WO2023089241A1 - Methods and systems for downlink optimization in low power wide area networks - Google Patents

Methods and systems for downlink optimization in low power wide area networks Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023089241A1
WO2023089241A1 PCT/FI2022/050761 FI2022050761W WO2023089241A1 WO 2023089241 A1 WO2023089241 A1 WO 2023089241A1 FI 2022050761 W FI2022050761 W FI 2022050761W WO 2023089241 A1 WO2023089241 A1 WO 2023089241A1
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Prior art keywords
gateways
lpwan
end device
selected based
partly
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PCT/FI2022/050761
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French (fr)
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Vitaly KLEBAN
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Everynet Oy
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W24/00—Supervisory, monitoring or testing arrangements
    • H04W24/02—Arrangements for optimising operational condition
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B7/00—Radio transmission systems, i.e. using radiation field
    • H04B7/02—Diversity systems; Multi-antenna system, i.e. transmission or reception using multiple antennas
    • H04B7/022—Site diversity; Macro-diversity
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W24/00—Supervisory, monitoring or testing arrangements
    • H04W24/08—Testing, supervising or monitoring using real traffic
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W88/00—Devices specially adapted for wireless communication networks, e.g. terminals, base stations or access point devices
    • H04W88/16—Gateway arrangements
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02D—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES [ICT], I.E. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES AIMING AT THE REDUCTION OF THEIR OWN ENERGY USE
    • Y02D30/00—Reducing energy consumption in communication networks
    • Y02D30/70—Reducing energy consumption in communication networks in wireless communication networks

Definitions

  • Low power wide area networks employ end devices, gateways, and servers in order to collect data. This collection of data is provided via uplink messages from the end devices that are sent to the gateways that then pass this information on to the server or servers. In this fashion, LPWAN networks can monitor utility consumption, track assets, and provide for contact tracing among other solutions.
  • LPWANs also employ downlink messaging or simply downlinks where data is transmitted from the server, through the gateway to an end device.
  • Such messages may be used to control end devices, for example, when the end device is a smart meter, downlink may be used to tell the meter to disconnect in the case of demand side management or non-payment.
  • end devices will broadcast uplink messages that are received by any number of gateways for forwarding to a server that will then de-duplicate any multiply received uplink message.
  • delivery of downlink messages is coordinated through a single gateway, often requiring repeated broadcast. This results in a higher probability of uplink message reception than downlink reception, in other words, an asymmetric link budget.
  • a method for downlink optimization in a server of a low power wide area network comprising the steps of: selecting a plurality of gateways of the LPWAN which should synchronously broadcast a downlink message to an end device of the LPWAN, and sending instructions to the plurality of gateways, said instructions being configured to cause the plurality of gateways to broadcast the downlink message to the end device at a predetermined time.
  • a method for downlink optimization in a low power wide area network comprising at least an end device, a multitude gateways, and a network server, the method comprising the steps of: selecting, within the server, a plurality of gateways from the multitude of gateways which should synchronously broadcast a downlink message to the end device, sending instructions from the server to the plurality of gateways, said instructions being configured to cause the plurality of gateways to broadcast the downlink message to the end device at a predetermined time.
  • LPWAN low power wide area network
  • a server for a low power wide area network comprising at least one processing core, at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processing core, cause the server at least to: select a plurality of gateways of the LPWAN which should synchronously broadcast a downlink message to an end device of the LPWAN, and send instructions to the plurality of gateways, said instructions being configured to cause the plurality of gateways to broadcast the downlink message to the end device at a predetermined time.
  • LPWAN low power wide area network
  • FIGURES 1A, IB and 1C illustrate device, gateway and server communications in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention
  • FIGURE 2 illustrates an example LPWAN network topography in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention
  • FIGURE 3 illustrates an example apparatus capable of supporting at least some embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIGURE 1A shows interactions of a device, or end device, and a gateway of a LPWAN network.
  • both uplink (solid line) and downlink (dotted line) probability of success (p) are equal, resulting in a symmetrical link budget or channel.
  • FIGURE IB shows interactions between a device, multiple gateways and a server. As compared to FIGURE 1A, FIGURE IB shows an asymmetric channel. While the server can receive an uplink forwarded through any of the gateways, downlinks are only forwarded through one gateway and thus have a lower probability of receipt.
  • FIGURE 1C shows the same system of FIGURE IB, only now the downlink message is being forwarded through two different gateways in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Now, while the channel may still be asymmetric, downlink reception probability is improved.
  • Methods in accordance with embodiments of the present invention provide for optimization of the probability of downlink reception by a selected end device, or several end devices in cases of multicasting, while still considering limitations on available broadcast capabilities and energy efficiency.
  • At least some embodiments according to the present invention provide for a method for downlink optimization in a server of a low power wide area network (LPWAN).
  • Such methods comprise the steps of: selecting a plurality of gateways of the LPWAN which should synchronously broadcast a downlink message to an end device of the LPWAN, and sending instructions to the plurality of gateways, said instructions being configured to cause the plurality of gateways to broadcast the downlink message to the end device at a predetermined time.
  • the plurality of gateways broadcast synchronously in that they broadcast at substantially the same time.
  • gateways may be synced using GPS time, sometimes employing the Pulse Per Second (PPS) signal or standard in order to synchronize clocks of the gateways.
  • PPS Pulse Per Second
  • Such synchronization may result in clocks with as little as 20ns in clock error between gateways.
  • the gateways may be broadcasting synchronously or simultaneously such that they have received instructions to broadcast an uplink at a given time and all broadcast at that time according to their local clock.
  • the instructions are configured to cause the plurality of gateways to broadcast the downlink message to the end device at a predetermined time, within some embodiments, the instructions are configured to cause broadcast a plurality of predetermined times.
  • the use of a predetermined time within the instructions may provide for a number of benefits.
  • the predetermined time may provide for synchronous, or simultaneous, or concurrent, broadcast by the plurality of gateways.
  • the predetermined time may ensure that broadcast takes place during a receipt window of the end device.
  • Certain embodiments find use with end devices which do not have receipt windows, such devices may receive downlink messages at any time. In such embodiments, multiple transmission of the same message provides for different optimization options.
  • Embodiments of the claimed invention select the plurality of gateways in a variety of fashions.
  • the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on a history of uplink or downlink reception.
  • the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least in part because each of the plurality of gateways has previously delivered an uplink, or uplink message from the end device to the server.
  • the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least in part because each of the plurality of gateways has previously received an uplink from the end device.
  • At least some embodiments of the present invention provide for multicasting of downlink messages. In such embodiments a plurality of end devices are the target of the downlink message.
  • Certain embodiments of the present invention provide for logging the receipt of uplink or downlink.
  • An example of such an implementation is provided below.
