Redundant Wireless Sensor Network Node Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems for sensor networks lack reliable configurations for redundant connectivity, particularly in energy-constrained devices and networks that require efficient data routing and redundancy to ensure data delivery.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a wireless network with redundantly connected nodes, utilizing primary and secondary connections, group addressing, and data relaying nodes to ensure reliable data transmission and network resilience, compatible with protocols like Zigbee and IEEE 802.15.4.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If redundant connections are implemented in wireless sensor networks, then network reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into different node types (routing nodes with full redundancy capabilities and reduced-function devices with limited redundancy) based on their capabilities. This allows redundant connections to be implemented where needed while avoiding unnecessary complexity in energy-constrained devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different redundancy configurations to different parts of the network based on local requirements and device capabilities. Routing nodes implement full redundant connections while reduced-function devices use simplified approaches, allowing reliability to be improved locally without uniformly increasing complexity across the entire network.
2Reliability
If multiple communication paths are established, then data delivery reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic path selection where devices can switch between primary and alternative routes based on current network conditions and energy availability. This allows the system to maintain reliability through multiple paths while consuming energy only when necessary, rather than continuously maintaining all paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters based on device type and network conditions. Reduced-function devices use simplified addressing and communication protocols when operating in redundancy mode, reducing their energy consumption compared to full routing nodes, while still providing reliability benefits.
3Productivity
If group addressing is used for redundant connections, then communication efficiency is improved, but addressing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates group addresses that can serve multiple functions simultaneously - identifying a set of redundant nodes, enabling efficient multicast communication, and providing a simplified addressing mechanism that works across different device types. This universal approach improves communication efficiency without proportionally increasing addressing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices for operating a wireless network including redundant communication. Methods involving redundantly connected nodes are discussed including addressing methods and/or methods of creating groups for such redundant communication. The use of primary and secondary redundant connections is discussed. Also, devices for implementing such methods.