Mesh Access Point Dynamic Path Distribution for Loop Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mesh networks, communication performance is degraded due to differences between root access points (RAPs) and mesh access points (MAPs), leading to bottlenecks and loop issues, which affect throughput and reliability.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a MAP that communicates with RAPs via multiple mesh paths, dynamically distributing electronic devices based on communication-performance metrics, and using distinct paths for unicast and multicast communications to improve load balancing and prevent loops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple mesh paths are used to improve communication performance and load balancing, then throughput and reliability are improved, but loop issues occur resulting in dropped packets and degraded communication performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the RAP monitors mesh path status and communicates path validity information to MAPs. This feedback loop enables the network to detect and prevent loop conditions while maintaining multiple active paths for improved throughput and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The RAP acts as an intermediary that manages and coordinates multiple mesh paths between MAPs and the external network. By centralizing path management at the RAP, the system can maintain multiple paths for load balancing while preventing loops through controlled path selection and routing decisions.
2Device complexity
If a single mesh path via a MAP is used to simplify network topology, then device complexity is reduced, but the MAP becomes a bottleneck and point-failure mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into RAPs and MAPs with distinct functional roles. RAPs provide redundant external network connections and coordinate multiple mesh paths, while MAPs handle local client communications. This segmentation eliminates single points of failure by distributing path management and providing alternative routing through multiple RAPs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes routing parameters based on path status, load conditions, and failure detection. When a single mesh path fails or becomes congested, the system automatically adjusts routing parameters to switch to alternative paths through other MAPs or RAPs, maintaining communication reliability without requiring complex manual reconfiguration.
3Reliability
If multiple active links to external network via RAPs are implemented to improve redundancy, then reliability is improved, but communication performance degrades due to shared wireless medium contention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to the network architecture with RAPs providing external network access and MAPs providing local access. This dimensional separation allows multiple RAPs to provide redundant external connections while MAPs handle local traffic, reducing wireless medium contention for clients and maintaining high communication performance alongside improved reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
During operation, a mesh network access point (MAP) may communicate, via multiple mesh paths in a mesh network with the one or more root access points (RAPs), uplink packets or frames to or from at least two electronic devices. Notably, at a given time, the MAP uses a first mesh path in the mesh paths to communicate a first subset of the uplink packets or frames associated with a first electronic device in the two electronic devices and uses a second (different) mesh path in the mesh paths to communicate a second subset of the uplink packets or frames associated with a second electronic device in the two electronic devices. Moreover, the MAP may dynamically distribute the first electronic device or the second electronic device over the multiple mesh paths, e.g., based at least in part on one or more communication-performance metrics of the mesh paths and/or the mesh network.