  • A, B, C and D are gateways and received messages are shown as 1 and nonreceived messages as 0.
  • a history of 10 messages is shown, with the number of successfully received messages for each gateway totaled at the right.
  • a and B have no channel diversity as they have both received or missed the exact same messages. Essentially, if they continue to perform as historically shown in the data, employing both of them would not result in increased probability of reception when compared to just employing one of them.
  • gateways A, C and D or B, C and D the top two groupings, provides for the most received messages while minimizing the number of gateways employed.
  • the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN which should synchronously broadcast a downlink message to an end device of the LPWAN are selected based at least in part on their participation in an uplink reception. For example, as outlined above, gateways A, B and C may be selected based on the participation in the reception of the first message.
  • the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN comprises all gateways which have participated in a given uplink reception from the end device. In some embodiments the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN consists of all gateways which have participated in a given uplink reception from the end device.
  • the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN comprises all gateways which have received specific uplinks from the end device. For example, all gateways which have received the same message broadcast by the end device, or a given message from a given end device. Another example, all gateways which have received a selected message, or an individual prior message. [0026] As discussed above, channel diversity can play an important role in determining the most efficient grouping of gateways to employ. In at least some embodiments, the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN that should synchronously broadcast a downlink message to an end device of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on channel diversity.
  • the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on channel diversity that is identified from historical interactions between individual gateways and the end device. For example, as outlined above. Some embodiments select the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN based at least partly on a comparison of historical interactions between individual gateways and the end device. Again, one example of such a selection is outlined above with respect to the groupings of gateways A, B, C, and D. Historical interactions may include a history of end device - gateway interaction. For example, reception of the last 5, 10 or 15 messages, either uplink or downlink, may be considered for the number of successful receptions, consideration may be made for the number or even which messages were successfully received.
  • Certain embodiments consider historical interactions between individual gateways and the end device, while some embodiments consider groupings of either gateways or end devices. At least some embodiments employ a history of non-receipt of messages in making a selection of gateways to employ.
  • At least some embodiments of the present invention select the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN based at least partly on a downlink reception probability between the plurality of gateways and the end device. This could, for example, include: selecting gateways until a total probability is reached and/or selecting only gateways which have a probability above a certain threshold. In certain embodiments, the probability is determined pairwise, that is, per each device - gateway pair. In some embodiments, the probability is determined as a total probability. In some embodiments, the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on a downlink reception probability between the plurality of gateways and the end device being greater than a predetermined threshold, for example, a user defined threshold.
  • a predetermined threshold for example, a user defined threshold.
  • Some embodiments of the present invention employ a reception probability when making selections.
  • the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on an uplink reception probability between the end device and the plurality of gateways.
  • the plurality of gateways is selected based at least partly on the uplink reception probability being greater than a predetermined threshold, for example, a user defined threshold.
  • a predetermined threshold for example, a user defined threshold.
  • PRR Packet Reception Rate
  • Certain embodiments employ an uplink probability, for example, a probability that an uplink with be sent.
  • Certain embodiments of the present invention employ a channel quality in selecting which gateways to employ. For example, within at least some embodiments the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on a downlink radio channel quality between the plurality of gateways and the end device, for example, a downlink radio channel quality may be determined for each individual gateway to individual end device connection. A further example would include determining radio channel quality based on a grouping of gateways and/or end devices. Radio channel quality may be measured using industry standard indicators, for example, a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) and/or a signal to noise ratio (SNR).
  • RSSI received signal strength indicator
  • SNR signal to noise ratio
  • At least some embodiments employ a downlink radio channel quality in selecting the gateways to employ, for example, the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on an downlink radio channel quality between the end device and the plurality of gateways being greater than a predetermined threshold.
  • the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on an uplink radio channel quality between the end device and the plurality of gateways.
  • the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN may be selected based at least partly on an uplink radio channel quality between the end device and the plurality of gateways being greater than a predetermined threshold, such as a user-defined threshold.
  • FIGURE 2 illustrates a distribution of gateways, represented by circles on the map, and three illustrative end devices represented by rectangles 210, 212 and 214.
  • Each gateway is presented a propagation area illustrated by gray shading. For example, at the bottom left comer the left-most gateway can be seen to have a gray circle around it illustrating a propagation area of the gateway.
  • the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on a radio signal propagation map.
  • At least some embodiments of the present invention employ geographical coordinates of the end device and/or gateway in selecting which gateway to employ.
  • the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on gateway geographical coordinates.
  • gateway geographical coordinates For example, within Figure 2 it can be seen that there are groupings of gateways around populated areas. For example, around Haarlem in the center top of the figure, there are three gateways. At least some embodiments may consider the close grouping of those gateways in choosing which gateways to employ.
  • end device 210 would appear to be at the edge of gateway 200 ’s propagation area, however, when choosing which gateways to employ in sending a downlink message to end device 210, certain embodiments would choose to add one of the gateways around Haarlem as they are geographically close to gateway 200. Within some embodiments only one of the gateways around Haarlem would be employed as they may be considered close enough that they do not provide geographical diversity in certain situations.
  • the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on end device geographical coordinates. For example, by comparing the end device geographical coordinates to gateway geographical coordinates. In some embodiments, the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on end device and gateways geographical coordinates. For example, end device 212 is at the edge of the propagation area for at least two gateways and as such, those two gateways may be selected to broadcast downlink messages to end device 212. As another example, end device 214 is located in a well- covered area, so the number of gateways employed may be limited to the three closest gateways.
  • FIGURE 3 illustrates an example apparatus capable of supporting at least some embodiments of the present invention.
  • device 300 which may comprise, for example: any of the participants in a LPWAN systems discussed herein, such as: an end device, gateway or server.
  • processor 310 which may comprise, for example, a single- or multi-core processor wherein a single-core processor comprises one processing core and a multi-core processor comprises more than one processing core.
  • Processor 310 may comprise a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor, for example.
  • Processor 310 may comprise more than one processor.
  • a processing core may comprise, for example, a Cortex- A8 processing core manufactured by Intel Corporation or a Brisbane processing core produced by Advanced Micro Devices Corporation.
  • Processor 310 may comprise at least one application-specific integrated circuit, ASIC.
  • Processor 310 may comprise at least one field-programmable gate array, FPGA.
  • the aforementioned processor types are non-limiting examples, alternatively an Intel i7 processor, or another suitable type of processor, may be employed.
  • Device 300 may comprise memory 320.
  • Memory 320 may comprise randomaccess memory and/or permanent memory.
  • Memory 320 may comprise at least one RAM chip.
  • Memory 320 may comprise magnetic, optical and/or holographic memory.
  • Memory 320 may be at least in part accessible to processor 310.
  • Memory 320 may be means for storing information.
