Simplified Mesh Network Protocol for IoT Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless mesh network protocols for IoT devices are complex and power-intensive, requiring high computational resources and bandwidth, which is not suitable for small-scale, battery-operated devices with limited memory and computing power.
Innovation Solution
A simplified mesh network protocol that modifies the IEEE 802.11 standard by changing addresses in data frames to reduce computational overhead and power consumption, allowing IoT devices to operate efficiently with reduced complexity and resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional IEEE 802.11 mesh network protocols are used, then network capacity and bandwidth are improved, but power consumption and protocol complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mesh network into hierarchical levels (root node, intermediate nodes, leaf nodes) with simplified protocols for each level. IoT devices at leaf nodes use a simplified protocol for basic operations, while only intermediate and root nodes handle complex mesh routing functions. This segmentation allows bandwidth-intensive operations to be concentrated at higher levels while leaf nodes consume less power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key protocol parameters for IoT devices, including using simplified address formats (reducing from 4 address fields to essential fields only), disabling optional 802.11 features, and modifying frame structures. These parameter changes reduce computational overhead and power consumption while maintaining essential network functionality.
2Productivity
If conventional IEEE 802.11 mesh network protocols are used, then network capacity and bandwidth are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the mesh network into hierarchical levels where IoT devices (leaf nodes) use a simplified protocol subset, while intermediate and root nodes handle complex routing. This segmentation allows high network capacity through full mesh capabilities at intermediate nodes while keeping IoT device complexity low.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes complex 802.11 mesh protocol features that are unnecessary for IoT devices, keeping only essential functions for basic data transmission. This extraction reduces device complexity while maintaining sufficient network capacity through the simplified protocol.
3Adaptability or versatility
If full IEEE 802.11 address fields are used in data frames, then routing flexibility and network adaptability are improved, but computational overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes address field parameters by using simplified address formats with fewer fields compared to full IEEE 802.11. This reduction decreases computational overhead for address processing while maintaining sufficient routing flexibility through the simplified address structure.
4Speed
If high bandwidth operations are implemented, then data transmission speed is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments bandwidth-intensive operations to be performed primarily at intermediate and root nodes rather than at every IoT device. Leaf nodes use simplified transmission protocols, while complex high-speed data handling is concentrated at higher network levels, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining data transmission speed.
Data Source
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AI summary
In described examples, a method of operating a node of a network includes receiving a data frame (500) having a header with multiple addresses. The node determines if a first address of the multiple addresses is an address of a descendant (506) of the node and if a second address of the multiple addresses is a parent address (502) of the node. If so, the node changes a second address of the multiple addresses to its own address (512) in response to the determining. The node then transmits the data frame (514) to at least one descendant of the node.