enabling them to route messages through multiple access nodes without each node needing to maintain complete routing state, thus improving reliability while managing complexity efficiently.
3Quantity of substance
If physical layer identifiers are used for message routing, then message size is reduced and resource consumption decreases, but routing capability is limited when direct links are unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having access nodes pre-compute and store routing tables that map physical attachment point identifiers to network layer addresses before routing is needed. This pre-computation allows the system to use short physical identifiers for message routing while maintaining the capability to route to any accessible access node, as the routing tables are prepared in advance to handle various routing scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses access nodes as intermediaries that bridge the gap between physical layer identifiers and network layer routing. When an end node wants to communicate with a target access node, it uses the target's physical attachment point identifier in the message. The receiving access node acts as an intermediary, looking up the identifier in its routing table and forwarding the message appropriately, thus enabling versatile routing while keeping message sizes small.
4Device complexity
If end nodes send messages via directly connected access nodes only, then routing simplicity is improved, but communication efficiency decreases when direct links are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by allowing end nodes to dynamically select which access node to use for message transmission based on current link conditions. The system maintains routing tables that map physical identifiers to multiple possible access nodes, enabling end nodes to choose the most efficient path at any given time. This dynamic selection improves communication efficiency while keeping routing simple through identifier-based addressing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter used for routing from network layer addresses to physical attachment point identifiers. This parameter change enables more efficient message transmission because physical identifiers are shorter and can be used with multiple access nodes. The system maintains routing flexibility by having access nodes store mappings from these physical identifiers to network layer addresses, allowing efficient communication while preserving routing capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and apparatus for routing messages between an end node and an access node via another access node are described. Physical layer identification information is used when identifying a remote, e.g., adjacent, access node as a message destination. Thus, when a connection identifier based on one or more physical layer identifiers is available to a wireless terminal, e.g., from one or more downlink signals received from a destination access node, the wireless terminal can use the connection identifier corresponding to the destination node to route a message via an access node with which it has an established uplink connection. Such connection identifier information can be used even when other addressing information, e.g., network layer address information, associated with the destination access node, may not be available to the wireless terminal.