  • Memory 320 may comprise computer instructions that processor 310 is configured to execute. When computer instructions configured to cause processor 310 to perform certain actions are stored in memory 320, and device 300 overall is configured to run under the direction of processor 310 using computer instructions from memory 320, processor 310 and/or its at least one processing core may be considered to be configured to perform said certain actions.
  • Device 300 may comprise a transmitter 330.
  • Device 300 may comprise a receiver 340.
  • Transmitter 330 and receiver 340 may be configured to transmit and receive, respectively, information in accordance with systems, for example, transmitter 330 may transmit information to a monitor for display to a user, and/or receiver 340 may receive input information concerning a location and/or orientation of a further device.
  • Device 300 may comprise a near-field communication, NFC, transceiver 350.
  • NFC transceiver 350 may support at least one NFC technology, such as NFC, Bluetooth, Wibree or similar technologies.
  • Device 300 may comprise user interface, UI, 360.
  • UI 360 may comprise at least one of a display, a keyboard and a touchscreen.
  • a user may be able to operate device 300 via UI 360, for example to start or terminate execution of programs.
  • Processor 310 may be furnished with a transmitter arranged to output information from processor 310, via electric leads internal to device 300, to other devices comprised in device 300.
  • a transmitter may comprise a serial bus transmitter arranged to, for example, output information via at least one electric lead to memory 320 for storage therein.
  • the transmitter may comprise a parallel bus transmitter.
  • processor 310 may comprise a receiver arranged to receive information in processor 310, via electrical leads internal to device 300, from other devices comprised in device 300.
  • Such a receiver may comprise a serial bus receiver arranged to; for example, receive information via at least one electric lead from receiver 340 for processing in processor 310.
  • the receiver may comprise a parallel bus receiver.
  • Device 300 may comprise further devices not illustrated in FIGURE 3.
  • device 300 comprises a computer device, it may comprise at least one clock or auxiliary power unit, APU to provide battery power in case of mains power failure.
  • APU auxiliary power unit
  • Processor 310, memory 320, transmitter 330, receiver 340, NFC transceiver 350 and/or UI 360 may be interconnected by electric leads internal to device 300 in a multitude of different ways.
  • each of the aforementioned devices may be separately connected to a master bus internal to device 300, to allow the devices to exchange information.
  • this is only one example and depending on the embodiment, various ways of interconnecting at least two of the aforementioned devices may be selected without departing from the scope of the present invention.
  • the instructions are configured to cause broadcast at a plurality of predetermined times.
  • the instructions may be configured to cause broadcast during a plurality of receipt windows of the end device as will be discussed below.
  • the predetermined time or times is/are adapted for each individual gateway, for example, to account for clock sync errors between gateways.
  • Embodiments of the present invention find use with EPWAN networks, such as EoRaWAN networks employing various classes of end devices.
  • End devices in a EoRaWAN network come in three classes: Class A, Class B and Class C. While end devices can always send uplinks at will, the device’s class determines when it can receive downlinks. The class also determines a device’s energy efficiency. The more energy efficient a device, the longer the battery life. All end devices must support Class A (“AEOHA”) communications. Class A end devices spend most of their time in sleep mode. Because LoRaWAN is not a “slotted” protocol, end devices can communicate with the network server any time there is a change in a sensor reading or when a timer fires.
  • AEOHA Class A
  • Class A is the most energy efficient and results in the longest battery life.
  • Class B end devices also wake up and open a receive window to listen for a downlink according to a configurable, network- defined schedule.
  • a periodic beacon signal transmitted by the network allows those end devices to synchronize their internal clocks with the network server.
  • Class C Continuous end devices never go to sleep. They constantly listen for downlink messages from the network, except when transmitting data in response to a sensor event. These devices are more energy-intensive, and usually require a constant power source, rather than relying on a battery.
  • At least some embodiments provide for a method for downlink optimization in a low power wide area network (LPWAN) comprising at least an end device, a multitude gateways, and a network server, the method comprising the steps of: selecting, within the server, a plurality of gateways from the multitude of gateways which should synchronously broadcast a downlink message to the end device, and sending instructions from the server to the set of gateways, said instructions being configured to cause the plurality of gateways to broadcast the downlink message to the end device at a predetermined time.
  • the method further comprises the step of broadcasting the downlink message from the set of gateways.
  • the method further comprises the step of broadcasting, by the end device, a message. For example, broadcasting a message within the sub-GHz radio frequency band.
  • Certain embodiments of the present invention provide for a server for a low power wide area network (LPWAN), the server comprising at least one processing core, at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processing core, cause the server at least to: select a plurality of gateways of the LPWAN which should synchronously broadcast a downlink message to an end device of the LPWAN, and send instructions to the plurality of gateways, said instructions being configured to cause the plurality of gateways to broadcast the downlink message to the end device at a predetermined time.
  • LPWAN low power wide area network
  • Some embodiments of the present invention provide for a server for a low power wide area network (LPWAN), the server comprising comprising: means for selecting a plurality of gateways of the LPWAN which should synchronously broadcast a downlink message to an end device of the LPWAN, and means for sending instructions to the plurality of gateways, said instructions being configured to cause the plurality of gateways to broadcast the downlink message to the end device at a predetermined time.
  • LPWAN low power wide area network
  • Select embodiments of the present invention provide for a non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon a set of computer readable instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause a server of an LPWAN to at least: select a plurality of gateways of the LPWAN which should synchronously broadcast a downlink message to an end device of the LPWAN, and sending instructions to the plurality of gateways, said instructions being configured to cause the plurality of gateways to broadcast the downlink message to the end device at a predetermined time.
  • the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN comprises all gateways which have participated in a given uplink reception from the end device.
  • the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on a downlink radio channel quality between the plurality of gateways and the end device.
  • the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on an downlink radio channel quality between the end device and the plurality of gateways being greater than a predetermined threshold.
  • a method for downlink optimization in a low power wide area network comprising at least an end device, a multitude gateways, and a network server, the method comprising the steps of:
  • a computer program configured to cause a method in accordance with at least one of clauses 1 - 24 or 25 - 50 to be performed.
  • a server for a low power wide area network comprising at least one processing core, at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processing core, cause the server at least to:
  • a non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon a set of computer readable instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause a server of an LPWAN to at least:
  • At least some embodiments of the present invention are implemented at the gateway level. That is, the gateways are interconnected such that distributed implementation of the methods and system discussed herein is possible. For example, a server may send a message to a network of gateways for downlink broadcast, and the network of gateways would communicate to determine the plurality of gateways which should broadcast the message.

