Wireless Network Protocol for Battery-Powered Subtree Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network protocols in heterogeneous wireless networks are not optimized for battery-powered devices (BPDs), leading to excessive power consumption and shortened operational lifetimes due to large and complex subtrees, which are difficult to manage effectively.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a custom network protocol specifically designed for BPDs, allowing smaller and simpler subtrees with optimized functions such as discovery, messaging, and loop management, thereby reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional network protocols are used to enable large and complex subtrees with high maximum number of nodes and hops, then network coverage and connectivity are improved, but battery powered device nodes cannot effectively manage the subtree without depleting limited battery power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network management functions by introducing a distinction between root nodes (which can be MPD nodes with continuous power) and regular BPD nodes. This segmentation allows the subtree to be managed in a hierarchical manner where power-intensive management functions are offloaded to root nodes, enabling larger network coverage without proportionally increasing power consumption at each node level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces MPD nodes as intermediary entities that can serve as root nodes for BPD subtrees. These intermediary nodes handle the complex subtree management and power-intensive operations, allowing BPD nodes to participate in larger networks without directly bearing the full power burden of managing extensive subtrees with multiple hops and nodes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional network protocols define complex functions for managing subtrees, adding nodes, routing messages, and loop management, then network functionality and management capabilities are improved, but battery powered device nodes expend significant amounts of limited battery power executing these functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network management functions by assigning different responsibilities to different node types. Root nodes (which can be MPD nodes) handle complex subtree management, node addition, message routing, and loop management functions, while regular BPD nodes execute simplified versions of these functions. This segmentation preserves comprehensive network management capabilities while reducing the power consumption burden on battery-powered devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by allowing BPD nodes to execute only the necessary portion of network management functions required for their specific roles, while delegating more intensive management tasks to root nodes. This partial execution of management functions maintains adequate network functionality without requiring BPD nodes to perform all possible management operations, thereby conserving battery power.
3Reliability
If conventional network protocols permit multiple parent nodes per node in a subtree, then network redundancy and connectivity options are improved, but the complexity of managing and routing messages increases power consumption for battery powered device nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the parent node relationship by introducing a hierarchical structure where only root nodes can have multiple parent nodes (providing redundancy at the root level), while regular BPD nodes maintain a single parent node relationship. This segmentation preserves network redundancy through alternative root paths while significantly simplifying the management complexity for individual BPD nodes, as they only need to manage one parent connection rather than multiple parent relationships.
Data Source
AI summary
A network system implements a network protocol for devices and nodes within a wireless network. A first node within a subtree of nodes in the wireless network performs a method including receiving a discovery request from a second node included in the wireless network, determining that an address associated with the second node is not included in a first address list that includes addresses of nodes along a node path between the first node and a root node of the subtree of nodes, and sending, in response to the determining, a response to the discovery request.