Dynamic Radio Network Federation via Master Node Election

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current network federation methods require static configuration and planning, leading to inflexibility, insecurity, and complexity, especially when integrating new networks, as they rely on static addressing protocols and equipment, which are time-consuming and prone to errors.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic federation method that involves node discovery, election of a master node, dynamic IP addressing, and secure authentication to establish a communication plan, allowing networks to interconnect without prior knowledge or static devices, using protocols like DHCP and SSL for secure connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If static configuration and planning are used for network federation, then network security and stability are improved, but flexibility and adaptability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork securityVSAvoidflexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic network federation where network nodes can automatically discover, authenticate, and establish connections without static pre-configuration. The federation state machine transitions through states (DISCOVERY, AUTHENTICATION, FEDERATION) based on runtime events, allowing the network to adapt dynamically while maintaining security through authenticated state transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Network nodes perform self-discovery and self-authentication using broadcasted discovery messages and cryptographic authentication mechanisms. The nodes automatically manage their own federation enrollment without requiring external static configuration, enabling flexible adaptation while maintaining security through self-service authentication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Stability of the object's composition

If static addressing protocols are used, then network stability is improved, but implementation complexity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork stabilityVSAvoidimplementation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Network nodes automatically generate and manage their own addresses through self-service mechanisms during the discovery phase. The addressing is derived from node identities and federation state, eliminating the need for external static addressing protocols and reducing implementation complexity while maintaining stability through consistent address generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary address generation and node identification during the discovery phase before actual federation occurs. This preliminary action prepares the network for stable operation while simplifying implementation by pre-resolving addressing issues before runtime.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If manual configuration is used for network federation, then security is improved, but productivity and responsiveness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidresponsiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automated feedback loops where nodes broadcast discovery messages, receive responses, authenticate彼此, and automatically transition through federation states. This automated feedback mechanism maintains security through cryptographic authentication while dramatically improving productivity by eliminating manual configuration steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Network nodes perform self-authentication using cryptographic mechanisms and automatically manage their own federation enrollment. The self-service approach maintains security through authenticated transitions while improving responsiveness by eliminating human intervention, allowing rapid network adaptation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Stability of the object's composition

If static equipment is used for federation, then network stability is improved, but adaptability to network movements deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to movements
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic federation state machines that transition between states (DISCOVERY, AUTHENTICATION, FEDERATION, DEPARTURE) based on runtime events. This dynamic approach allows the network to adapt to node movements and topology changes while maintaining stability through structured state transitions and authenticated connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4311372A1Method for dynamic federation of a plurality of radio networks, related computer program and network
Publication Date: 2024.01.24 THALES SA
  • EP4311372A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4311372A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4311372A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method (10) for dynamically federating radio communication networks, each represented by a node, comprising at least the following successive steps: - discovery (12) between the nodes, each node broadcasting a predetermined discovery message; - election (14) of a master node from among the nodes associated respectively with each network, the nodes distinct from said master node becoming slave nodes; - implementation (16) of dynamic IP addressing by said master node; - construction (18) of a federated network by said master node, by enrolling said slave nodes after their authentication by said master node; - establishment (20) of at least one communication plan between said master node and said slave nodes; - configuration (22) of said federated network using said at least one communication plan.