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Abstract

Methods and apparatuses for downlink optimization in a server of a low power wide area network (LPWAN) wherein the server: selects a plurality of gateways of the LPWAN which should synchronously broadcast a downlink message to an end device of the LPWAN, and sends instructions to the plurality of gateways, said instructions being configured to cause the plurality of gateways to broadcast the downlink message to the end device at a predetermined time.

Description

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DOWNLINK OPTIMIZATION IN LOW POWER
WIDE AREA NETWORKS
BACKGROUND
[0001] Low power wide area networks (LPWAN) employ end devices, gateways, and servers in order to collect data. This collection of data is provided via uplink messages from the end devices that are sent to the gateways that then pass this information on to the server or servers. In this fashion, LPWAN networks can monitor utility consumption, track assets, and provide for contact tracing among other solutions.
[0002] In certain solutions, LPWANs also employ downlink messaging or simply downlinks where data is transmitted from the server, through the gateway to an end device. Such messages may be used to control end devices, for example, when the end device is a smart meter, downlink may be used to tell the meter to disconnect in the case of demand side management or non-payment.
[0003] Within LPWANs, including LoRaWAN networks where end devices are paired with a network and not exclusively tied to a single gateway, end devices will broadcast uplink messages that are received by any number of gateways for forwarding to a server that will then de-duplicate any multiply received uplink message. However, delivery of downlink messages is coordinated through a single gateway, often requiring repeated broadcast. This results in a higher probability of uplink message reception than downlink reception, in other words, an asymmetric link budget. The larger the number of gateways the greater the divergence between uplink and downlink reception. Such divergence can result in reserving a disproportionate amount of bandwidth for downlink broadcast and create other inefficiencies in the network. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The invention is defined by the features of the independent claims. Some specific embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.
[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for downlink optimization in a server of a low power wide area network (LPWAN), the method comprising the steps of: selecting a plurality of gateways of the LPWAN which should synchronously broadcast a downlink message to an end device of the LPWAN, and sending instructions to the plurality of gateways, said instructions being configured to cause the plurality of gateways to broadcast the downlink message to the end device at a predetermined time.
[0006] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for downlink optimization in a low power wide area network (LPWAN) comprising at least an end device, a multitude gateways, and a network server, the method comprising the steps of: selecting, within the server, a plurality of gateways from the multitude of gateways which should synchronously broadcast a downlink message to the end device, sending instructions from the server to the plurality of gateways, said instructions being configured to cause the plurality of gateways to broadcast the downlink message to the end device at a predetermined time.
[0007] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a server for a low power wide area network (LPWAN), the server comprising at least one processing core, at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processing core, cause the server at least to: select a plurality of gateways of the LPWAN which should synchronously broadcast a downlink message to an end device of the LPWAN, and send instructions to the plurality of gateways, said instructions being configured to cause the plurality of gateways to broadcast the downlink message to the end device at a predetermined time. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIGURES 1A, IB and 1C illustrate device, gateway and server communications in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention;
[0009] FIGURE 2 illustrates an example LPWAN network topography in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention, and
[0010] FIGURE 3 illustrates an example apparatus capable of supporting at least some embodiments of the present invention.
EMBODIMENTS
[0011] FIGURE 1A shows interactions of a device, or end device, and a gateway of a LPWAN network. Within FIGURE 1A, both uplink (solid line) and downlink (dotted line) probability of success (p) are equal, resulting in a symmetrical link budget or channel.
[0012] FIGURE IB shows interactions between a device, multiple gateways and a server. As compared to FIGURE 1A, FIGURE IB shows an asymmetric channel. While the server can receive an uplink forwarded through any of the gateways, downlinks are only forwarded through one gateway and thus have a lower probability of receipt.
[0013] FIGURE 1C shows the same system of FIGURE IB, only now the downlink message is being forwarded through two different gateways in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Now, while the channel may still be asymmetric, downlink reception probability is improved.
[0014] Methods in accordance with embodiments of the present invention provide for optimization of the probability of downlink reception by a selected end device, or several end devices in cases of multicasting, while still considering limitations on available broadcast capabilities and energy efficiency.
[0015] At least some embodiments according to the present invention provide for a method for downlink optimization in a server of a low power wide area network (LPWAN). Such methods comprise the steps of: selecting a plurality of gateways of the LPWAN which should synchronously broadcast a downlink message to an end device of the LPWAN, and sending instructions to the plurality of gateways, said instructions being configured to cause the plurality of gateways to broadcast the downlink message to the end device at a predetermined time. In certain embodiments, the plurality of gateways broadcast synchronously in that they broadcast at substantially the same time. For example, gateways may be synced using GPS time, sometimes employing the Pulse Per Second (PPS) signal or standard in order to synchronize clocks of the gateways. Such synchronization may result in clocks with as little as 20ns in clock error between gateways. In this fashion, the gateways may be broadcasting synchronously or simultaneously such that they have received instructions to broadcast an uplink at a given time and all broadcast at that time according to their local clock.
[0016] Within at least some embodiments, the instructions are configured to cause the plurality of gateways to broadcast the downlink message to the end device at a predetermined time, within some embodiments, the instructions are configured to cause broadcast a plurality of predetermined times. The use of a predetermined time within the instructions may provide for a number of benefits. For example, the predetermined time may provide for synchronous, or simultaneous, or concurrent, broadcast by the plurality of gateways. As a further example, the predetermined time may ensure that broadcast takes place during a receipt window of the end device.
[0017] Certain embodiments find use with end devices which do not have receipt windows, such devices may receive downlink messages at any time. In such embodiments, multiple transmission of the same message provides for different optimization options.
[0018] Certain embodiments of the present invention employ the LoRaWAN® specification.
[0019] Embodiments of the claimed invention select the plurality of gateways in a variety of fashions. Within some embodiments, the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on a history of uplink or downlink reception. In certain embodiments the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least in part because each of the plurality of gateways has previously delivered an uplink, or uplink message from the end device to the server. In at least some embodiments, the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least in part because each of the plurality of gateways has previously received an uplink from the end device. [0020] At least some embodiments of the present invention provide for multicasting of downlink messages. In such embodiments a plurality of end devices are the target of the downlink message.
[0021] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide for logging the receipt of uplink or downlink. An example of such an implementation is provided below. For this example, A, B, C and D are gateways and received messages are shown as 1 and nonreceived messages as 0. A history of 10 messages is shown, with the number of successfully received messages for each gateway totaled at the right.
Figure imgf000007_0002
[0022] As seen, A and B have no channel diversity as they have both received or missed the exact same messages. Essentially, if they continue to perform as historically shown in the data, employing both of them would not result in increased probability of reception when compared to just employing one of them.
[0023] The following shows a scoring of different groupings of gateways based on the amount of successfully received historical messages. As seen, channel diversity can play a large role in selecting an optimal grouping.
