Proxy Node Relay for Hidden Node Network Admission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication networks face challenges in dynamically admitting new nodes and accounting for hidden nodes that cannot receive beacon signals due to high attenuation or noise, leading to inefficiencies and reduced service area.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of proxy nodes that act as relay stations between hidden nodes and the master node, allowing signals to be relayed and facilitating the addition of hidden nodes to the network by distinguishing between different types of signals and using relayed beacons to align communications, thereby avoiding collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the network uses direct beacon signals for node admission, then the master node can directly manage visible nodes, but hidden nodes unable to receive beacons cannot be admitted to the network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces proxy nodes as intermediary elements between the master node and hidden nodes. These proxy nodes receive beacon signals from the master node and relay them to hidden nodes that cannot directly receive beacons. This intermediary mechanism extends the network service area to include hidden nodes while maintaining reliable communication through the proxy relay path.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the network admits all nodes including hidden nodes, then the network service area is extended, but signal collisions may occur between direct and indirect communication paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication process into distinct phases: beacon signal transmission, hidden node detection, proxy node selection, and data transmission. By dividing the admission process into separate steps with clear boundaries, the system can manage multiple communication paths (direct and indirect) without causing signal collisions, while still extending service to hidden nodes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the network maintains simple direct communication, then the communication path is straightforward, but hidden nodes cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes proxy nodes multi-functional: they act as regular network nodes for data transmission, serve as beacon relays for hidden nodes, and function as admission controllers for hidden node integration. This universal role of proxy nodes extends network服务能力 to hidden nodes without requiring separate dedicated infrastructure, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the present invention relates to a network element that is configured to be associated with a network having a number of nodes. A proxy node is configured to distinguish between a some signals received from a master node and other signals received from at least one hidden node, where the at least one hidden node is unable to bi-directionally directly communicate with the master at a given time. The proxy node is further configured to relay at least one signal between the master node and the hidden node to facilitate addition of the hidden node to the network via the master node. Other methods and devices are also disclosed.