Wireless Node Management via Dynamic Multi-Hop Relay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless networking technologies face limitations in extending network range and managing devices beyond the reach of a central access point, leading to restricted connectivity and challenges in configuring and controlling wireless nodes located outside the direct range of the access point.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method and system that uses a bridge topology with Dynamic Multi Hop Relay (DMHR) to extend network range by determining a transport medium for communication, transmitting discovery messages, receiving response messages with association and triangulation parameters, and determining network topology, allowing remote management, configuration, and visualization of wireless nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a central access point is used to provide Internet access to wireless nodes, then network management is simplified, but the network range is restricted to the AP's connectivity range
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into multiple hops using relay nodes. Instead of relying on a single central access point, the network is divided into segments where each relay node extends the coverage area. This allows the network to cover a larger geographical area while maintaining manageable connectivity through hierarchical routing.
Solution Approach 2:
Relay nodes are introduced as intermediaries between the central access point and distant wireless nodes. These intermediary devices forward data packets and extend the network range beyond the direct connectivity range of the access point, effectively mediating communication between nodes that cannot directly communicate.
2Speed
If single-hop communication is used, then data transmission speed is maintained, but devices beyond the access point range cannot be controlled or configured
Solution Approach 1:
The communication path is segmented into multiple hops through relay nodes. This segmentation allows devices beyond the direct range to be included in the network while maintaining acceptable data transmission speeds through efficient routing and relay mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The network transitions from a single-hop (one-dimensional) communication model to a multi-hop (multi-dimensional) topology. This dimensional change enables devices located in extended spatial dimensions (beyond direct AP range) to be reached and controlled through intermediate relay nodes.
3Area of stationary object
If multi-hop relay is implemented to extend network range, then connectivity to distant nodes is achieved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Relay nodes are designed with universal functionality to perform multiple roles: extending network range, forwarding data packets, and participating in topology discovery. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized devices and simplifies the overall network architecture despite the multi-hop complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The network implements feedback mechanisms through discovery messages and response messages that enable automatic topology determination. This feedback loop allows the network to dynamically adapt to changes in topology and maintain optimal routing paths, reducing the operational complexity of managing multi-hop relay networks.
4Reliability
If discovery messages are transmitted to determine transport medium, then compatible communication is ensured, but communication overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
Discovery messages are transmitted in advance to determine compatible transport media and establish communication parameters before actual data transmission begins. This preliminary action ensures that subsequent communication is reliable and compatible, avoiding retransmissions and communication failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses standardized discovery message formats and protocols that can be copied and reused across different communication scenarios. This standardization reduces the overhead by eliminating the need to create custom discovery sequences for each communication instance.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and techniques relating to wireless networking systems and techniques, namely remotely managing, configuring, visualizing, and interacting with wireless nodes, include: determining a transport medium usable for communication of a discovery message via a wireless network, wherein the discovery message is formatted according to a protocol; transmitting one or more discovery messages using the determined transport medium; receiving one or more response messages associated with the one or more discovery messages, wherein each of the one or more response messages includes (i) information indicating the wireless association, wherein the wireless association is between a wireless device corresponding to the response message and at least one other wireless device accessible via the wireless network, and (ii) triangulation parameters; and determining a network topology of the wireless network based on the one or more response messages.