Two-Hop Wireless Network Communication Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless nodes in low power systems often lose communication with network managers due to mechanical failure or interference, leading to disruptions in data transmission and potential system failures.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a two-hop communication mode where wireless nodes transition to communicate with neighboring nodes using a different bandwidth, allowing these nodes to relay data back to the network manager, thereby maintaining system operation even when direct communication is lost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wireless nodes use direct communication with network managers, then communication reliability is improved, but system vulnerability to failures increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidsystem adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces neighboring nodes as intermediary relays that can forward data between failed nodes and network managers. When a node loses direct communication with its manager, it can route data through neighboring nodes that have active connections, thereby maintaining system functionality while preserving direct communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The communication path is segmented into multiple hops rather than requiring a single direct connection. The network is divided into functional segments where nodes can independently fail without affecting the entire system, as data can be routed through alternative segments via neighboring nodes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If wireless nodes enter search mode upon communication failure, then communication reliability is improved, but system operation continuity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidsystem operation continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous data flow by allowing nodes to transition to two-hop mode through neighboring nodes rather than entering search mode. This maintains system operation continuity as data transmission continues uninterrupted, with neighboring nodes relaying information to network managers that would otherwise be inaccessible to the failed node.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

Neighboring nodes serve as intermediaries that bridge the gap between failed nodes and network managers, eliminating the need for search mode and maintaining continuous system operation. The intermediary nodes forward data packets without requiring the failed node to re-establish communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If wireless nodes activate links to neighboring nodes upon transmission failure, then system robustness is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem robustnessVSAvoidcommunication mode complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic communication mode switching where nodes automatically transition between direct and two-hop modes based on connection status. This dynamic adaptation provides system robustness through failover capabilities while managing complexity through automated state changes rather than manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically detecting communication failures and transitioning to alternative routing modes without external intervention. Nodes monitor their own connection status and activate neighboring node links as needed, reducing the need for complex centralized control while maintaining robustness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If wireless nodes use two-hop communication mode, then system robustness is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem robustnessVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by activating two-hop communication only when necessary (upon detection of direct communication failure) rather than continuously. Nodes maintain direct communication mode during normal operation to minimize power consumption, and only switch to the more energy-intensive two-hop mode through neighboring nodes when direct paths are unavailable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS11064418B2Two-hop wireless network communication

Publication Date: 2021.07.13 ANALOG DEVICES INT UNLTD CO

AI summary

A system and method for providing multiple modes of communication in wireless networks includes a network manager and a plurality of network nodes. The plurality of network nodes form a wireless network with the network manager and are configured to communicate data to the network manager using respective communication links having a first bandwidth. The plurality of network nodes are further configured to transition to a two-hop mode of communication upon one or more failures in communication to the network manager. While in the two-hop mode of communication, a respective network node of the plurality of nodes is configured to transmit node data to at least one other network node over a communication link having a second bandwidth different than the first bandwidth. The other network nodes are configured to listen for communication from the respective network node and re-transmit to the network manager the node data received from the respective network node.