Transmission Device Relaying LoRaWAN Terminal Messages
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Solution Overview
Problem
In LoRaWAN networks, terminals often fail to communicate with gateways due to signal coverage issues, especially in areas like basements or buildings made of sheet metal, and additional gateways are expensive and require power and connections, while terminals may lose connection if moved out of coverage zones.
Innovation Solution
A management method using a transmission device that intercepts and relays messages from terminals to gateways, employing session keys for secure communication, allowing terminals to maintain connection with application servers even when out of direct signal range, without the need for additional infrastructure or power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional gateways are deployed to extend radio coverage to terminals in zones like basements or sheet metal buildings, then communication reliability is improved, but device cost and infrastructure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transmission device as an intermediary between terminals and gateways. This device relays messages between terminals in coverage zones and gateways, enabling communication without requiring additional gateways in hard-to-reach areas. The transmission device acts as a mediator that bridges the communication gap while using existing gateway infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission device creates a virtual copy of the gateway functionality for local terminals. Instead of deploying physical gateways in every location, the system uses a transmission device that replicates gateway communication capabilities locally, allowing terminals to communicate as if a gateway were present without actually installing one.
2Stability of the object's composition
If terminals preserve connection information after connecting in covered zones, then connection stability is improved, but adaptability to new coverage zones deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the connection information dynamic rather than static. The transmission device monitors radio conditions and automatically updates connection information when terminals move to different coverage zones. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain stable connections by adapting to changing environmental conditions and gateway availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the transmission device continuously monitors communication quality and terminal position. When connection quality deteriorates or improves in new zones, the system receives feedback and adjusts connection information accordingly, balancing stability with adaptability to current conditions.
3Reliability
If transmission devices intercept and relay messages using session keys, then security is maintained, but communication protocol complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission device serves as a secure intermediary that handles encryption and decryption using session keys. Instead of requiring terminals to directly manage complex security protocols with multiple gateways, the transmission device mediates these security operations, simplifying the protocol for terminals while maintaining strong security through proper key management.
Data Source
AI summary
A management method implemented by a transmission device capable of communicating via a radio link with a piece of gateway equipment of a telecommunications network and configured for communicating with a network server of the network. The method includes: receiving a management request of a terminal capable of communicating via the radio link with a piece of gateway equipment of the network and having established a communication session with the network server, at least one session key being shared between the terminal and the network server, the management request containing an identifier of the terminal and the session key; intercepting, following reception of the management request, at least one message sent by the terminal; and transmitting, in response to the message, at least one response message encrypted with the session key received. A transmission device implementing the method is also provided.