Figure imgf000007_0001
[0024] Within embodiments of the present invention, it is beneficial to minimize the number of gateways used in order to free up spectrum time. For example, the less gateways are used to send a downlink message to a particular end device, the more are available to send to another end device. As such, a ranked choice of the above groupings may appear as follows. As can be seen, the grouping of gateways A, C and D or B, C and D, the top two groupings, provides for the most received messages while minimizing the number of gateways employed.
Figure imgf000008_0001
[0025] Within at least some embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN which should synchronously broadcast a downlink message to an end device of the LPWAN are selected based at least in part on their participation in an uplink reception. For example, as outlined above, gateways A, B and C may be selected based on the participation in the reception of the first message. In certain embodiments, the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN comprises all gateways which have participated in a given uplink reception from the end device. In some embodiments the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN consists of all gateways which have participated in a given uplink reception from the end device. In at least some embodiments, the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN comprises all gateways which have received specific uplinks from the end device. For example, all gateways which have received the same message broadcast by the end device, or a given message from a given end device. Another example, all gateways which have received a selected message, or an individual prior message. [0026] As discussed above, channel diversity can play an important role in determining the most efficient grouping of gateways to employ. In at least some embodiments, the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN that should synchronously broadcast a downlink message to an end device of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on channel diversity. In certain embodiments, the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on channel diversity that is identified from historical interactions between individual gateways and the end device. For example, as outlined above. Some embodiments select the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN based at least partly on a comparison of historical interactions between individual gateways and the end device. Again, one example of such a selection is outlined above with respect to the groupings of gateways A, B, C, and D. Historical interactions may include a history of end device - gateway interaction. For example, reception of the last 5, 10 or 15 messages, either uplink or downlink, may be considered for the number of successful receptions, consideration may be made for the number or even which messages were successfully received.
[0027] Certain embodiments consider historical interactions between individual gateways and the end device, while some embodiments consider groupings of either gateways or end devices. At least some embodiments employ a history of non-receipt of messages in making a selection of gateways to employ.
[0028] At least some embodiments of the present invention select the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN based at least partly on a downlink reception probability between the plurality of gateways and the end device. This could, for example, include: selecting gateways until a total probability is reached and/or selecting only gateways which have a probability above a certain threshold. In certain embodiments, the probability is determined pairwise, that is, per each device - gateway pair. In some embodiments, the probability is determined as a total probability. In some embodiments, the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on a downlink reception probability between the plurality of gateways and the end device being greater than a predetermined threshold, for example, a user defined threshold.
[0029] Some embodiments of the present invention employ a reception probability when making selections. For example, within certain embodiments, the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on an uplink reception probability between the end device and the plurality of gateways. Within some embodiments, the plurality of gateways is selected based at least partly on the uplink reception probability being greater than a predetermined threshold, for example, a user defined threshold. Such an uplink reception probability may be embodied by a Packet Reception Rate (PRR). Certain embodiments employ an uplink probability, for example, a probability that an uplink with be sent.
[0030] Certain embodiments of the present invention employ a channel quality in selecting which gateways to employ. For example, within at least some embodiments the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on a downlink radio channel quality between the plurality of gateways and the end device, for example, a downlink radio channel quality may be determined for each individual gateway to individual end device connection. A further example would include determining radio channel quality based on a grouping of gateways and/or end devices. Radio channel quality may be measured using industry standard indicators, for example, a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) and/or a signal to noise ratio (SNR). At least some embodiments employ a downlink radio channel quality in selecting the gateways to employ, for example, the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on an downlink radio channel quality between the end device and the plurality of gateways being greater than a predetermined threshold.
[0031] Within select embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on an uplink radio channel quality between the end device and the plurality of gateways. For example, the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN may be selected based at least partly on an uplink radio channel quality between the end device and the plurality of gateways being greater than a predetermined threshold, such as a user-defined threshold.
[0032] FIGURE 2 illustrates a distribution of gateways, represented by circles on the map, and three illustrative end devices represented by rectangles 210, 212 and 214. Around each gateway is presented a propagation area illustrated by gray shading. For example, at the bottom left comer the left-most gateway can be seen to have a gray circle around it illustrating a propagation area of the gateway. Within at least some embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on a radio signal propagation map. [0033] At least some embodiments of the present invention employ geographical coordinates of the end device and/or gateway in selecting which gateway to employ. For example, within certain embodiments, the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on gateway geographical coordinates. For example, within Figure 2 it can be seen that there are groupings of gateways around populated areas. For example, around Haarlem in the center top of the figure, there are three gateways. At least some embodiments may consider the close grouping of those gateways in choosing which gateways to employ. As an example, end device 210 would appear to be at the edge of gateway 200 ’s propagation area, however, when choosing which gateways to employ in sending a downlink message to end device 210, certain embodiments would choose to add one of the gateways around Haarlem as they are geographically close to gateway 200. Within some embodiments only one of the gateways around Haarlem would be employed as they may be considered close enough that they do not provide geographical diversity in certain situations.
[0034] At least some embodiments consider a comparison of the relative geography of the gateways and/or the end device. Within certain embodiments, the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on end device geographical coordinates. For example, by comparing the end device geographical coordinates to gateway geographical coordinates. In some embodiments, the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on end device and gateways geographical coordinates. For example, end device 212 is at the edge of the propagation area for at least two gateways and as such, those two gateways may be selected to broadcast downlink messages to end device 212. As another example, end device 214 is located in a well- covered area, so the number of gateways employed may be limited to the three closest gateways.
[0035] FIGURE 3 illustrates an example apparatus capable of supporting at least some embodiments of the present invention. Illustrated is device 300, which may comprise, for example: any of the participants in a LPWAN systems discussed herein, such as: an end device, gateway or server. Comprised in device 300 is processor 310, which may comprise, for example, a single- or multi-core processor wherein a single-core processor comprises one processing core and a multi-core processor comprises more than one processing core. Processor 310 may comprise a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor, for example. Processor 310 may comprise more than one processor. A processing core may comprise, for example, a Cortex- A8 processing core manufactured by Intel Corporation or a Brisbane processing core produced by Advanced Micro Devices Corporation. Processor 310 may comprise at least one application- specific integrated circuit, ASIC. Processor 310 may comprise at least one field-programmable gate array, FPGA. The aforementioned processor types are non-limiting examples, alternatively an Intel i7 processor, or another suitable type of processor, may be employed.
[0036] Device 300 may comprise memory 320. Memory 320 may comprise randomaccess memory and/or permanent memory. Memory 320 may comprise at least one RAM chip. Memory 320 may comprise magnetic, optical and/or holographic memory. Memory 320 may be at least in part accessible to processor 310. Memory 320 may be means for storing information. Memory 320 may comprise computer instructions that processor 310 is configured to execute. When computer instructions configured to cause processor 310 to perform certain actions are stored in memory 320, and device 300 overall is configured to run under the direction of processor 310 using computer instructions from memory 320, processor 310 and/or its at least one processing core may be considered to be configured to perform said certain actions.
