Child Router Provisioning via Isolated Parent Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bundled routers face challenges in self-networking due to uncertainties in Wi-Fi coverage areas and phase crossings of PLC power lines, leading to incomplete network configurations and the need for manual setup.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for router networking involving a child router and a parent router, where the child router is inserted into the parent router's interface to access a secure first network, obtain networking information, and then detach to connect to a target interface for the second network, using network isolation and encryption to ensure secure and accurate configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If child router automatically scans parent router via Wi-Fi/PLC for self-networking, then automatic connection is achieved, but networking fails due to uncertain Wi-Fi coverage or PLC phase crossing
Solution Approach 1:
A secure first network is introduced as an intermediary communication channel between the child router and parent router. This first network operates independently from the second network (Wi-Fi/PLC), allowing the child router to obtain networking information (such as Wi-Fi passwords or PLC domain names) through a reliable wired connection before attempting to join the second network, thereby bypassing the coverage and interference issues that plague direct wireless/PLC pairing.
Solution Approach 2:
The child router performs preliminary configuration by obtaining networking information from the parent router through the first network before actually joining the second network. This preliminary action ensures that all necessary configuration parameters are secured in advance, eliminating the need for real-time wireless/PLC communication during the critical networking phase and thus avoiding coverage and interference problems.
2Ease of operation
If networking information is transmitted over the second network, then configuration is simplified, but security is compromised due to network isolation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The network communication is segmented into two distinct phases: Phase 1 uses the first network (wired connection) for secure transmission of networking information from parent to child router, while Phase 2 uses the second network (Wi-Fi/PLC) for the child router to join and extend coverage. This segmentation ensures that sensitive information is only transmitted over the secure first network, while the second network is used only for its intended purpose of providing wireless access.
3Adaptability or versatility
If bundled routers use independent Wi-Fi/PLC connection, then device independence is maintained, but self-networking cannot be implemented due to environmental interference
Solution Approach 1:
The solution merges two connection methods: a wired first network for secure configuration and a wireless/PLC second network for actual service delivery. The child router first connects to the parent router via the wired first network to obtain configuration information, then uses this information to independently join the second network. This combining approach allows the routers to maintain device independence while achieving reliable self-networking by leveraging the stability of wired connection for configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A router networking method includes a child router that is coupled with an interface of the parent router, to be combined with the parent router, where a network corresponding to the interface is a first network, network isolation exists between the first network and a second network, and the second network is a local area network provided by the parent router. The child router accesses the first network and obtains networking information from the first network, where the networking information is used to access the second network. The child router is unplugged from the interface of the parent router to be detached from the parent router. The child router is coupled with a target interface, where a network corresponding to the target interface is the second network, and the child router accesses the second network based on the networking information using the target interface.