Relay Apparatus Port Selection for Mesh Network Path Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mesh network relay stations face high processing loads due to the need to adaptively switch connection relations, especially when moving, making rapid path switching difficult.
Innovation Solution
A relay apparatus with wireless communication circuitry and processor circuitry that selects the appropriate port for frame transmission and reception, allowing for a simplified configuration of wireless frames in a tree structure network, reducing the need for complex routing tables and processing loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a relay station uses different communication devices for uplink and downlink directions, then communication functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling a single communication device to handle both uplink and downlink directions. The relay station uses one communication device that can operate in different modes (receiving from upstream, transmitting to downstream, receiving from downstream, transmitting to upstream) rather than requiring separate dedicated devices for each direction, thus reducing configuration complexity while maintaining full communication functionality.
2Measurement precision
If a relay station collects radio wave environment and traffic condition information from all relay stations, then network control accuracy is improved, but processing load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the controller function from individual relay stations and concentrates it in a dedicated controller. This extraction allows relay stations to avoid the heavy processing load of collecting and analyzing network-wide information, while the centralized controller performs these functions efficiently. The relay stations only need to maintain simple connection relation information rather than comprehensive network state data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dedicated controller as an intermediary between relay stations and the network management function. This mediator collects radio wave environment and traffic condition information from all relay stations, processes this information centrally, and determines connection relations. This intermediary approach distributes the processing load appropriately, preventing individual relay stations from being overwhelmed while maintaining accurate network control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a relay station with controller function determines connection relations adaptively, then network adaptability is improved, but path switching speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the controller pre-determine and store connection relations for multiple relay stations based on collected network information. When path switching is needed, the relay station can quickly retrieve the pre-calculated connection relation from storage rather than performing complex real-time calculations, thus achieving rapid path switching while maintaining network adaptability through the controller's ongoing optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment, a relay apparatus corresponds to a node included in nodes of a wireless network system. The relay apparatus includes wireless communication circuitry, and processor circuitry. The wireless communication circuitry includes ports capable of transmitting a transmission frame or receiving a reception frame via a wireless communication line respectively. The processor circuitry is configured to select a first port connected to a first apparatus from the ports, if the wireless communication circuitry receives a first frame and if the first frame is to be relayed to the first apparatus via a wireless communication line. The wireless communication circuitry is further configured to transmit the first frame through the first port.