Wireless Topology Discovery for Train Backbone Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies face challenges in implementing effective topology discovery for wireless train backbone networks due to the broadcast nature of the wireless medium and issues like fading and interference, which complicate the process of train inauguration and network configuration.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for wireless topology discovery in train backbone networks using directional antennas and frequency planning, where each backbone node receives data through directional antennas, performs neighbor discovery and consistency checks, updates local topology tables, and conducts convergence checks to determine network changes, ensuring accurate neighbor identification and topology mapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless communication is used for train backbone network, then flexibility and convenience are improved, but topology discovery becomes difficult due to broadcast nature and fading interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the topology discovery process into two distinct phases: neighbor discovery phase and topology discovery phase. This segmentation allows the system to first identify immediate neighbors using directional antennas before progressively building the complete topology, making the complex wireless topology discovery manageable and systematic
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary neighbor discovery before complete topology discovery. By first identifying neighbors through directional antenna beamforming and then proceeding to full topology mapping, the system prepares the network structure in advance, reducing the overall complexity of the discovery process
2Reliability
If wired train backbone network is used, then topology discovery is reliable, but wiring complexity and maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless communication system using directional antennas. This substitution eliminates physical wiring complexity and maintenance issues while maintaining reliable topology discovery through directional beamforming and phased discovery approaches
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the communication medium parameter from wired to wireless, and introduces directional antenna parameters (beam direction, gain) to compensate for the loss of physical connection reliability. The phased discovery process with consistency checks maintains reliability despite the medium change
3Measurement precision
If directional antennas are used for wireless communication, then neighbor identification accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses segmentation of the antenna system into directional pairs and segments the discovery process into phases, allowing each directional antenna to focus on specific neighbors while maintaining manageable system complexity through organized discovery procedures
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for wireless typology discovery for train backbone networks. The method comprises steps of: receiving a data from a neighboring backbone node (BN), by a BN in a train backbone network through one directional antenna of at least one pair of directional antennas provided thereon; recording a receiving direction of said data, and determining said data to be a hello frame or a typology frame; performing neighbor discovery or topology discovery based on the type of said data; in neighbor discovery phase, performing a pair consistency check with respect to all the data received by the BN from a same direction, so as to identify a neighboring BN of the BN, and at the same time, stopping receiving hello frames from said direction by the BN; in typology discovery phase, updating a local typology table of the current BN based on the received typology frames; and performing a topology convergence check to see if any change occurs to the local typology table of the current BN, and if no change occurs, reporting on the status of the typology discovery phase to an up-level application.