TDMA Router Path Selection for Thread Network Congestion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thread networks experience network congestion and interference due to devices supporting time division multiple access (TDMA) switching to other networks, leading to increased retransmission operations and resource occupation.
Innovation Solution
A router that switches between a Thread network and another network, such as Bluetooth, with a control circuit managing network durations and switching periods, and a method to determine next-hop routers' network status based on advertised TDMA information packets, allowing selection of optimal paths to avoid congestion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a router supports TDMA and switches to another network, then the router can operate in multiple networks, but network congestion and interference occur due to retransmission operations
Solution Approach 1:
The router performs preliminary actions by advertising TDMA information packets in advance that contain network duration and switching period. This allows other routers to predict when the TDMA router will be available, enabling proactive path selection before congestion occurs rather than reacting after retransmissions are needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by having TDMA routers continuously advertise their network availability status through TDMA information packets. Other routers use this feedback to dynamically adjust their routing decisions, selecting alternative paths when the TDMA router is unavailable and returning to the original path when available, thereby preventing congestion
2Stability of the object's composition
If a router continuously operates in one network, then network stability is maintained, but the router cannot switch to other networks when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The router implements periodic action by alternating between Thread network and non-Thread network operations in defined periods. The network switching period creates a predictable pattern where the router switches between networks at regular intervals, allowing the system to maintain stability through predictability while enabling versatility through controlled switching
Solution Approach 2:
The router applies dynamics by making its network operation mode changeable over time. Instead of being static in one network, the router dynamically switches between Thread and non-Thread networks based on the advertising information, allowing adaptability while maintaining stability through controlled, predictable transitions
3Reliability
If retransmission operations are performed frequently, then packet delivery reliability is improved, but network resources are occupied and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by advertising network availability information in advance through TDMA information packets. This allows receiving routers to prepare alternative routing paths before packets need retransmission, delivering packets during periods when the router is available without needing retransmission, thus maintaining reliability while avoiding the resource cost of retransmissions
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies skipping by bypassing the retransmission process entirely through proactive path selection. Instead of sending packets during unavailable periods and then retransmitting later, the system skips directly to sending packets during guaranteed available periods identified through advance advertising, achieving the same reliability outcome with higher efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
An operation method of a router which switches between a first network and a second network includes the following steps: advertising a packet including a network duration and a network switching period. The network duration represents a first duration for which the router continuously operates in the first network. The network switching period is substantially equal to the first duration plus a second duration for which the router continuously operates in the second network.