WO2005060175A2

WO2005060175A2 - System and method for data transmission in data and/or communication networks with hierarchically-organized levels a corresponding computer programme and a corresponding computer-readable storage medium

Info

Publication number: WO2005060175A2
Application number: PCT/EP2004/014758
Authority: WO
Inventors: Magnus H. Bergs
Original assignee: Bergs Magnus H
Priority date: 2003-12-18
Filing date: 2004-12-20
Publication date: 2005-06-30
Also published as: WO2005060175A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a system and method for data transmission in data and/or communication networks with hierarchically-organized levels, a corresponding computer programme and a corresponding computer-readable storage medium, particularly of application in blanket wireless networking of large areas with a data and/or communication network, such as, for example, the internet, permitting internet support for fixed and mobile users. A system is disclosed in which all network levels, with the exception of the lowest level, are wireless latticed data and/or communication networks, the wireless data and/or communication networks of the levels hierarchically above the lowest level generate the connections between wireless data and/or communication networks of hierarchically-lower levels and at least one part of the network router, applied in the system, is of use as router in at least one other network level, or in other data and/or communication networks, such as, for example, in the internet.

Description

Magnus H. Bergs 12/20/2004

System and method for data transmission in data and / or communication networks with hierarchically organized levels, as well as a corresponding computer program and a corresponding computer-readable storage medium

Besehreibung

The present invention relates to a system and a method for data transmission in data and / or communication networks with hierarchically organized levels, as well as a corresponding computer program and a corresponding computer-readable storage medium, which can be used in particular for the area-wide wireless networking of large areas with a data and / or or communication network such as the Internet to enable Internet use for both stationary and mobile users.

It is known that wireless data communication with stationary clients is possible with a variety of technologies, for example IEEE 802.11a / b / g, IEEE 802.16a, LL (Wireless Local Loop) or Bluetooth. There are also solutions for data communication with mobile clients. The best known technologies used for this are GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) and based on it GPRS (General Packet Ratio Service), UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunication), but also IEEE 802.11b. Technologies are also known for wirelessly connecting rail vehicles to a computer network. The company "Cisco", for example, offers a system with WLAN access points Magnus H. Bergs 12/20/2004

(Access points) along the route. These transmit in parallel to the route using IEEE 802. llb technology. Another technology is used by the company "21Net", for the transmission to the vehicle you use a satellite downlink and for the way back a standard mobile telephone connection (GSM). It is also known that when changing from one radio cell to the next radio cell connected Seamless roaming, ie a change while maintaining the existing data or voice connections, can also be carried out. It is also known that both directional and non-directional radio links are used in wireless communication. Furthermore, it is generally known that access to the Internet via so-called Internet Another well-known aspect is the use of hotspots (WLAN 802.11a / b / g access point) in metropolitan areas, which are usually directly connected to an Internet Service Provider (ISP) using existing wired technologies. It is also known that wired networks are hierarchical h can be set up in order to obtain a structured structure of a computer network. It is also known that network backbones are set up with the aid of various wired network technologies. It is known that DVB (Digital Video Broadcast) and DAB (Digital Audio Broadcast) exist for various applications, for example for terrestrial or satellite-based reception. Both standards are broadcast processes, ie one transmitter and any number of receivers. There is no possibility of feedback from the recipients. Plans to link DVB and WLAN, such as NOKIA, are also known. Magnus H. Bergs 12/20/2004

A disadvantage of the existing systems is the low bandwidth when transmitting to moving end systems (clients). Another disadvantage arises especially when using WLAN (IEEE 802.11). Since the access points have a short range (<500 m), coverage can only be achieved with a high number of access points (see "Cisco"). In addition, the existing systems are designed for either stationary or mobile clients. An additional disadvantage Hotspots are different operators and therefore usually different tariff and billing systems.For operating a hotspot there is also a broadband connection, such as DSL (Digital Subscriber Line), for connection to data and / or communication networks, such as the Internet, but these are not available in all areas.

Up to now, structured networks that would be comparable to those of wired communication have not existed in wireless communication. And the known "wireless backbones" are not equivalent to the complex wired backbones. In contrast to the wired backbones, they only depict a very simple structure which is produced via a direct non-directional (FIG. 1) or directional (FIG. 2) radio link.

