Invention Title:

Multipath TCP Over Multi-Hop Heterogeneous Wireless IoT Networks

Publication number:

US20250261183

Publication date:

2025-08-14

Section:

Electricity

Class:

H04W72/12

Inventors:

Yukimasa Nagai 🇯🇵 Tokyo, Japan

Philip Orlik 🇺🇸 Cambridge, MA, United States

Jianlin Guo 🇺🇸 Newton, MA, United States

Takenori SUMI 🇯🇵 Tokyo, Japan

Pu Wang 🇺🇸 Cambridge, MA, United States

Hikaru TSUCHIDA 🇯🇵 Tokyo, Japan

Kieran Parsons 🇺🇸 Gloucester, MA, United States

Naotaka SAKAGUCHI 🇯🇵 Tokyo, Japan

Assignees:

MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION 🇯🇵 TOKYO, Japan

Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc. 🇺🇸 Cambridge, MA, United States

Applicants:

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation 🇯🇵 Tokyo, Japan

Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc. 🇺🇸 Cambridge, MA, United States

Smart overview of the Invention

The patent application introduces a node device designed for forming multi-hop networks in heterogeneous wireless IoT environments. It incorporates both low-speed and high-speed communication interfaces to participate in a multi-hop network. The device can deliver data packets over multipath TCP (MPTCP) paths, enhancing reliability and efficiency in data transmission. A method for establishing MPTCP paths is included, allowing the node device to create multiple pathways to a data center.

Adaptive Congestion Control

An adaptive congestion control algorithm is developed for managing congestion on MPTCP paths. This algorithm operates based on path properties like length, bandwidth, and loss. The node device uses a Markov chain model for the IEEE 802.15.4 Non-Slotted CSMA algorithm to calculate round trip times (RTT) on these paths, with an M/M/1/K model applied for queuing time computation.

Path Scheduling

Utilizing the computed RTT and adaptive congestion control window, a novel path scheduling method is provided. This method ensures efficient data delivery to data centers by considering factors such as bandwidth, path loss, and buffer size. The node device's transceiver receives and transmits data packets within the heterogeneous wireless network, while its processor executes programs for path building and congestion control.

Network Evolution

The invention recognizes the transition from current generation IoT devices with single communication interfaces to next-generation multi-link devices that support multiple interfaces. These advancements are crucial for reliably delivering high-priority data necessary for maintaining IoT network operations. The mixed environment of current and next-generation devices necessitates innovative methods like those proposed in this application.

Implementation Details

The patent outlines specific methods for computing expected queuing and channel access times using Markov chain models. These calculations are essential for ensuring that packets transmitted over multiple MPTCP paths arrive at their destination in order. The invention provides an adaptive congestion control method tailored to dynamic wireless network conditions, optimizing the scheduling of data packets from nodes to data centers.