[0037] Device 300 may comprise a transmitter 330. Device 300 may comprise a receiver 340. Transmitter 330 and receiver 340 may be configured to transmit and receive, respectively, information in accordance with systems, for example, transmitter 330 may transmit information to a monitor for display to a user, and/or receiver 340 may receive input information concerning a location and/or orientation of a further device.
[0038] Device 300 may comprise a near-field communication, NFC, transceiver 350. NFC transceiver 350 may support at least one NFC technology, such as NFC, Bluetooth, Wibree or similar technologies.
[0039] Device 300 may comprise user interface, UI, 360. UI 360 may comprise at least one of a display, a keyboard and a touchscreen. A user may be able to operate device 300 via UI 360, for example to start or terminate execution of programs.
[0040] Processor 310 may be furnished with a transmitter arranged to output information from processor 310, via electric leads internal to device 300, to other devices comprised in device 300. Such a transmitter may comprise a serial bus transmitter arranged to, for example, output information via at least one electric lead to memory 320 for storage therein. Alternatively, to a serial bus, the transmitter may comprise a parallel bus transmitter. Likewise, processor 310 may comprise a receiver arranged to receive information in processor 310, via electrical leads internal to device 300, from other devices comprised in device 300. Such a receiver may comprise a serial bus receiver arranged to; for example, receive information via at least one electric lead from receiver 340 for processing in processor 310. Alternatively, to a serial bus, the receiver may comprise a parallel bus receiver.
[0041] Device 300 may comprise further devices not illustrated in FIGURE 3. For example, where device 300 comprises a computer device, it may comprise at least one clock or auxiliary power unit, APU to provide battery power in case of mains power failure.
[0042] Processor 310, memory 320, transmitter 330, receiver 340, NFC transceiver 350 and/or UI 360 may be interconnected by electric leads internal to device 300 in a multitude of different ways. For example, each of the aforementioned devices may be separately connected to a master bus internal to device 300, to allow the devices to exchange information. However, as the skilled person will appreciate, this is only one example and depending on the embodiment, various ways of interconnecting at least two of the aforementioned devices may be selected without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0043] Within certain embodiments of the present invention the instructions are configured to cause broadcast at a plurality of predetermined times. For example, the instructions may be configured to cause broadcast during a plurality of receipt windows of the end device as will be discussed below. Within some embodiments the predetermined time or times is/are adapted for each individual gateway, for example, to account for clock sync errors between gateways.
[0044] Embodiments of the present invention find use with EPWAN networks, such as EoRaWAN networks employing various classes of end devices. End devices in a EoRaWAN network come in three classes: Class A, Class B and Class C. While end devices can always send uplinks at will, the device’s class determines when it can receive downlinks. The class also determines a device’s energy efficiency. The more energy efficient a device, the longer the battery life. All end devices must support Class A (“AEOHA”) communications. Class A end devices spend most of their time in sleep mode. Because LoRaWAN is not a “slotted” protocol, end devices can communicate with the network server any time there is a change in a sensor reading or when a timer fires. Basically, they can wake up and talk to the server at any moment. After the device sends an uplink, it “listens” for a message from the network one and two seconds after the uplink (receive windows) before going back to sleep. Class A is the most energy efficient and results in the longest battery life. In contrast, rather than only waiting for one of its sensors to notice a change in the environment or fire a timer, Class B end devices also wake up and open a receive window to listen for a downlink according to a configurable, network- defined schedule. A periodic beacon signal transmitted by the network allows those end devices to synchronize their internal clocks with the network server. Finally, Class C (“Continuous”) end devices never go to sleep. They constantly listen for downlink messages from the network, except when transmitting data in response to a sensor event. These devices are more energy-intensive, and usually require a constant power source, rather than relying on a battery.
[0045] At least some embodiments provide for a method for downlink optimization in a low power wide area network (LPWAN) comprising at least an end device, a multitude gateways, and a network server, the method comprising the steps of: selecting, within the server, a plurality of gateways from the multitude of gateways which should synchronously broadcast a downlink message to the end device, and sending instructions from the server to the set of gateways, said instructions being configured to cause the plurality of gateways to broadcast the downlink message to the end device at a predetermined time. Within certain embodiments, the method further comprises the step of broadcasting the downlink message from the set of gateways. In some embodiments, the method further comprises the step of broadcasting, by the end device, a message. For example, broadcasting a message within the sub-GHz radio frequency band.
[0046] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide for a server for a low power wide area network (LPWAN), the server comprising at least one processing core, at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processing core, cause the server at least to: select a plurality of gateways of the LPWAN which should synchronously broadcast a downlink message to an end device of the LPWAN, and send instructions to the plurality of gateways, said instructions being configured to cause the plurality of gateways to broadcast the downlink message to the end device at a predetermined time.
[0047] Some embodiments of the present invention provide for a server for a low power wide area network (LPWAN), the server comprising comprising: means for selecting a plurality of gateways of the LPWAN which should synchronously broadcast a downlink message to an end device of the LPWAN, and means for sending instructions to the plurality of gateways, said instructions being configured to cause the plurality of gateways to broadcast the downlink message to the end device at a predetermined time.
[0048] Select embodiments of the present invention provide for a non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon a set of computer readable instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause a server of an LPWAN to at least: select a plurality of gateways of the LPWAN which should synchronously broadcast a downlink message to an end device of the LPWAN, and sending instructions to the plurality of gateways, said instructions being configured to cause the plurality of gateways to broadcast the downlink message to the end device at a predetermined time.
[0049] At least some embodiments of the present invention provide for the following clauses:
1. A method for downlink optimization in a server of a low power wide area network (LPWAN), the method comprising the steps of:
- selecting a plurality of gateways of the LPWAN which should synchronously broadcast a downlink message to an end device of the LPWAN, and
- sending instructions to the plurality of gateways, said instructions being configured to cause the plurality of gateways to broadcast the downlink message to the end device at a predetermined time.
2. The method according to clause 1, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on a history of uplink or downlink reception.
3. The method of clause 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least in part because each of the plurality of gateways has previously delivered an uplink from the end device to the server. 4. The method of any preceding clause, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least in part because each of the plurality of gateways has previously received an uplink from the end device.
5. The method of any preceding clause, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least in part on their participation in an uplink reception.
6. The method of any preceding clause, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN comprises all gateways which have participated in a given uplink reception from the end device.
7. The method of any preceding clause, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN comprises all gateways which have received specific uplinks from the end device.