The object of the invention is to provide a system and a method for data transmission in data and / or communication networks with hierarchically organized levels, as well as a corresponding computer program and a corresponding computer-readable storage medium, which avoid the mentioned disadvantages of the known solutions and in particular an inexpensive solution with regard to installation and maintenance. Magnus H. Bergs 12/20/2004

This object is achieved by the features in claims 1, 9, 18 and 20. Appropriate embodiments of the invention are contained in the subclaims.

A system for data transmission in data and / or communication networks with hierarchically organized levels according to the invention provides that all network levels with the exception of the lowest consist of wireless meshed data and / or communication networks, wireless data and / or communication networks from hierarchically above the the lowest levels set up the connection between wireless data and / or communication networks from hierarchically lower levels and at least some of the network routers used in the system as routers in at least one other network level or in other data and / or communication networks such as the Internet is usable. Such routers are also referred to below as border routers. According to the understanding of the invention, a network consists of wireless meshed data and / or communication networks if the network comprises wired transmission links, but the wireless transmission links of the network alone form a meshed data and / or communication network.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that at least some of the network routers used in the system can be used as a downlink to levels below them, in particular directly to the bottom level.

Another preferred embodiment of the invention provides that network routers of the highest network level are used as the border router. Magnus H. Bergs 12/20/2004

It also proves to be an advantage if one or more proxy servers are integrated in each level.

A particular advantage of the invention is that in a preferred exemplary embodiment, the self-healing and self-optimizing network structure is provided through the use of so-called wireless meshed networks. The meshing of the individual access points of the wireless network backbone increases the reliability and scalability of the available bandwidth.

The invention enables the bandwidth for different hierarchy levels to be adapted to the requirements thereof, by using different connection technologies at each hierarchy level. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the communication of the elements in the levels arranged above the lowest level by point-to-point connections (unicast architecture) and / or that on the lowest level the connection to individual clients via point to multipoint connection or via point-to-point connection.

A method for data transmission in data and / or communication networks with hierarchically organized levels is characterized in that the data transmission takes place by means of data and / or communication networks which are set up in such a way that all network levels except the lowest of wireless meshed data and / or or communication networks exist, wireless data and / or communication networks from hierarchically above the lowest levels realize the connection between wireless data and / or communication networks from hierarchically below levels and at least a part of the Magnus H. Bergs December 20, 2004

Network router used in the system can be used as a router in at least one other network level or in other data and / or communication networks such as the Internet.

This method uses a multi-layer structure in a hierarchical relationship. All levels except the lowest consist of so-called wireless meshed networks. At any point in the system there may be a connection to other data and / or communication networks, such as the Internet, but primarily only at the top level. Each element (router) of a level can act as a downlink of an underlying level. Direct connections to the lowest level are also possible.

In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, it is provided that a cryptographic device is used for access to the network, which cryptographic device uniquely determines the identity of the user by means of one of the authentication, authorization and accounting servers (AAA servers) present in the network.

Another preferred. Embodiment of the method according to the invention provides that in each level, with the exception of the lowest level, at least some of the network routers are used as a downlink to levels below that in the hierarchy, in particular directly to the lowest level.

In a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention it is provided that connections for so-called gateways to other systems are also made available for special services. For example, it can be advantageous if a Magnus H. Bergs 12/20/2004

Connection to the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network), to the PLMN (Public Land Mobile Network), to the DAB and / or to the DVB is established.

A computer program for data transmission in data and / or communication networks with hierarchically organized levels enables a computer, after it has been loaded into the memory of the computer, to carry out a method according to one of claims 9 to 17. The computer program advantageously comprises a plurality of modules, at least one first module being installed in the client, at least one second module in each of the access points, at least one third module in each of the border routers and at least one fourth module in each of the AAA servers

For example, these computer programs (for a fee or free of charge, freely accessible or password-protected) can be made available for download in a data or communication network. The computer programs thus provided can then be used by a method in which a computer program according to claim 18 or 19 is downloaded from an electronic data network, such as from the Internet, to a data processing device connected to the data network.

