Router Address Translation for IoT Mesh Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low-power, low-data-rate IoT devices face inefficiencies in communication when transitioning between local mesh networks and global networks due to mismatched communication protocols, leading to reduced bandwidth and increased packet fragmentation and loss.
Innovation Solution
A router method and device that uses compressible link-local source and destination addresses within local networks and globally unique addresses in global networks, enabling efficient communication by storing mapping data to translate addresses and compress headers, thereby increasing bandwidth and reducing fragmentation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If global network communication protocols are used for low-power IoT devices, then communication with global networks is enabled, but bandwidth efficiency decreases and packet fragmentation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the address space by using link-local addresses (fe80::/10) for local network communication and globally unique addresses for external communication. This segmentation allows the system to apply different address formats appropriately, optimizing bandwidth for local traffic while maintaining global connectivity when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using compressed link-local addresses specifically for local network communication within the mesh network, while using full global addresses only when communicating outside the local network. This localized optimization reduces header overhead and improves bandwidth efficiency for the majority of local traffic.
2Ease of operation
If global network addresses are used in local network communication, then routing to global networks is simplified, but address space efficiency decreases and packet size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments address usage by protocol context: link-local addresses are used for local mesh network communication, while global addresses are used for external network communication. This segmentation maintains routing simplicity by keeping address formats appropriate to their communication context, avoiding the inefficiency of using global addresses everywhere.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the address parameter based on the communication context. For local communication, it uses the fe80::/10 link-local address format which is more compact and efficient. For external communication, it transitions to global addresses. This parameter change optimizes address space efficiency while maintaining routing capability.
3Productivity
If link-local addresses are used for local communication, then bandwidth efficiency improves, but communication with global networks becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the router) that handles protocol translation between link-local addresses used in the local mesh network and global addresses used for external communication. This intermediary absorbs the translation complexity, allowing local devices to use efficient link-local addresses without burdening them with global routing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables local devices to self-configure using link-local addresses for local communication without requiring complex global address configuration. The devices autonomously use the fe80::/10 address space for local mesh network communication, simplifying their operation while the router handles global address translation when needed.
4Reliability
If standard IPv6 headers are used without compression, then protocol compatibility is maintained, but packet overhead increases and available payload bandwidth decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using compressed header formats specifically for link-local communication within the mesh network, while maintaining standard uncompressed IPv6 headers for external communication. This localized compression optimizes payload bandwidth for local traffic without sacrificing protocol compatibility for external networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the header compression parameter based on the communication context. For local link-local communication, it applies header compression to reduce overhead and increase payload bandwidth. For external communication, it uses standard uncompressed headers to maintain protocol compatibility. This parameter change optimizes both bandwidth and compatibility appropriately.
Data Source
AI summary
Described are methods and devices for communication between local networks and global networks. In some examples, a method comprises storing mapping data for multiple hosts in a global network and in a local network. The method further comprises receiving a first data packet from one of the multiple hosts in the local network. The first data packet comprises a first source address being the local network address of the host in the local network, a first destination address being the local network address of the host in the global network and payload data. The method further comprises determining, based on the mapping data, the global network address of the host in the local network and a global network address of the host in the global network, and sending a second data packet over the global network.