Wireless Device Role Negotiation for Controller Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In ad-hoc wireless communications networks, the selection of a network controller based on the first device to transmit beacons may not consider critical factors such as processing capacity, communications bandwidth, and power source, potentially leading to a suboptimal choice.
Innovation Solution
Wireless devices negotiate to determine which should act as the network controller, considering factors like functional capability, current association status, and power source, using discovery messages and responses to exchange information and decide on roles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the first device to transmit beacons becomes the network controller, then the network can be established quickly, but the network controller may have insufficient processing capacity or unstable power source
Solution Approach 1:
Devices exchange capability information (processing capacity, power source, bandwidth) before establishing the network controller relationship. This preliminary exchange allows each device to assess whether it is suitable to be network controller before committing to the role, preventing unsuitable devices from becoming controllers and improving overall network reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The negotiation process incorporates feedback mechanisms where devices respond to each other's capability declarations. If a device that initially appears suitable is found to lack necessary capabilities through feedback exchange, the selection can be revised. This feedback loop ensures the final network controller selection is based on comprehensive capability assessment rather than just beacon transmission timing.
2Reliability
If a device with greater processing capacity and stable power source is selected as network controller, then network performance improves, but the selection process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The capability assessment is segmented into distinct information elements: processing capacity indicator, power source type indicator, and bandwidth capability indicator. Each element is evaluated separately through structured message exchange, making the complex selection process manageable and systematic rather than requiring simultaneous evaluation of all factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms qualitative capability assessments into quantitative parameter comparisons. Devices transmit numerical or coded indicators representing their capabilities, allowing the selection process to rely on parameter comparison rather than subjective judgment. This parameter-based approach simplifies the complexity by providing clear, comparable metrics for decision-making.
Data Source
AI summary
When two wireless communication devices discover each other and prepare to associate with each other, they perform a negotiation with each other to decide which will act as the network controller in that association. The negotiation may include an exchange of information indicating which device is more suitable to act as a network controller.