To operate a system according to the invention for data transmission in data and / or communication networks with hierarchically organized levels, a computer-readable storage medium is advantageously used, on which a program is stored which enables a computer after it has been loaded into the memory of the computer Perform method according to any one of claims 9 to 17. Magnus H. Bergs 12/20/2004

It also proves to be an advantage if the computer-readable storage medium has first modules suitable for installation in a mobile client and / or second modules suitable for installation in the access points and / or third modules suitable for installation in the border routers and / or fourth includes modules suitable for installation in the AAA servers.

Furthermore, the wireless transmission offers cost advantages in terms of installation and maintenance. In particular, in contrast to wired backbone cabling, no expensive and time-consuming installation work is necessary. This makes this method particularly suitable in urban but also in rural areas. The simple and economical reconfiguration of the backbone is made possible by the wireless connection.

A transmission of computer-readable data to clients is ensured by the invention, it being irrelevant whether the client is not moving, quickly or very quickly. Sufficient bandwidth for data transmission is also ensured. In addition, in a preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention, a uniform authentication and billing method is provided.

In addition, good load balancing can be achieved, since it can be selected which transition point to the Internet is used for a user. Magnus H. Bergs 12/20/2004

The invention also solves the so-called last mile problem and thus enables easy Internet access for large numbers of users.

Another advantage arises from the use of different wireless technologies with different frequency ranges, so that the signals of the different hierarchy levels do not interfere.

Also advantageous is the combination with other transmission technologies, for example DVB-T / H (Digital Audio Broadcast Terrestrial) or DAB-T (Digital Video Broadcast Terrestrial), in which interactive television can be realized in a cost-effective manner.

When using the system according to the invention as a wireless hierarchical backbone, an increase in the reliability and scalability of the available bandwidth is achieved by meshing the individual access points of the wireless network backbone with one another.

Embodiments of the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Show it:

Figure 1: wireless point-to-multipoint connection (non-directional), Figure 2: wireless point-to-point connection (directional), Figure 3: hierarchical wireless network, Figure 4: layer model, which is the basis of the hierarchical wireless network. Figure 5: Illustration of the basic hierarchical structure of the system according to the invention; Magnus H. Bergs 12/20/2004

Figure 6: Illustration of the structure of the system according to the invention in an exemplary scenario;

Figure 7: Illustration of the basic structure of the system according to the invention in interaction with DAB / DVB to provide interactive services;

Figure 8: Illustration of the basic structure of the system according to the invention in interaction with DAB / DVB to provide local news services;

1. Explanation of terms: 1.1. Client system

A client system is a technical product which is integrated into the network via an Internet protocol suitable for communication with the access point and which is technically capable of exchanging data with the access point via this Internet protocol.

1.2. access point

An access point is a technical product installed by the operator of the network, which enables the connection of client systems via the Internet protocol. The access point has one or more connections in the network (backbone).

1.3. Transition point

A transition point establishes the transition from a locally administered network to another data network, for example the Internet. The transition point can be an access point which is expanded with a corresponding network connection. Magnus H. Bergs 12/20/2004

1.4. Network backbone

A network backbone is a structure that is formed by connecting access points with the help of a network structure.

An exemplary implementation of the invention can consist of a wireless, hierarchically structured backbone.

According to the present invention, a hierarchical structuring for wireless communication systems is provided for this (see FIG. 4).

The bottom layer, hereinafter referred to as the user layer NS or local web WB, is responsible for the communication between the users and the wireless network. The second layer, now called zone layer ZS or regional web RW, enables communication within a zone. The third layer, the Interzonenschicht IZS or the National-Web NW, establishes the communication between the zones.

The user layer NS (or local web LW) is realized with an undirected wireless network technology. The users are connected to the higher layers via so-called access points ZP. Several users who are in direct communication with an access point can have simultaneous access to the network. The connection can e.g. can be implemented using the IEEE 802.11b or 802.11g transmission method.

In the next higher layer (zone layer ZS or Regional Web RW), many access points are connected to zones via directional wireless connections (point-to-point connections). This can e.g. B. by the IEEE transmission method Magnus H. Bergs 12/20/2004

802.11a. There are several connections per access point to other access points, creating a highly meshed structure. A dynamic routing protocol is used to route packets to the destination as efficiently as possible (e.g. OSPF [= Open Shortest Path First], Internet RFC 2328 [to be found at ftp://ftp.isi.edu/in- notes / rfc2223. txt]).

