Virtual Access Point Configuration for IoT Network Determinism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deterministic routing in IoT networks, particularly in hub-and-spoke models using CSMA/CA, faces issues such as overwhelming servers with multiple traffic copies, excessive delay, and unacceptable frame loss due to the lack of determinism, which is critical for applications requiring reliable and low-latency communication.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of virtual access points (VAPs) managed by a supervisory device, which dynamically selects and configures multiple access points to form a logical VAP for a node, ensuring continuous network connectivity without the need for the node to roam, using machine learning to optimize AP selection and adjust VAP mappings based on traffic and node movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple access points transmit traffic copies to a server in a hub-and-spoke model, then network coverage is improved, but the server becomes overwhelmed and frame loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network architecture by introducing intermediate relay nodes that divide and forward traffic copies toward the server, preventing any single node from being overwhelmed while maintaining multiple transmission paths for improved coverage and reliability
2Reliability
If CSMA/CA techniques are used for carrier sensing, then collision avoidance is achieved, but excessive delay and latency occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary scheduling and reservation mechanisms where nodes pre-negotiate transmission slots and paths before actual data transfer, eliminating the need for repeated carrier sensing and collision avoidance retries, thus reducing delay while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback loops where nodes receive acknowledgments and status updates about transmission success, allowing them to adjust their carrier sensing behavior and retransmission strategies dynamically, reducing unnecessary delays from repeated collisions
3Adaptability or versatility
If a node roams between access points to maintain connectivity, then network mobility is supported, but service interruptions and latency occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary path setup and connection handshaking before actual node movement, where the network pre-establishes alternative paths and prepares handover protocols, enabling seamless roaming without service interruptions or latency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary control nodes or network controllers that manage the handover process between access points, coordinating the transition to maintain continuous connectivity and eliminate service interruptions during node roaming
4Reliability
If deterministic routing is implemented for reliable delivery, then message delivery reliability is improved, but device complexity and routing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary routing controllers or border routers that handle complex deterministic routing calculations and path management, simplifying the routing logic at end devices while maintaining reliable message delivery through centralized or distributed control mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a supervisory device in a network notifies, via an access point of the network, a node as to an ability of the network to support virtual access points. The supervisory device receives, in response to notifying the node, information from the node regarding characteristics of the node. The supervisory device selects, based on the characteristics of the node, a plurality of access points in the network to form a virtual access point with which the node may communicate. The supervisory device configures the plurality of access points to function as the virtual access point, wherein the node communicates with the network via the virtual access point.