Wideband Beacon Channel for Frequency Hopping Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless mesh networks, the process of a new node joining the network is time-consuming due to the need to scan multiple channels sequentially to find a beacon, especially in the absence of a central hub, leading to prolonged acquisition times and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of dedicated wideband beacon channels within the frequency hopping system, allowing nodes to quickly identify and connect to the network by transmitting beacons on specific channels, reducing the need to scan all channels and improving acquisition efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If nodes scan multiple channels sequentially to find a beacon in a mesh network without a central hub, then network acquisition can be performed in a distributed manner, but the acquisition time and power consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dedicated beacon channel as an intermediary that carries beacon messages across the mesh network. Instead of nodes scanning multiple channels to find beacons, the beacon channel serves as a mediator that delivers beacon information efficiently, reducing acquisition time while maintaining distributed network operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the communication channels by dedicating specific channels for beacon transmission separate from data communication channels. This segmentation allows nodes to efficiently find beacons on designated channels without scanning all channels, reducing acquisition time while preserving distributed mesh network functionality
2Reliability
If nodes scan multiple channels sequentially to find a beacon, then network coverage can be fully explored, but power consumption increases due to prolonged scanning
Solution Approach 1:
The dedicated beacon channel acts as an intermediary that efficiently distributes beacon information throughout the network. Nodes can reliably discover the network by monitoring this specific channel without exhaustively scanning all channels, ensuring network coverage exploration while dramatically reducing power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-designating specific channels for beacon transmission. This allows nodes to know in advance where to find beacons, eliminating the need for exhaustive channel scanning and reducing power consumption while maintaining reliable network discovery
3Loss of time
If dedicated beacon channels are introduced, then acquisition time is reduced, but channel resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the available frequency spectrum by allocating specific channels exclusively for beacon transmission. This segmentation reduces acquisition time by providing dedicated beacon channels, while the segmented resource allocation ensures efficient utilization of overall channel resources
Solution Approach 2:
The dedicated beacon channels serve multiple functions: they carry beacon messages for network discovery, provide synchronization information, and enable efficient node joining. This multi-functionality justifies the channel resource consumption by maximizing the utility of dedicated resources
Data Source
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AI summary
A network node of a network with a plurality of frequency hopping channels is configured to: transmit a beacon on a beacon channel different from the frequency hopping channels; receive a request from a node to join the network in response to the beacon; add the node to the network in response to the request; and communicate with the node on the plurality of frequency hopping channels, wherein the beacon channel has a different bandwidth from each of the frequency hopping channels.