In the next higher layer (Interzonenschicht IZS or National-Web NW), zones are connected to each other using a broadband, directed wireless or wired network technology. This can e.g. through the wireless transmission method according to IEEE 802.16a. These connections of this layer also form a strongly meshed structure. To ensure scalability, the network backbone is divided into logical units. For example, a summary of various administrative information, such as routing information, is carried out at the boundaries between two zones, so that less information has to be stored in the higher-level zone.

In addition to the pure access point functionality, an access point can have other properties. Thus, it can simultaneously be a router in the ZS layer or regional web RW and a router in the interzone layer IZS or national web NW. Furthermore, each access point can provide a transition to the Internet. Any client system, even at other access points in the hierarchical computer network, can use this transition point. Magnus H. Bergs 12/20/2004

In another exemplary embodiment, the system according to the invention is used for the area-wide wireless networking of large areas with a data and / or communication network such as the Internet.

FIG. 5 shows the abstract hierarchical structure of the system according to the invention. This preferred exemplary embodiment consists of three levels, the National-Web NW, the Regional-Web RW and the Local-Web LW level. They differ in the technology used for transmission and thus also in the transmission range, bandwidth and transmission method. The transmission range and / or the bandwidth should be greater in the individual layers than in the layers below. Each computer on one level can function as a so-called border router BR and thus establish a connection 1, 2, 3 or 4 to the levels above and / or below or to an Internet service provider ISP. It is also possible that one or more levels are skipped, as can be seen in connection 3. In an exemplary implementation of the system, the radio technology IEEE 802.16a in point-to-point mode is used on the NW level. Due to the relatively large range of up to 80 km, coverage of an entire country can be achieved using wireless technologies. The use of the point-to-point mode ensures that the two connected stations can use the maximum bandwidth. This is necessary because it is a shared medium in which all stations transmitting on this frequency have to share the medium. In an exemplary implementation, the RW level can be implemented using the IEEE 802.11a / b / g technology, using the point-to-point mode. At the LW level, end users are Magnus H. Bergs 12/20/2004

Multipoint mode supplied. Here, for example, the technologies IEEE 802.16a and / or IEEE 802.11a / b / g can be used.

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary scenario in which there are several cities and villages which are wirelessly connected to an Internet service provider ISP via a system according to the invention. The density of meshing on the individual levels is mainly determined by the geographical conditions. Meshing in densely populated areas at the RW and LW levels is stronger than in sparsely populated areas. Furthermore, it is possible to skip the RW level in sparsely populated areas 5 and at the same time use a point-to-multipoint system with a larger range in the LW level, for example an IEEE 802.16a in point-to-multipoint mode. FIG. 6 also shows that a network on the RW level can be connected to several points on the NW level (cf. connection 6).

FIGS. 7 and 8 show possible additions to the system according to the invention by different types of systems in order to provide value-added services. A use as an interactive medium for a large number of simultaneous users is shown in FIG. Applications for this supplement would be, for example, ^" 'e-learning and interactive This service is offered by a central entity in this exemplary case, the central authority is also the television., Which is in the present system or is connected via a Border Router BR. Sender S. The forward channel, ie from the central instance to the users, is established via a broadcast system, which can be ensured, for example, by a DVB-T / H system (DVB for terrestrial reception) Magnus H. Bergs 12/20/2004

the transmission of the information from the transmitting station S to all users N located in its radio cell FZ. The system (LW) according to the invention is used as the return channel. This division is particularly advantageous if relatively large amounts of data, such as video streams, are sent over the forward channel and the return channel is only used for sporadic transmissions.

FIG. 8 shows an example of use as local television and / or radio. It is provided that content providers (B) of the system according to the invention send their streaming data to a central entity (eg a transmitter S) which is located in the system according to the invention or is connected via a border router BR. The transmitter then sends this data again as a broadcast via DAB-T or DVB-T / H to all active receivers (E) in its radio cell FZ. This use is particularly suitable for the transmission of unforeseen events in which no broadcasting vehicles from the major broadcasters are available.

In a preferred embodiment variant, the border routers BR of different levels are implemented in a computer.

In a further preferred embodiment variant, more than three levels are provided.

