Wireless Timing System Using Beacon Feedback for Mesh Network Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication networks without a master or access point, such as decentralized multi-hop and mesh topologies, communication devices face inefficiencies in energy and time usage due to independent timing and frequency selection of beacon messages by neighboring devices, making it difficult for cluster head devices to synchronize and receive beacon messages effectively.
Innovation Solution
A timing system where beaconing cluster member devices periodically transmit timing information to their cluster head devices, allowing the cluster head to adjust its receiving window and synchronize with the beacon timing, and optionally transmit neighboring timing information to facilitate efficient information sharing and reduce energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If neighboring communication devices broadcast beacon messages with independently selected timing and frequency channels, then each device can operate autonomously, but the efficiency of beacon message reception deteriorates due to time and energy waste from repeated scanning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having cluster head devices send timing information about their beacon messages to cluster member devices. This feedback mechanism allows member devices to adjust their receiving windows to match the cluster head's beacon timing, eliminating the need for continuous scanning and reducing energy consumption while maintaining autonomous operation in decentralized networks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by having cluster member devices proactively adjust their receiving windows in advance based on timing information received from cluster heads. This preliminary synchronization ensures that devices are ready to receive beacons at the correct time without needing to scan continuously, thereby reducing energy waste while preserving autonomous functionality
2Adaptability or versatility
If neighboring communication devices broadcast beacon messages with independently selected timing, then device independence is maintained, but synchronization between devices deteriorates making it difficult for cluster heads to receive beacons effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into clusters with designated cluster head devices that are responsible for timing coordination within their respective clusters. This segmentation allows different clusters to operate independently (maintaining device independence) while ensuring stable timing synchronization within each cluster through the cluster head's beacon timing information
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by having cluster member devices proactively adjust their receiving windows in advance based on timing information received from cluster heads. This preliminary synchronization ensures that devices are ready to receive beacons at the correct time without needing to scan continuously, thereby reducing energy waste while preserving autonomous functionality
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to timing system for wireless communication network comprising plurality of communication devices. The timing system comprises at least one cluster head device associated with at least one beaconing cluster member device configured to transmit beacon messages. The at least one cluster head device and its associated at least one beaconing cluster member device belong to the plurality of communication devices of the wireless communication network. The at least one beaconing cluster member device is configured to periodically transmit a periodical message to its cluster head device. The periodical message comprises timing information indicating timing of next beacon message of the beaconing cluster member device transmitting the periodical message. The invention relates also to timing method for wireless communication network, beaconing cluster member device for a wireless communication network, a timing method for the beaconing cluster member device, a computer program, and a tangible non-volatile computer readable medium.