MAC Bridge Nodes for Wireless Mesh to LAN Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-hop wireless mesh networks face challenges in receiving all transmitted packets, which hinders the implementation of standard MAC Bridge functionality between these networks and Local Area Networks (LANs), as nodes can only receive packets on the path to the destination, limiting visibility and communication.
Innovation Solution
Configuring one or more nodes on the mesh network as MAC bridge nodes that learn about new stations on the LAN and advertise routes to other nodes, enabling MAC Bridge functionality by forwarding packets between LANs and mesh networks, and using a mesh driver to handle packet transmission and reception, allowing for selective forwarding based on learned station addresses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard MAC Bridge functionality is implemented in multi-hop wireless mesh networks, then packet forwarding between networks is enabled, but nodes cannot receive all transmitted packets limiting bridge functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling specific nodes to function as MAC bridges with enhanced capabilities to receive and forward packets from multiple networks, while other nodes maintain standard mesh routing behavior. This localized specialization allows MAC Bridge functionality to be implemented without requiring all nodes to receive all packets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary MAC bridge nodes that act as mediators between the wireless mesh network and external networks (LANs, WLANs, WANs). These intermediary nodes receive packets from external networks and forward them through the mesh network, and vice versa, enabling connectivity without requiring all mesh nodes to have direct access to external networks.
2Loss of information
If all nodes receive all transmitted packets, then complete network visibility is achieved, but network traffic and processing overhead increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network traffic handling by designating specific MAC bridge nodes to handle packet reception and forwarding between networks, while other nodes only handle local mesh routing. This segmentation reduces the overall network traffic overhead by eliminating redundant packet transmissions to all nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by implementing MAC Bridge functionality only at specific bridge nodes rather than all nodes. These bridge nodes perform the additional function of receiving and forwarding packets from external networks, while other nodes perform only standard mesh routing, reducing overall network overhead.
3Productivity
If MAC Bridge nodes forward packets selectively based on learned addresses, then forwarding efficiency improves, but complexity of route management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by implementing automatic address learning and route advertisement at MAC bridge nodes. These nodes automatically learn station addresses from external networks, generate appropriate routes, and advertise them to the mesh network without manual configuration, reducing the complexity of route management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where MAC bridge nodes continuously learn station addresses from external networks and dynamically update route advertisements in the mesh network. This feedback loop enables automatic adaptation to network changes, improving forwarding efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity through automated processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-hop mesh network may be connected to a Local Area Network (LAN) using a MAC Bridge. One or more nodes on the mesh network may be configured as a bridge node that employs a MAC bridge. Packets that travel between stations on the LAN to nodes on the mesh network flow through one of the bridge nodes on the mesh network. The bridge nodes do not receive all the packets on mesh network, but they receive the packets that are to be transmitted across the MAC bridge. As the bridge nodes learn of new stations on the LAN they advertise routes to the other nodes within the mesh network specifying how to reach those stations. This enables MAC Bridge functionality between wireless mesh networks and 802 LANs.