UWB Mesh Clustering for Secure Links in Mobile Node Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UWB-based positioning systems face challenges in dynamically forming secure and efficient mesh networks due to the mobility of nodes, leading to inconsistent secure communication links and inefficient network organization.
Innovation Solution
A self-organized mesh network utilizing UWB technology, where coordinating nodes periodically perform ranging rounds to detect and establish secure communication links with secure nodes and bridge nodes, dynamically forming node clusters and maintaining secure connections through periodic updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If nodes are allowed to move dynamically in the UWB positioning system, then the system's adaptability and coverage are improved, but the consistency and reliability of secure communication links deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The coordinating node performs periodic ranging rounds to detect secure nodes and bridge nodes, re-establishing secure communication links at regular intervals. This periodic action maintains link consistency despite node mobility, as the system continuously refreshes security credentials and re-evaluates network topology without requiring manual reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh network automatically reorganizes itself when nodes move by having coordinating nodes periodically detect secure nodes and bridge nodes, dynamically forming new node clusters without external intervention. The system self-manages the formation and maintenance of secure communication links, adapting to mobility while maintaining reliability through automated security credential establishment.
2Reliability
If the system performs frequent ranging rounds to maintain secure links, then the reliability of communication is improved, but the energy consumption and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coordinating node performs ranging rounds with a subset of nodes (secure nodes and bridge nodes) rather than all nodes, reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliable secure communication links. The system focuses ranging efforts on critical nodes that maintain security credentials, rather than exhaustively scanning the entire network, thus balancing reliability with energy efficiency.
3Speed
If the system establishes direct peer-to-peer UWB communication between all nodes, then the communication speed is improved, but the device complexity and number of communication links increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into node clusters, each anchored by a coordinating node that manages secure communication with secure nodes and bridge nodes within its cluster. This segmentation reduces overall network complexity by dividing the mesh network into manageable clusters, while maintaining high-speed UWB communication within each cluster. The coordinating node acts as a local manager, reducing the need for every node to maintain direct connections with all other nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
Coordinating nodes serve as intermediaries that manage secure communication links between UWB anchors and tags within node clusters. The coordinating node establishes and maintains security credentials with secure nodes and bridge nodes, acting as a mediator that simplifies the communication architecture while enabling high-speed UWB data transfer through organized cluster-based pathways.
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
The solution enables a dynamically self-organized UWB mesh network that maintains secure and efficient communication links, adapting to node mobility and ensuring reliable data exchange across multiple clusters.
Implementation Method 1
UWB based positioning service is enabled by transmitting a pseudo-random sequence of UWB pulses from a UWB anchor to a UWB tag, and calculating the time it takes the pseudo-random sequence of UWB pulses to travel between the UWB anchor and the UWB tag
Implementation Method 2
The coordinating node can detect a secure node(s) and a secure bridge node(s) among the secure nodes in a respective node cluster and establish secure communication links with the detected secure node(s) and secure bridge node(s)
Data Source
AI summary
A self-organized mesh network is disclosed. In a non-limiting example, the self-organized mesh network can be an ultra-wideband (UWB) based mesh network. Herein, the self-organized mesh network includes multiple node clusters, each anchored by a respective coordinating node. In an embodiment, the coordinating node can detect a secure node(s) and a secure bridge node(s) among the secure node(s) in a respective node cluster and establish secure communication links (e.g., based on UWB protocol) with the detected secure node(s) and secure bridge node(s). Further, through the detected secure bridge node(s), the coordinating node can further detect adjacent and non-adjacent node clusters. Accordingly, the coordinating node can establish secure communications with the detected adjacent and/or non-adjacent node clusters.