Thread Network Link Timeout Adaptation for Faster Disconnection Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thread networks experience prolonged downtime in determining link disconnection, leading to inefficient network management and frequent partition separations due to the fixed default value of NETWORK_ID_TIMEOUT, which does not adapt to changing link quality.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device dynamically adjusts the NETWORK_ID_TIMEOUT value based on the signal quality of adjacent routers and routing table information, reducing the time interval for reconnecting and minimizing network disruptions by quickly identifying link disconnections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the NETWORK_id_TIMEOUT value is set to a fixed default value, then the network protocol is simple to implement, but the link disconnection determination time is prolonged and does not adapt to changing link quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the NETWORK_id_TIMEOUT value dynamic instead of fixed. The timeout value is automatically adjusted based on link quality metrics (link_quality_indicator and sequence_number changes) detected during network operation. When link quality deteriorates, the timeout value is reduced to enable faster disconnection detection, while when link quality is stable, the timeout value is increased to reduce false disconnections, thus adapting to changing link conditions without manual configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring link quality indicators and sequence numbers from neighbor devices. The system uses this feedback information to adjust the NETWORK_id_TIMEOUT value adaptively. The feedback loop compares current link quality with historical values and modifies the timeout parameter accordingly, enabling the network to self-optimize based on actual communication conditions without external intervention
2Speed
If the NETWORK_id_TIMEOUT value is reduced to quickly identify link disconnections, then the network response speed is improved, but the false disconnection rate increases due to temporary signal fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing a monitoring period before actually triggering disconnection. When link quality deteriorates, the system first reduces the timeout value to a first threshold value and continues monitoring for a predetermined number of times. Only if the poor link quality persists through this preliminary monitoring phase does the system confirm disconnection. This preliminary action filters out temporary fluctuations while maintaining fast response to genuine disconnections
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by introducing a buffer mechanism in the form of sequential monitoring. Before finalizing a disconnection determination, the system cushions against false positives by requiring multiple consecutive measurements of poor link quality. This cushioning approach prevents hasty disconnection decisions due to momentary signal issues while still enabling rapid response when the problem persists, thus balancing speed and reliability
3Reliability
If the NETWORK_id_TIMEOUT value is increased to prevent false disconnections, then the network stability is improved, but the downtime for actual disconnections is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction through dynamic adjustment of the timeout value based on real-time link quality assessment. Rather than using a consistently high timeout value, the system adapts the timeout dynamically: when link quality is good, a higher timeout prevents false disconnections and maintains stability; when link quality deteriorates or shows persistent degradation, the timeout is reduced to enable faster disconnection detection and reconnection, thus eliminating the need to choose between stability and speed
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by an electronic device configured to perform communication of a thread network, includes: based on a message received from an external electronic device, identifying a quality value indicating quality of a link between the external electronic device and the electronic device, wherein the external electronic device is a leader in a partition of the thread network; based on identifying that the quality value is increased, deceasing a length of a time interval for determining disconnection of the link to a first threshold value; and based on identifying that a value of a sequence about the electronic device is maintained during the time interval decreased to the first threshold value, identifying that the link is disconnected, the value of the sequence being used to identify whether a connection of the link is maintained or disconnected.