Physical Layer Identifier Routing for Wireless Handoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in message routing due to the need for end nodes to maintain single bidirectional links and reliance on network layer addresses, leading to handoff delays and packet loss, especially when end nodes do not know the network address of the target access node.
Innovation Solution
The use of physical layer identification information to route messages between end nodes and access nodes, allowing for communication via an adjacent access node without requiring network layer addresses, by storing mapping information in access nodes that correlates physical layer identifiers with higher-level addresses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If end nodes rely on network layer addresses for message routing, then routing flexibility is improved, but message size increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the routing function from the message payload by implementing a separate routing header that contains only essential routing information (physical layer identifiers) rather than embedding complete network layer addresses in every message. This separation allows messages to be routed efficiently using compact identifiers while maintaining the flexibility of network layer routing when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The message structure is segmented into distinct components: a routing header containing physical layer identifiers for efficient forwarding, and the actual message payload. This segmentation allows the routing information to be processed independently and more efficiently, reducing the overhead associated with network layer address processing in every message.
2Device complexity
If end nodes maintain single bidirectional links, then link management is simplified, but handoff delays and packet loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by establishing and maintaining multiple bidirectional communication links between end nodes and access nodes before handoff is needed. End nodes proactively discover and store physical layer identifiers of neighboring access nodes, preparing alternative routing paths in advance. This allows seamless switching during handoff events without delays or packet loss.
3Productivity
If physical layer identifiers are used for message routing, then message routing efficiency is improved, but routing information completeness decreases when network layer addresses are unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces access nodes as intermediaries that maintain mapping tables between physical layer identifiers and network layer addresses. When an end node needs to route a message using only a physical layer identifier, the intermediate access node performs the address resolution and forwarding, ensuring complete routing information is available at the network layer without requiring the end node to have direct access to network layer addresses.
Data Source
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.