The embodiment of the invention is not limited to the preferred exemplary embodiments specified above. Rather, a number of variants are conceivable which make use of the device according to the invention even in the case of fundamentally different types. Magnus H. Bergs 12/20/2004

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1, 2, 3, 4 connections for data transmission, communication connections 5 sparsely populated area

6 Connection of a network of the RW level to an NW level via several points of the NW level

B content provider BR Borderrouter

E receiver

FZ radio cell

ISP Internet Service Provider

IZS interzone layer LW Local-Web

N users

NS user layer

NW National Web

RW Regional-Web S broadcaster

ZS zone layer

Claims

Magnus H. Bergs 12/20/2004 Patent claims

1. System for data transmission in data and / or communication networks with hierarchically organized levels, characterized in that all network levels, with the exception of the lowest, consist of wireless meshed data and / or communication networks, wireless data and / or communication networks from hierarchically above the lowest Levels set up the connection between wireless data and / or communication networks from hierarchically lower levels and at least some of the network routers used in the system can be used as routers in at least one other network level or in other data and / or communication networks such as the Internet is.

2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that in each level, with the exception of the lowest, at least some of the network routers can be used as a downlink in levels below them, in particular directly in the lowest level.

3. System according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that network routers of the top network level are used as border routers. Magnus H. Bergs 12/20/2004

4. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that different connection technologies are used on each hierarchy level.

5. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication of the elements in the levels arranged above the lowest level are realized by point-to-point connections (unicast architecture).

6. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that all levels except for the lowest have a self-healing and self-optimizing network structure.

7. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection to individual clients is implemented at the lowest level via point-to-multipoint connection or via point-to-point connection.

8. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more proxy servers are integrated in each level. Magnus H. Bergs 12/20/2004

9. Method for data transmission in data and / or communication networks with hierarchically organized levels, characterized in that the data transmission takes place by means of data and / or communication networks, which are set up in such a way that all network levels with the exception of the lowest of wireless meshed data and and / or communication networks exist, wireless data and / or communication networks hierarchically above the lowest level established levels, the connection between the wireless data and / or communica _'tion networks of hierarchical layers below implement and at least a part of the network router used in the system as a router in at least one other network level or in other data and / or communication networks such as the Internet.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that the communication of the elements in the levels above the lowest is realized by point-to-point connections (unicast architecture).

11. The method according to claim 9 or 11, characterized in that at the lowest level, the connection to individual clients via point-to-multipoint connection or via point-to-point connection. Magnus H. Bergs 12/20/2004

12. The method according to claim 9 to 11, characterized in that a cryptographic device is used to access the network, which uniquely determines the identity of the user by means of one of the authentication, authorization and accounting server (AAA server) present in the network.

13. The method according to claim 9 to 12, characterized in that connections for so-called gateways to other systems are made available for special services.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that a connection to the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) and / or PLMN (Public Land Mobile Network) is established via the gateway.

15. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that a connection to the DAB and / or DVB is established via the gateway.

16. The method according to claim 9 to 15, characterized in that one or more proxy servers are integrated in each level. Magnus H. Bergs December 20, 2004

17. The method according to claim 9 to 16, characterized in that in each level, with the exception of the lowest, at least some of the network routers are used as a downlink in hierarchically lower levels, in particular directly in the lowest level.

18. Computer program that enables a computer, after it has been loaded into the memory of the computer, to carry out a method for data transmission in data and / or communication networks with hierarchically organized levels according to one of claims 9 to 17.

19. Computer program according to claim 22, characterized in that the computer program comprises a plurality of modules and at least one first module in the client, at least one second module in the access points, at least one third module in the border routers and at least one fourth module in the AAA Servers is installed.

20. Computer-readable storage medium on which a program is stored which enables a computer after it has been loaded into the memory of the computer, a method for data transmission in data and / or communication networks with hierarchically organized levels according to one of claims 9 to 17 perform. Magnus H. Bergs 12/20/2004

21. Computer-readable storage medium according to claim 20, characterized in that the computer-readable storage medium first suitable for installation in a mobile client modules and / or second suitable for installation in the access points and / or third modules suitable for installation in the border routers and / or - fourth includes modules suitable for installation in the AAA servers.

22. The method in which a computer program according to one of claims 18 or 19 is downloaded from an electronic data and / or communication network, such as from the Internet, to a data processing device connected to the data and / or communication network.