Proxy Coordinator Nodes for Hidden Node Communication in Ad Hoc Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication networks face challenges in integrating hidden nodes that cannot communicate directly with the central coordinator node, leading to network communication problems and security issues, particularly in establishing secure and efficient communication pathways.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of proxy networking, which involves identifying and managing proxy coordinator nodes to facilitate communication between hidden nodes and the central coordinator node, using a network topology map to select optimal proxy nodes and manage key exchanges, thereby minimizing collateral network disruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hidden nodes are integrated into the network without proxy coordination, then network connectivity is improved, but communication reliability deteriorates due to direct communication failures with the central coordinator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces proxy coordinator nodes as intermediaries between hidden nodes and the central coordinator. These proxy nodes enable hidden nodes to join the network while maintaining reliable communication through the proxy coordination mechanism, which manages communication pathways and ensures reliable data transmission between hidden nodes and the central coordinator.
2Reliability
If proxy coordinator nodes are introduced to manage hidden nodes, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs proxy coordinator nodes to perform multiple functions: they act as intermediaries for communication, manage key exchange for security, coordinate bandwidth allocation, and handle message routing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby managing complexity while improving reliability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If key exchange mechanisms are implemented for hidden nodes, then security is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary key exchange actions during the proxy coordination establishment phase. Security keys are exchanged and established before actual data communication begins, allowing secure communication to start immediately without additional time delays during data transmission. The proxy node pre-configures security parameters with the central coordinator.
4Productivity
If bandwidth allocation is managed through proxy nodes, then network efficiency is improved, but control messaging overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple control functions into the proxy coordination messaging protocol. Bandwidth allocation, key exchange confirmation, and communication pathway establishment are combined into integrated control messages exchanged between hidden nodes, proxy nodes, and the central coordinator. This consolidation reduces the total number of separate control messaging transactions.
Data Source
AI summary
An ad hoc network organizational method which is employable with a collection of plural nodes in a setting where there is available a current overall network topology map containing at least the identities of, and the inter-nodal communication link qualities and capabilities associated with, each of the nodes. The method generally involves the steps of (a) examining the topology map to determine the current pattern of possible and not-possible direct communication links between pairs of nodes, thus to detect, from an inter-nodal, inter-communication point of view, hidden nodes and non-hidden nodes, and (b) on the basis of such examining, establishing a proxy networking scheme wherein pairs of nodes which are hidden with respect to one another can nonetheless communicate with one another through at least one, intermediary, selectable proxy node which is non-hidden with respect to each of the two nodes in such a pair.