Cumulative node heartbeat relay agents in constrained computer networks

#The present disclosure relates generally to computer networks, and, more particularly, to cumulative node heartbeat relay agents in computer networks.

#Low power and Lossy Networks (LLNs), e.g., sensor networks, have a myriad of applications, such as Smart Grid and Smart Cities. Various challenges are presented with LLNs, such as lossy links, low bandwidth, battery operation, low memory and/or processing capability, etc. Due to the intermittent nature of LLNs, an important requirement is to keep track of the availability of the nodes in the network. This may be done, for example, using “heartbeats” that network devices send to a root device, and eventually relayed to a centralized management device, e.g., Network Management Server (NMS). As a result, the network operator is informed of the availability of various network devices.

#The embodiments herein may be better understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals indicate identically or functionally similar elements, of which:

#FIG. 1 illustrates an example communication network;

#FIG. 2 illustrates an example schematic view of a network device/node;

#It should be understood that the above-referenced drawings are not necessarily to scale, presenting a somewhat simplified representation of various preferred features illustrative of the basic principles of the disclosure. The specific design features of the present disclosure, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, locations, and shapes, will be determined in part by the particular intended application and use environment.

#According to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, a message instructing a particular node to act as a heartbeat relay agent is received at the particular node in a network. The particular node is selected to receive the message based on a centrality of the particular node. Heartbeat messages are then collected from child nodes of the particular node in the network. Based on the collected heartbeat messages, a heartbeat report is generated, and the report is transmitted to a collecting node in the network.

#A computer network is a geographically distributed collection of nodes interconnected by communication links and segments for transporting data between end nodes, such as personal computers and workstations, or other devices, such as sensors, etc. Many types of networks are available, ranging from local area networks (LANs) to wide area networks (WANs). LANs typically connect the nodes over dedicated private communication links located in the same general physical location, such as a building or campus. WANs, on the other hand, typically connect geographically dispersed nodes over long-distance communication links, such as common carrier telephone lines, optical lightpaths, synchronous optical networks (SONET), synchronous digital hierarchy (SDH) links, or power-line communications (PLC) such as IEEE 61334, IEEE P1901.2, and others. In addition, a Mobile Ad-Hoc Network (MANET) is a kind of wireless ad-hoc network, which is generally considered a self-configuring network of mobile routers (and associated hosts) connected by wireless links, the union of which forms an arbitrary topology.