Dynamic IP Tunneling for Mixed Version Mesh Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless mesh networks face interoperability issues due to different Internet protocol (IP) versions, where nodes supporting one IP version may not be able to handle packets from nodes using another version, leading to inefficiencies in traffic transmission.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a wireless mesh network node with transceivers and a processor that can receive routing packets from upstream nodes, select optimal routing paths based on quality, and establish IP tunnels between nodes supporting different IP versions to facilitate communication, allowing data packets to be encapsulated and transmitted across the network efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If nodes support multiple IP versions to improve interoperability, then communication compatibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces IP version translation nodes as intermediaries that translate between different IP versions (e.g., IPv4 to IPv6). These special nodes act as mediators, allowing nodes supporting only one IP version to communicate with nodes supporting another version without requiring all nodes to support multiple versions, thus maintaining compatibility while limiting complexity to specific translation nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The network is segmented into different zones based on IP version support. The patent divides the mesh network into IPv4-only regions, IPv6-only regions, and translation nodes that bridge these regions. This segmentation allows each segment to operate with simple, single-version protocols while the translation nodes handle the complexity of version conversion only where needed.
2Reliability
If direct connections to gateway are established for all nodes, then communication reliability is improved, but network overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple IP version traffic streams into a single unified mesh network infrastructure. Instead of maintaining separate direct connection paths for IPv4 and IPv6 traffic to the gateway, the network combines both traffic types and routes them through common mesh nodes, reducing redundant connections and overhead while maintaining reliable communication paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements virtual IP tunnel connections that copy the functionality of direct gateway connections without requiring physical direct links. Translation nodes create virtual tunnel interfaces that replicate direct connection behavior for encapsulated packets, allowing indirect physical paths to provide the same reliability as direct connections would without the associated overhead.
3Adaptability or versatility
If IP tunnels are established for traffic translation, then interoperability between IP versions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service tunnel establishment where translation nodes automatically detect the need for IP version translation and establish appropriate tunnels without manual configuration. The nodes autonomously negotiate tunnel parameters, select appropriate encapsulation methods, and manage tunnel lifecycle based on observed traffic patterns, reducing the complexity burden on network operators and administrators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary tunnel establishment and configuration before actual data traffic requires translation. Translation nodes proactively set up IP tunnels and test connectivity in advance, so when IPv4 or IPv6 traffic needs translation, the tunnel infrastructure is already in place and validated, reducing the operational complexity of on-demand tunnel creation.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatuses for supporting traffic of a wireless mesh network are disclosed. One apparatus includes a node that includes one or more transceivers for communicating with other devices of the wireless mesh network, and a processor. The processor is operative to perform operations including receiving routing packets from at least one upstream node of the wireless mesh network, where reception of the routing packets is facilitated by a first IP version; selecting an upstream routing path to an upstream gateway based on a routing path quality; determining from the routing packets whether a first upstream node directly upstream from the node supports a second IP version; and establishing an IP tunnel with the upstream gateway or a second upstream node of the upstream routing path that supports the second IP version if the first upstream node does not support the second IP version.