8. The method of any preceding clause, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on a downlink reception probability between the plurality of gateways and the end device.
9. The method of any preceding clause, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on a downlink reception probability between the plurality of gateways and the end device being greater than a predetermined threshold.
10. The method of any preceding clause, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on an uplink reception probability between the end device and the plurality of gateways.
11. The method of any preceding clause, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on an uplink reception probability between the end device and the plurality of gateways being greater than a predetermined threshold.
12. The method of any preceding clause, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on a downlink radio channel quality between the plurality of gateways and the end device. 13. The method of any preceding clause, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on an downlink radio channel quality between the end device and the plurality of gateways being greater than a predetermined threshold.
14. The method of any preceding clause, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on an uplink radio channel quality between the end device and the plurality of gateways.
15: The method of any preceding clause, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on an uplink radio channel quality between the end device and the plurality of gateways being greater than a predetermined threshold.
16. The method of any preceding clause, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on a radio signal propagation map.
17. The method of any preceding clause, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on gateway geographical coordinates.
18. The method of any preceding clause, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on end device geographical coordinates.
19. The method of any preceding clause, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on end device and gateways geographical coordinates.
20. The method of any preceding clause, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on channel diversity.
21. The method of any preceding clause, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on channel diversity that is identified from historical interactions between individual gateways and the end device.
22. The method of any preceding clause, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on a comparison of historical interactions between individual gateways and the end device. 23. The method of any preceding clause, wherein the instructions are configured to cause broadcast at a plurality of predetermined times.
24. The method of any preceding clause, wherein the predetermined time is adapted for each individual gateway.
25. A method for downlink optimization in a low power wide area network (LPWAN) comprising at least an end device, a multitude gateways, and a network server, the method comprising the steps of:
- selecting, within the server, a plurality of gateways from the multitude of gateways which should synchronously broadcast a downlink message to the end device, and
- sending instructions from the server to the plurality of gateways, said instructions being configured to cause the plurality of gateways to broadcast the downlink message to the end device at a predetermined time.
26. The method of clause 25, further comprising the step of broadcasting the downlink message from the set of gateways.
27. The method according to clause 25 or 26, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on a history of uplink or downlink reception.
28. The method according to any of clauses 25 - 27, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least in part because each of the plurality of gateways has previously delivered an uplink from the end device to the server.
29. The method according to any of clauses 25 - 28, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least in part because each of the plurality of gateways has previously received an uplink from the end device.
30. The method according to any of clauses 25 - 29, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least in part on their participation in an uplink reception. 31. The method according to any of clauses 25 - 30, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN comprises all gateways which have participated in a given uplink reception from the end device.
32. The method according to any of clauses 25 - 31, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN comprises all gateways which have received specific uplinks from the end device.
33. The method according to any of clauses 25 - 32, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on a downlink reception probability between the plurality of gateways and the end device.
34. The method according to any of clauses 25 - 33, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on a downlink reception probability between the plurality of gateways and the end device being greater than a predetermined threshold.
35. The method according to any of clauses 25 - 34, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on an uplink reception probability between the end device and the plurality of gateways.
36. The method according to any of clauses 25 - 35, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on an uplink reception probability between the end device and the plurality of gateways being greater than a predetermined threshold.
37. The method according to any of clauses 25 - 36, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on a downlink radio channel quality between the plurality of gateways and the end device.
38. The method according to any of clauses 25 - 37, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on an downlink radio channel quality between the end device and the plurality of gateways being greater than a predetermined threshold. 39. The method according to any of clauses 25 - 38, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on an uplink radio channel quality between the end device and the plurality of gateways.
40. The method according to any of clauses 25 - 39, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on an uplink radio channel quality between the end device and the plurality of gateways being greater than a predetermined threshold.
41. The method according to any of clauses 25 - 40, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on a radio signal propagation map.
42. The method according to any of clauses 25 - 41, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on gateway geographical coordinates.
43. The method according to any of clauses 25 - 42, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on end device geographical coordinates.
44. The method according to any of clauses 25 - 43, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on end device and gateways geographical coordinates.
45. The method according to any of clauses 25 - 44, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on channel diversity.
46. The method according to any of clauses 25 - 45, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on channel diversity that is identified from historical interactions between individual gateways and the end device.
47. The method according to any of clauses 25 - 46, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on a comparison of historical interactions between individual gateways and the end device.
48. The method according to any of clauses 25 - 47, wherein the instructions are configured to cause broadcast at a plurality of predetermined times. 49. The method according to any of clauses 25 - 48, wherein the predetermined time is adapted for each individual gateway.
50. The method according to any of clauses 25 - 49, further comprising the step of broadcasting, by the end device, a message.
51. The method according to any of clauses 25 - 49, further comprising the step of broadcasting, by the end device, a message within the sub-GHz radio frequency band.
52. A computer program configured to cause a method in accordance with at least one of clauses 1 - 24 or 25 - 50 to be performed.
53. A server for a low power wide area network (LPWAN), the server comprising at least one processing core, at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processing core, cause the server at least to:
- select a plurality of gateways of the LPWAN which should synchronously broadcast a downlink message to an end device of the LPWAN, and
- send instructions to the plurality of gateways, said instructions being configured to cause the plurality of gateways to broadcast the downlink message to the end device at a predetermined time.
54. The server according to clause 53, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on a history of uplink or downlink reception.
55. The server of clause 53 or 54, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least in part because each of the plurality of gateways has previously delivered an uplink from the end device to the server.
56. The server of any of clauses 53 - 55, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least in part because each of the plurality of gateways has previously received an uplink from the end device. 57. The server of any of clauses 53 - 56, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least in part on their participation in an uplink reception.
58. The server of any of clauses 53 - 57, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN comprises all gateways which have participated in a given uplink reception from the end device.
59. The server of any of clauses 53 - 58, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN comprises all gateways which have received specific uplinks from the end device.
60. The server of any of clauses 53 - 59, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on a downlink reception probability between the plurality of gateways and the end device.
61. The server of any of clauses 53 - 60, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on a downlink reception probability between the plurality of gateways and the end device being greater than a predetermined threshold.
62. The server of any of clauses 53 - 61, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on an uplink reception probability between the end device and the plurality of gateways.
63. The server of any of clauses 53 - 62, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on an uplink reception probability between the end device and the plurality of gateways being greater than a predetermined threshold.
64. The server of any of clauses 53 - 63, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on a downlink radio channel quality between the plurality of gateways and the end device.
65. The server of any of clauses 53 - 64, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on a downlink radio channel quality between the end device and the plurality of gateways being greater than a predetermined threshold. 66. The server of any of clauses 53 - 65, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on an uplink radio channel quality between the end device and the plurality of gateways.
