SmartBAN Relay Connectivity for Isolated Nodes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN) standards, such as IEEE 802.15.6 and ETSI SmartBAN, do not provide a solution for detecting isolated nodes and establishing relay connections within the network, especially when a node is out of direct reach of the Hub, leading to communication disruptions.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of novel Medium Access Control (MAC) specifications that enable isolated node identification, notification, and relay connectivity by broadcasting Isolated Node Notifications, selecting a relay node, and allocating time slots for relay communication, allowing the Hub to reconnect isolated nodes using existing network resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a one-hop star topology is used in SmartBAN, then direct communication between nodes and Hub is enabled, but relay connectivity for isolated nodes is not supported
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network connectivity into two distinct modes: direct one-hop communication for normal operation and indirect two-hop relay communication for isolated nodes. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simple direct communication when possible while providing relay capability when needed, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic topology adaptation where nodes can switch between one-hop and two-hop communication modes based on their connection status. The Hub dynamically identifies isolated nodes and establishes relay connections through candidate relay nodes, enabling the network to adapt its structure to maintain reliability while preserving simple direct communication for connected nodes.
2Reliability
If a two-hop extended star WBAN with relay capability is implemented, then relay connectivity is supported, but complex communication procedures and prearrangements are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where isolated nodes automatically detect their isolation status and initiate relay connection requests without complex prearrangements. The Hub automatically identifies isolated nodes through missing beacon frames and autonomously selects candidate relay nodes based on signal quality metrics, significantly reducing the complexity of communication procedures while maintaining reliable relay connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the Hub monitors beacon frame acknowledgments from nodes to detect isolation. Based on this feedback, the Hub initiates relay connection procedures only when necessary. Candidate relay nodes provide feedback on their signal quality to the Hub, which uses this information to make intelligent relay selection decisions, simplifying the overall procedure while ensuring reliable connectivity.
3Reliability
If external relay nodes are installed to connect isolated nodes, then relay connectivity is achieved, but existing network resources are not utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing WBAN nodes multi-functional by enabling them to serve as relay nodes for isolated nodes. Any connected node can potentially act as a relay, eliminating the need for dedicated external relay infrastructure. This universal capability allows the network to utilize its existing resources flexibly, improving adaptability while achieving reliable reconnection for isolated nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designates existing connected nodes as intermediary relay nodes that mediate communication between isolated nodes and the Hub. These intermediary nodes forward data packets and beacon frames, enabling isolated node reconnection using existing network resources rather than requiring external relay infrastructure, thus improving both reliability and resource utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a mechanism to initiate, establish, and maintain relay connectivity in a SmartBAN network while maintaining uninterrupted operations within the network. The present invention comprises the aspects of identifying and notifying an isolated node, initiating and establishing relay connectivity, maintaining the relay connectivity, and ending the relay connectivity when this is desired by either a hub, the isolated node or the nominated relay node. Some new frame formats comprising several new Information Units are also defined.