Wireless Mesh Network for Agricultural Data Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless mesh networking systems, such as IEEE 802.15.4 (Zigbee), are inadequate for large farms due to limited range and bandwidth, making it difficult to collect and manage data effectively across extensive agricultural environments.
Innovation Solution
A wireless mesh network utilizing the IEEE 802.11s standard, comprising a server, router, gateway access points, remote access points, and sensors, enables communication over long distances, providing network and internet access via WiFi, and allows for real-time data collection and control of farming equipment through a web browser interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If IEEE 802.15.4 (Zigbee) networks are used for wireless mesh networking on farms, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but communication range and bandwidth are insufficient for large farm environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from IEEE 802.15.4 (Zigbee) to IEEE 802.11s wireless mesh networking, representing a dimensional change in communication protocol capability. This enables extended communication range and bandwidth while maintaining mesh network topology, allowing coverage across large farm areas of 10 linear miles or more.
2Length of stationary object
If point-to-point radio links are deployed across large farm areas, then communication range is extended, but system complexity increases due to requiring a headquarters radio for every radio in the field
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements IEEE 802.11s wireless mesh networking where each access point serves multiple functions: acting as a communication node, a relay for other nodes, and providing WiFi coverage. This universal multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate headquarters radios at each location, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining extended range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple access points into a unified wireless mesh network infrastructure, combining communication, relay, and coverage functions into a single integrated system. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components needed compared to point-to-point radio link systems.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional wireless mesh networks are used, then device deployment is simplified, but data collection capability is insufficient for real-time monitoring of large farm operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes key parameters of the wireless network by adopting IEEE 802.11s standard, which provides significantly higher bandwidth and data transmission capacity compared to IEEE 802.15.4. This enables real-time collection and transmission of agricultural data from multiple sensors across large farm areas, enhancing monitoring and decision-making productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A network for monitoring and controlling agricultural operations employs a wireless mesh network to provide feedback related to an agricultural field located remotely from a computer system/server. In some embodiments, the wireless mesh network may employ for example, the IEEE 802.11s and 802.11n standard to communicate data from a sensor in the agricultural field to and between remote access points in the mesh network.