67. The server of any of clauses 53 - 66, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on an uplink radio channel quality between the end device and the plurality of gateways being greater than a predetermined threshold.
68. The server of any of clauses 53 - 67, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on a radio signal propagation map.
69. The server of any of clauses 53 - 68, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on gateway geographical coordinates.
70. The server of any of clauses 53 - 69, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on end device geographical coordinates.
71. The server of any of clauses 53 - 70, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on end device and gateways geographical coordinates.
72. The server of any of clauses 53 - 71, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on channel diversity.
73. The server of any of clauses 53 - 72, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on channel diversity that is identified from historical interactions between individual gateways and the end device.
74. The server of any of clauses 53 - 73, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on a comparison of historical interactions between individual gateways and the end device.
75. The server of any of clauses 53 - 74, wherein the instructions are configured to cause broadcast at a plurality of predetermined times. 76. The server of any of clauses 53 - 75, wherein the predetermined time is adapted for each individual gateway.
77. A server for a low power wide area network (LPWAN), the server comprising comprising:
- means for selecting a plurality of gateways of the LPWAN which should synchronously broadcast a downlink message to an end device of the LPWAN, and
- means for sending instructions to the plurality of gateways, said instructions being configured to cause the plurality of gateways to broadcast the downlink message to the end device at a predetermined time.
78. A non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon a set of computer readable instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause a server of an LPWAN to at least:
- select a plurality of gateways of the LPWAN which should synchronously broadcast a downlink message to an end device of the LPWAN, and
- sending instructions to the plurality of gateways, said instructions being configured to cause the plurality of gateways to broadcast the downlink message to the end device at a predetermined time.
[0050] At least some embodiments of the present invention are implemented at the gateway level. That is, the gateways are interconnected such that distributed implementation of the methods and system discussed herein is possible. For example, a server may send a message to a network of gateways for downlink broadcast, and the network of gateways would communicate to determine the plurality of gateways which should broadcast the message.
[0051] It is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention disclosed are not limited to the particular structures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein, but are extended to equivalents thereof as would be recognized by those ordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. It should also be understood that terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.
[0052] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.
[0053] As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary. In addition, various embodiments and example of the present invention may be referred to herein along with alternatives for the various components thereof. It is understood that such embodiments, examples, and alternatives are not to be construed as de facto equivalents of one another, but are to be considered as separate and autonomous representations of the present invention.
[0054] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of lengths, widths, shapes, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.
[0055] While the forgoing examples are illustrative of the principles of the present invention in one or more particular applications, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications in form, usage and details of implementation can be made without the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the claims set forth below.
[0056] The verbs “to comprise” and “to include” are used in this document as open limitations that neither exclude nor require the existence of also un-recited features. The features recited in depending claims are mutually freely combinable unless otherwise explicitly stated. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the use of "a" or "an", i.e. a singular form, throughout this document does not exclude a plurality

Claims

CLAIMS:
1. A method for downlink optimization in a server of a low power wide area network (LPWAN), the method comprising the steps of:
- selecting a plurality of gateways of the LPWAN which should synchronously broadcast a downlink message to an end device of the LPWAN, and
- sending instructions to the plurality of gateways, said instructions being configured to cause the plurality of gateways to broadcast the downlink message to the end device at a predetermined time.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on a history of uplink or downlink reception.
3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least in part because each of the plurality of gateways has previously delivered an uplink from the end device to the server.
4. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least in part because each of the plurality of gateways has previously received an uplink from the end device.
5. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least in part on their participation in an uplink reception.
6. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN comprises all gateways which have participated in a given uplink reception from the end device.
7. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN comprises all gateways which have received specific uplinks from the end device.
8. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on a downlink reception probability between the plurality of gateways and the end device.
9. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on a downlink reception probability between the plurality of gateways and the end device being greater than a predetermined threshold.
10. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on an uplink reception probability between the end device and the plurality of gateways.
11. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on an uplink reception probability between the end device and the plurality of gateways being greater than a predetermined threshold.
12. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on a downlink radio channel quality between the plurality of gateways and the end device.
13. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on an downlink radio channel quality between the end device and the plurality of gateways being greater than a predetermined threshold.
14. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on an uplink radio channel quality between the end device and the plurality of gateways.
15: The method of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on an uplink radio channel quality between the end device and the plurality of gateways being greater than a predetermined threshold.
16. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on a radio signal propagation map.
17. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on gateway geographical coordinates.
18. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on end device geographical coordinates.
19. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on end device and gateways geographical coordinates.
20. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on channel diversity.
21. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on channel diversity that is identified from historical interactions between individual gateways and the end device.
22. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of gateways of the LPWAN are selected based at least partly on a comparison of historical interactions between individual gateways and the end device.
23. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the instructions are configured to cause broadcast at a plurality of predetermined times.
24. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the predetermined time is adapted for each individual gateway.
25. A method for downlink optimization in a low power wide area network (LPWAN) comprising at least an end device, a multitude gateways, and a network server, the method comprising the steps of:
- selecting, within the server, a plurality of gateways from the multitude of gateways which should synchronously broadcast a downlink message to the end device, and
- sending instructions from the server to the plurality of gateways, said instructions being configured to cause the plurality of gateways to broadcast the downlink message to the end device at a predetermined time.
26. A server for a low power wide area network (LPWAN), the server comprising at least one processing core, at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processing core, cause the server at least to: - select a plurality of gateways of the LPWAN which should synchronously broadcast a downlink message to an end device of the LPWAN, and
- send instructions to the plurality of gateways, said instructions being configured to cause the plurality of gateways to broadcast the downlink message to the end device at a predetermined time.
PCT/FI2022/050761 2021-11-17 2022-11-17 Methods and systems for downlink optimization in low power wide area networks WO2023089241A1 (en)

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CN110690953A (en) * 2019-12-06 2020-01-14 武汉慧联无限科技有限公司 Downlink gateway selection method, device and computer storage medium
EP3840454A1 (en) * 2019-12-17 2021-06-23 Koninklijke KPN N.V. Computer-implemented method and product for determining a gateway beacon transmission scheme in a low power wide area network

Patent Citations (4)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2003209494A (en) * 2002-01-16 2003-07-25 Toshiba Corp Mobile radio terminal device
US9942865B2 (en) * 2011-01-04 2018-04-10 Datang Mobile Communications Equipment Co., Ltd Method and device for synchronously counting MBMS service
CN110690953A (en) * 2019-12-06 2020-01-14 武汉慧联无限科技有限公司 Downlink gateway selection method, device and computer storage medium
EP3840454A1 (en) * 2019-12-17 2021-06-23 Koninklijke KPN N.V. Computer-implemented method and product for determining a gateway beacon transmission scheme in a low power wide area network

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