Position-Based Broadcast Protocol for Wireless Mesh Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional wireless mesh networks face challenges with message delivery due to centralized failure, high overhead in routing updates, and inefficiencies in power consumption, data throughput, and collision rates, particularly in large networks with static nodes.
Innovation Solution
A position-based broadcast protocol that uses a grid layout to assign time slots for transmission, reception, and sleep states to wireless sensor nodes, eliminating the need for routing tables and location services, and optimizing power consumption and data transfer efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If routing tables are used for data transmission, then reliable communication paths can be established, but routing updates introduce sizable overhead in large networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the routing table maintenance function entirely from the system. Instead of using routing tables that require periodic updates, the invention uses position-based direct routing where nodes calculate paths geometrically using their known positions and the destination position, eliminating the overhead of routing table establishment and updates while maintaining reliable communication
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces position information as an intermediary that mediates between nodes for path determination. Rather than exchanging routing table data, nodes use position coordinates to geometrically calculate optimal paths, with position updates serving as the intermediary mechanism that enables routing without traditional table maintenance
2Device complexity
If position-based routing without routing tables is used, then routing update overhead is reduced, but messages may get stuck in local minima compromising network reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the routing decision process adaptive rather than static. Nodes dynamically adjust their path selection based on real-time position information and can switch between different path-finding strategies (geometric progression, random selection, or following gradient) depending on network conditions and position data availability, preventing messages from getting stuck in local minima
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter used for routing from fixed routing table entries to dynamic position coordinates. By continuously updating position parameters and using geometric calculations based on these changing parameters, the system avoids local minima problems while maintaining low overhead, as position updates are more efficient than comprehensive routing table updates
3Productivity
If all nodes remain active for continuous communication, then data throughput is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through scheduled position updates and structured communication phases. Nodes update their positions periodically rather than continuously, and communication follows structured patterns (broadcast, acknowledge, data transfer phases) that allow nodes to enter low-power states between active periods, maintaining throughput while reducing overall power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining position information and routing capabilities in low-power state. Nodes retain essential position data and can quickly resume communication when needed, avoiding complete shutdown of communication functions while minimizing active transmission time, thus maintaining throughput capability with reduced energy consumption
4Measurement precision
If position updates are performed frequently to maintain accurate routing, then routing accuracy improves, but network overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by updating position information selectively rather than continuously. Nodes update positions only when necessary (when actual position deviates from grid position or when routing decisions require fresh data) rather than performing excessive continuous updates, maintaining sufficient position accuracy for routing while minimizing network overhead from position update messages
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A method for managing communication in a wireless mesh network comprising a plurality of wireless nodes and a wireless node for use in such network are described, wherein said method may comprise: providing a time slot schedule (frame), preferably a TDMA time slot schedule (frame), comprising one or more time slots, including a transmission time slot enabling a node to transmit a broadcast message, a reception time slot enabling a node to receive a broadcast message from one or more other nodes; and/or a sleep time slot for configuring said node in an idle state; and, assigning said time slots to nodes in said network on the basis of the position of said nodes in said network.