Fast Synchronization for TSCH Nodes via Channel Quality Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In industrial wireless networks using Time Slotted Channel Hopping (TSCH), new nodes face prolonged listening times due to congestion and interference, leading to reduced energy efficiency and prolonged operation periods, as they wait to synchronize with the network.
Innovation Solution
A fast synchronization scheduling apparatus that measures Channel Quality Estimation (CQE) values using RSSI indicators to sort channels by quality, allowing nodes to switch to high-quality channels and receive advertisement packets more efficiently, reducing listening time and congestion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If nodes listen continuously for advertisement packets to synchronize with the network, then synchronization reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases and listening time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary channel quality assessment before the node begins listening for advertisement packets. By pre-evaluating which channels have good quality (low congestion, low interference), the system prepares a optimized listening schedule in advance, allowing the node to jump directly to high-quality channels rather than listening continuously across all channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the listening parameters based on channel quality assessment. Instead of fixed listening intervals across all channels, the node adjusts its listening behavior to focus on channels with better quality metrics, changing the temporal and spatial parameters of its listening operation to optimize both reliability and energy efficiency.
2Reliability
If nodes listen on all channels to ensure network synchronization, then synchronization completeness is improved, but listening time is prolonged due to congestion
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality assessment to different channels, identifying which specific channels have good quality characteristics (low congestion, low interference). Instead of treating all channels equally, the node focuses its listening efforts locally on the high-quality channels that were identified, achieving complete synchronization information while minimizing time spent on poor-quality channels.
Solution Approach 2:
Channel quality assessment is performed in advance before the node begins its synchronization listening. This preliminary action identifies the optimal channels for listening, allowing the node to skip or reduce listening time on congested channels while ensuring it doesn't miss critical synchronization information.
3Reliability
If nodes remain in listening state to capture advertisement packets, then network joining reliability is improved, but operational period is shortened due to energy depletion
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the temporal parameters of the listening operation based on channel quality. Nodes adjust their listening intervals, durations, and frequencies dynamically, concentrating listening efforts on high-quality channels where advertisement packets are more likely to be received reliably. This extends the operational period by reducing unnecessary listening on poor-quality channels while maintaining network joining reliability.
4Reliability
If continuous listening is performed to synchronize in congested environments, then synchronization reliability is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system identifies local quality variations across different channels and exploits this information to optimize listening behavior. By focusing listening efforts on channels with good quality (low congestion, low interference from other wireless communications), the system achieves reliable synchronization while minimizing energy consumption compared to continuous listening across all channels.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables faster network synchronization, reduces congestion, and improves energy efficiency by allowing nodes to quickly join the network and configure topology, even in congested industrial environments.
Implementation Method 1
WirelessHART employs Time Slotted Channel Hopping (TSCH) Media Access Control (MAC) protocol on the basis of the IEEE 802.15.4 standard. The IEEE 802.15.4e standard belongs to the license-free 2.4 GHz (Industrial Scientific and Medical) ISM band
Implementation Method 2
a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) reception and storage module configured to receive RSSI values from the RF signals received from the RF transmission and reception module
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides, on the basis of congestion of a network, an arrangement state of nodes, and a quality of a communication channel, a fast synchronization scheduling apparatus and method for reducing a listening time of a node that desires to join. The fast synchronization scheduling apparatus and method include a radio frequency (RF) transmission and reception module configured to transmit and receive RF signals from nearby channels, a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) reception and storage module configured to receive RSSI values from the RF signals received from the RF transmission and reception module and store the received RSSI values, a channel sorting module configured to measure Channel Quality Estimation (CQE) values of the respective channels by putting the RSSI values of the respective channels received from the RSSI reception and storage module into a CQE formula and to sort the channels in order of highest CQE value (highest channel quality) based on the measured CQE values, and a channel setting and advertisement packet (ADV) reception module configured to receive an input of a channel having the highest CQE value from the channel sorting module, set the channel, and start a listening operation to receive an ADV in the set channel.