Wireless Network Route Initialization via Association Grants

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication networks face inefficiencies due to the need for information transmission before routing topology is defined, leading to complex and resource-intensive operations, especially in low-power modes and environments with barriers affecting wireless links.

Innovation Solution

A method where routes between stations and an association unit are established using pre-defined routes based on association requests and grants, allowing only established routes to be used for communication, thereby avoiding inconsistent routing and reducing power consumption and bandwidth waste.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If information is transmitted via sensor stations before routing topology is defined, then communication can be established, but device complexity increases and power consumption rises

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication establishmentVSAvoidstation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by establishing routing topology definitions before information transmission begins. The association unit pre-defines routes using route definition messages, so that when data needs to be transmitted, the path is already determined. This eliminates the need for sensor stations to dynamically determine routes during operation, reducing their complexity while maintaining communication capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If a decentralized routing approach is used, then communication flexibility is improved, but routing efficiency deteriorates due to unnecessary branches

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication flexibilityVSAvoidrouting efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where sensor stations send route registration packets to the association unit, reporting the routes they have selected. The association unit receives this feedback and can optimize the routing topology by selecting the best routes based on the registered information. This feedback loop enables the system to maintain flexibility while improving routing efficiency by eliminating unnecessary branches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Quantity of substance

If the same frequency is used for upward and downward links, then bandwidth is optimized, but synchronization complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandwidth utilizationVSAvoidsynchronization requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by separating upward and downward communication links into different frequency channels. Instead of using the same frequency for both directions, the system divides the spectrum into distinct channels for uplink and downlink communications. This eliminates the need for complex synchronization between opposing signals while maintaining efficient bandwidth utilization through dedicated frequency allocation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If sensor stations support multiple communication modes, then adaptability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication mode flexibilityVSAvoidstation power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces energy consumption by performing route definition in advance through preliminary action. The association unit establishes complete routing topologies before data transmission begins, allowing sensor stations to operate in a simplified, predetermined mode rather than dynamically switching between multiple communication modes. This preliminary setup enables stations to consume less energy while maintaining the necessary communication flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP1972114B1Initialization of a wireless communication network
Publication Date: 2012.05.02 NEDERLANDSE ORG VOOR TOEGEPAST NATUURWETENSCHAPPELIJK ONDERZOEK TNO
  • EP1972114B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP1972114B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5b
  • EP1972114B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

A wireless communication network comprises an association unit and a plurality of stations. At least part of the stations store association information indicative of an associated route for transmission of messages from the station to the association unit. The association information is generated by installing the stations in a not-associated state; transmitting association request messages from stations in the not-associated state; and transmitting association grant messages in response to the association request messages. Each association grant message is transmitted only from the association unit or, at least when the station that has transmitted association request message is outside a reception range of the association unit, from one of the stations that is in an associated state. Each station that has received the association grant message in response to its association request message is switched to the associated state. Association information is stored that indicates the station that has sent the association grant message as part of the associated route to the association unit.