Cloud NMS Loop Detection in Hybrid Mesh Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 802.11s based mesh networks are ineffective in detecting and managing network loops when wired links are introduced, leading to datapath issues and increased burden on congested wireless networks.
Innovation Solution
A cloud-based Network Management System (NMS) detects and manages loops in hybrid mesh networks by interacting with nodes through cellular links, using network event-based detection instead of continuous protocols like Spanning Tree Protocol, and disabling loops containing wired communication links to prevent datapath loops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional 802.11s based mesh networks use routing protocols for loop avoidance, then wireless communication is enabled, but loop detection becomes ineffective when wired links are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cloud-based Network Management System as an intermediary that receives topology information from mesh nodes via cellular links and performs centralized loop detection. This mediator approach allows the system to detect loops formed by wired links connecting disjoint wireless mesh clusters, overcoming the limitation of conventional routing protocols that cannot effectively detect such loops.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from distributed loop detection within the mesh network to a centralized detection model using cellular network infrastructure. By leveraging the cellular network dimension, the system achieves comprehensive topology monitoring and loop detection capability that extends beyond the traditional wireless mesh network boundaries.
2Area of stationary object
If wired communication links are added to connect disjoint mesh clusters, then network coverage is expanded, but datapath loops are formed causing broadcast storms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary loop detection before allowing wired links to become active in the mesh network. The cloud-based NMS receives topology change notifications and detects potential loops in advance, enabling preventive action to stop broadcast storms before they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the loop detection function from the mesh network itself and places it in the cloud-based NMS. This separation allows the NMS to have a global view of the network topology and make informed decisions about which links to block, effectively removing the harmful loop detection burden from the mesh nodes.
3Reliability
If continuous loop detection protocols like Spanning Tree Protocol are used, then loop management is achieved, but bandwidth consumption increases on congested wireless networks
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous loop detection, the patent uses event-driven periodic detection. The NMS receives topology change notifications from mesh nodes and performs loop detection only when changes occur, such as when new wired links are added or removed. This periodic action significantly reduces bandwidth consumption compared to continuous protocols like Spanning Tree Protocol.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical continuous broadcasting mechanism of Spanning Tree Protocol with an event-driven notification system. Mesh nodes send topology change notifications to the NMS via cellular links, and the NMS performs detection only when needed, substituting continuous mechanical processing with on-demand computational analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
Technology for network loop detection in a hybrid mesh network is described. In one embodiment, processing logic receives a network event message indicating a change in a network topology of a mesh network and, responsive to the network event message, determines that the mesh network includes at least one network loop comprising a plurality of communication links connecting two nodes of the mesh network. The processing logic further determines that the at least one network loop includes at least one wired communication link and disables at least one of the plurality of communication links to disconnect the at least one network loop.