Dynamic Relay Node Control for Wireless Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing relay systems in wireless networks require relay nodes to always keep their relay functionality turned on, leading to unnecessary power consumption and amplification of noise and interference when no data is being relayed.
Innovation Solution
Implementing techniques that allow relay nodes to turn on and off their relay functionality dynamically, using control frames such as trigger frames or MU RTS frames to indicate when to activate or deactivate relay functionality, thereby reducing power consumption and minimizing noise amplification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If relay functionality is always kept on, then data transmission reliability is improved, but power consumption increases and noise amplification occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The relay functionality is made dynamic rather than static. The relay node can switch between active and inactive states based on whether data needs to be relayed. Control frames (trigger frames or MU RTS frames) dynamically activate the relay functionality only when needed, allowing the system to adapt its state to current operational requirements rather than maintaining a fixed on-state
Solution Approach 2:
The relay functionality is activated periodically or on-demand rather than continuously. Control frames are sent at specific times to activate relay functionality only when data transmission is required, creating a periodic or event-driven activation pattern that reduces unnecessary power consumption and noise amplification during inactive periods
2Reliability
If relay functionality is always kept on, then data transmission reliability is improved, but noise amplification increases
Solution Approach 1:
The relay node dynamically switches between active and inactive states. When inactive, the relay node does not amplify any signals including noise. Control frames dynamically activate the relay functionality only when legitimate data transmission is required, preventing the amplification of noise and interference that would occur if the relay remained continuously active
Solution Approach 2:
The relay functionality is activated periodically or on-demand through control frames rather than continuously. This periodic activation ensures that the relay node only amplifies signals during designated transmission windows, reducing the overall amplification of noise and interference in the network environment
3Use of energy by moving object
If relay functionality is dynamically controlled, then power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control frames (trigger frames or MU RTS frames) serve multiple functions: they manage relay functionality activation while also coordinating data transmission. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated control mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while still enabling dynamic relay control for power savings
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment is a method performed by a source node to transmit data to a destination node via a relay node. The method includes transmitting a control frame to the relay node to indicate that the relay node is to turn on relay functionality and transmitting a data frame to the destination node via the relay node while relay functionality of the relay node is turned on. An embodiment is a method performed by a relay node to relay data transmitted by a source node to a destination node. The method includes receiving a control frame from the source node that indicates that the relay node is to turn on relay functionality, turning on relay functionality of the relay node responsive to receiving the control frame, and relaying a data frame transmitted by the source node to the destination node while relay functionality of the relay node is turned on.