Wireless Mesh Network Authenticator Role Assignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless mesh networks, determining the authenticator and supplicant roles between two nodes of the same type during authentication is challenging, as existing methods lack efficiency and effective resource allocation.
Innovation Solution
The method assigns the authenticator role based on connection properties such as hop count, signal quality, capacity, power supply, and processor usage, using metrics to optimize role assignment and authentication efficiency, with a fallback to MAC address comparison if metrics are equal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If role arbitration is based on random values or MAC addresses, then the authentication process can proceed, but network efficiency and resource allocation are suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter basis for role arbitration from static values (MAC addresses) or random values to dynamic connection parameters such as hop count, signal quality, capacity, power supply status, and processor usage. This allows the system to select the most suitable node as authenticator based on current network conditions, thereby improving authentication efficiency while optimizing resource utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
Each mesh node autonomously evaluates its own connection parameters and makes decisions about its role in authentication without requiring centralized control. The nodes self-assess their suitability as authenticators based on their current state (battery level, processor load, signal quality) and independently determine their role, reducing overhead and improving responsiveness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all nodes have equal capability to act as authenticator, then network flexibility is maintained, but role assignment becomes inefficient and resource-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the criteria for role assignment based on real-time connection parameters. Instead of treating all nodes equally, the system evaluates hop count, signal quality, capacity, power supply, and processor usage to determine the most suitable authenticator, thereby reducing authentication time while maintaining network adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The role arbitration mechanism is made dynamic by continuously monitoring connection parameters and allowing nodes to transition between potential authenticator roles based on changing network conditions. This dynamic approach enables the network to adapt to varying conditions while efficiently selecting the best node for authentication, reducing time loss.
3Ease of manufacture
If role assignment uses simple criteria like MAC address comparison, then implementation is straightforward, but network performance and resource allocation are not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the simple MAC address comparison criterion to a multi-parameter evaluation system that includes hop count, signal quality, capacity, power supply status, and processor usage. This maintains the straightforward implementation approach while significantly improving network efficiency through more informed role assignment decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The role arbitration process is segmented into multiple evaluation stages, where different connection parameters are assessed separately and then combined to determine the final authenticator selection. This segmentation allows the system to maintain implementation simplicity while incorporating multiple optimization criteria for improved network performance.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for providing a wireless local network, wherein stationary communication devices and mobile communication devices are connected in the manner of a mesh as the sub-network, which is particularly connected to an infrastructure network and configured to exchange authentication messages with at least one communication device, which is particularly disposed in the infrastructure network and provides an authentication function. During an attempt to establish a first link by a first communication device connected to a communication device providing the authentication function to a second communication device connected to the communication device providing the authentication function, an authenticator role to be assigned as part of an authentication process is associated with the first and second communication devices, wherein at least one property correlating with the connection is analyzed for meeting a criterion. The invention further relates to an arrangement comprising means for carrying out the method.