Wireless Mesh Gate Loop Prevention via Subnet Frame Discarding
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless local area network (WLAN) mesh networks, loops can occur between the WLAN mesh network and external networks, leading to network storms and congestion at mesh gates, especially when multiple mesh gates are used, as existing solutions like the Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol may not adequately manage data transmission efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A method where mesh stations determine whether received data frames are broadcast, multicast, or unknown unicast frames and discard them if they belong to different mesh gates, while processing frames that belong to the same mesh gate, thereby preventing loop propagation and maintaining multiple mesh gates to avoid congestion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple mesh gates are used to connect the wireless mesh network to the external network, then the network capacity and data processing capability are improved, but network loops occur causing network storms and congestion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into multiple subnets, each associated with a specific mesh gate. Mesh stations are assigned to subnets based on their connected mesh gate, and data frames are discarded when received on a different subnet than their origin. This segmentation prevents loops while maintaining multiple mesh gates for improved network capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces subnet identification as an intermediary mechanism to manage data frame routing. Each data frame carries subnet identification information, and mesh stations use this identifier to determine whether to forward or discard the frame. This intermediary approach enables multiple mesh gates to coexist without creating loops.
2Reliability
If the Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol is used to block ports and resolve loops, then network loop problems are solved, but the wireless mesh network can only connect to the external network through a single mesh gate causing congestion
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of blocking ports as RSTP does, the patent segments the network into subnets associated with different mesh gates. This allows all mesh gates to remain active and process data simultaneously, avoiding the single-point bottleneck created by RSTP while still preventing loops through subnet-based frame discarding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from port state management (RSTP) to subnet-based routing decisions. By introducing subnet identification as a parameter for data frame handling, the system enables multiple active connections to the external network while maintaining loop-free operation through intelligent frame discarding at subnet boundaries.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to the communications field, and provides a method for transmitting data in a wireless local area network mesh network, an apparatus, and a system, so as to prevent congestion at a mesh gate while avoiding a loop. The method includes: receiving, by a first mesh station, a first data frame sent by a second mesh station, where a transmitter address of the first data frame is a MAC address of the second mesh station, the first mesh station belongs to a first mesh gate, and the second mesh station belongs to a second mesh gate; and determining, by the first mesh station, that the first data frame is a broadcast data frame, a multicast data frame, or an unknown unicast data frame; determining, according to the MAC address of the second mesh station, that the first mesh station and the second mesh station belong to different mesh gates; and discarding the first data frame. The method is applied to a wireless mesh network including multiple mesh gates.