Server Node Reachability via Timestamp Status Check
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems in networks of interconnected node devices face challenges in reaching node devices that have switched to inactive or power-saving modes, leading to unreachable situations due to changed IP addresses or resource constraints, resulting in inefficiencies and increased costs from frequent heartbeat messages.
Innovation Solution
A method where a server determines the communication status of a node device based on the last exchanged message, allowing communication via a secondary interface through another node device if the primary interface is unavailable, eliminating the need for a proxy device and reducing unnecessary message transmissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If node devices send frequent heartbeat messages to maintain downlink reachability, then the server can reliably reach node devices, but data traffic and signaling load increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The server performs preliminary determination of communication status before attempting to send downlink messages. By checking the last exchanged message timestamp and comparing it with a threshold, the server proactively identifies whether a node device is reachable before initiating communication, avoiding unnecessary message transmissions and reducing signaling load.
2Use of energy by moving object
If node devices enter sleep mode to conserve battery power, then energy consumption is reduced, but the devices become unreachable for downlink messages
Solution Approach 1:
The server uses feedback from uplink messages (such as heartbeat messages or data transmissions) to determine the communication status of node devices. By analyzing the timestamp of the last received uplink message, the server infers whether the node device is currently active or in sleep mode, and adjusts its communication strategy accordingly without requiring the node device to remain continuously connected.
3Productivity
If the server communicates with unreachable node devices, then communication attempts are made, but resources are wasted and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The server performs a preliminary check of the communication status by examining the timestamp of the last exchanged message before attempting to communicate with a node device. If the threshold is exceeded, the server determines the device is unreachable and skips communication attempts, thereby avoiding waste of network resources and reducing operational costs.
4Reliability
If a proxy device is used to maintain communication with sleeping node devices, then downlink reachability is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The server independently determines the communication status of node devices by analyzing timestamps of exchanged messages and autonomously decides whether to attempt communication or skip the device. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external proxy devices or additional infrastructure, simplifying the system architecture while maintaining communication reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method (50) of and an arrangement for communicating, by a server, with a target node device in a network of operatively interconnected node devices, wherein each node device of the network comprises a first communication interface for direct wireless communication with the server, and a second communication interface for inter-node device communication. The server determines (51) a current communication status of a target node device based on a last received uplink message of the target node device, prior to initiating message exchange with the target node device. The server then may communicate directly (52) with the target node device via the first communication interface, or via at least one other or delegate node device of the network selected by the server (53).