Hybrid Mesh Network Loop Prevention via Ethernet Beacon Role Assignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Determining optimal routing in partially connected mesh networks with both wired and wireless links is challenging due to the need to identify available nodes, efficient associations, and reliable connections, while avoiding loop formations that cause delays and reduce network capacity.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a gateway connected to nodes, allowing them to determine direct or indirect connections through Ethernet beacons, and a method for role assignment where nodes communicate via Ethernet if directly connected, and through uplink connections if indirectly connected, to break loops by suspending wireless communication when an Ethernet connection is available.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If nodes use multiple hops through intermediate nodes for communication in a partially connected mesh network, then network coverage and connectivity are improved, but transmission delay increases and network efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-establishes routing tables and path information in nodes before actual data transmission occurs. When a node joins the network or topology changes, routing information is proactively updated and distributed, so that when data needs to be transmitted, the optimal path is already known, reducing transmission delay while maintaining multi-hop connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces gateway nodes as intermediaries between wired and wireless network segments. These gateways maintain routing tables that map wireless node addresses to wired network addresses, enabling efficient multi-hop communication without requiring end-to-end wireless paths, thus reducing delay while preserving network coverage.
2Productivity
If routing algorithms determine optimal paths through multiple nodes, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but the complexity of route determination and node association increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the mesh network into multiple Basic Service Sets (BSSs), each managed by a separate gateway node. Routing decisions are made locally within each BSS rather than requiring global network-wide calculations. This segmentation reduces the computational complexity of routing algorithms while maintaining efficient data transmission within each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements distributed routing where each node autonomously maintains its own routing table and makes independent routing decisions based on locally available information. Nodes self-organize and self-update routing information without requiring centralized control, reducing overall system complexity while achieving efficient data transmission through multiple hops.
3Reliability
If wired links are used as alternate routes in hybrid mesh networks, then route reliability is improved, but loop formations may occur causing data transmission delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where gateway nodes monitor the state of wired and wireless links and dynamically adjust routing decisions. When a loop is detected or a link fails, the gateway receives feedback about the topology change and updates routing tables accordingly, preventing loop formation while maintaining reliable alternative paths through wired connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces asymmetric routing where the forward path and return path may use different links (wired or wireless) based on current network conditions. Gateway nodes maintain separate routing information for different directions, allowing wired links to provide reliable alternative routes without creating symmetric loops that would cause transmission delays.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention solve problems experienced by mesh networks concerning loop formation where two nodes are connected by both a wired and wireless link. The present invention prevents or ‘breaks’ a loop that that would otherwise result in continually repeating and delayed network data transmission.