Hybrid Mesh Networking via Tunnels for Firewall Bypass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mesh networks are limited to communicating with devices within their signal range and lack the ability to bypass firewalls, restricting communication between mesh networks that are not directly connected to the internet.
Innovation Solution
Establishing tunnels between backhaul nodes of different mesh networks and a server to encapsulate packets, allowing communication to bypass firewalls and extend the network range by using internet-connected backhaul nodes to relay messages to unreachable destinations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mesh networks use traditional direct communication methods, then communication is simple and direct, but communication is limited to devices within signal range and cannot bypass firewalls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary component that facilitates communication between mesh networks. The server receives encapsulated packets from backhaul nodes, routes them to the appropriate destination mesh network, and enables communication between devices that would otherwise be unable to communicate directly due to firewall restrictions or signal range limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimensional layer to mesh network communication by introducing internet connectivity as an additional communication dimension. Backhaul nodes with internet connectivity can route packets through the server over the internet, creating a three-dimensional communication space that combines local mesh networking with remote internet-based communication.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mesh networks are extended to communicate beyond signal range using internet-connected backhaul nodes, then communication range is improved, but firewall blocking prevents packet delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The server acts as a mediator that receives encapsulated packets from backhaul nodes and forwards them to the destination mesh network. This intermediary approach allows packets to bypass firewall restrictions by using the server's internet connection rather than attempting direct peer-to-peer communication through blocked ports or protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the network parameters by introducing encapsulation protocols that modify packet structure. Packets are encapsulated within other packets, changing their apparent destination and allowing them to traverse firewall-protected networks. The encapsulation enables packets to be routed through the server with different network layer parameters than the original direct communication would require.
3Reliability
If tunnels are established for encapsulated packet transmission, then firewall bypass capability is improved, but network setup complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The server serves as a centralized intermediary that manages tunnel establishment and packet routing. Instead of requiring complex peer-to-peer tunnel setup between individual mesh nodes, the server centralizes the tunnel management function, receiving encapsulated packets from backhaul nodes and forwarding them appropriately. This reduces the complexity burden from individual devices to a centralized management point.
Solution Approach 2:
The server provides universal functionality by handling tunnel establishment, packet routing, and firewall bypass operations for all mesh networks in the system. A single server instance can serve multiple mesh networks, providing multi-functional capabilities that reduce overall system complexity compared to having separate tunnel management at each node.
4Reliability
If backhaul nodes with internet connectivity are used to relay packets, then communication reliability is improved, but the number of required components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The server provides universal packet routing functionality that can serve multiple mesh networks simultaneously. A single server can handle communications between any pair of mesh networks in the system, reducing the need for dedicated backhaul nodes between each pair of networks. The server's multi-functional capability allows one server to replace what would otherwise require multiple distributed backhaul nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple potential backhaul nodes into a single centralized server. Instead of requiring separate relay infrastructure between each mesh network pair, the server combines packet reception, routing decision-making, and packet forwarding functions into one consolidated component, reducing the total number of required network elements.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for communicating between mesh networks comprising: establishing a first tunnel to bypass a firewall, the bypass enabled by encapsulating first packets between a first backhaul node of a first local mesh network and a server, the first backhaul node of the first local mesh network having internet connectivity and receiving the first packets addressed to a destination not reachable by the first local mesh network without internet connectivity to a second local mesh network; establishing a second tunnel between a second backhaul node of a second local mesh network and the server, wherein the second backhaul node of the second local mesh network has internet connectivity; receiving at the server the encapsulated first packets from the first backhaul node via the first tunnel; and transmitting from the server the received encapsulated first packets to the second backhaul node of the second local mesh network.