Mesh Gateway Networking With Automatic Probe Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for adding a new gateway device to a Mesh network require manual triggering of Mesh buttons on both configured and unconfigured devices simultaneously, which is cumbersome and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

The method allows the unconfigured gateway device to automatically transmit a probe request frame, with the connected gateway device monitoring and confirming the request, establishing a WPS connection, and synchronizing networking configurations without manual intervention, simplifying the process and improving success rates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual button triggering is required on both configured and unconfigured gateway devices simultaneously, then the Mesh networking process can be initiated, but the operation becomes cumbersome and the success rate decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuccess rate of Mesh networkingVSAvoidcomplexity of networking operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The unconfigured gateway device automatically transmits probe request frames and completes the connection process without requiring manual intervention. The device serves itself by autonomously initiating the Mesh networking sequence, eliminating the need for users to manually trigger buttons on both devices simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The unconfigured gateway device is pre-configured to automatically transmit probe request frames when it detects a configured gateway device. This preliminary automatic action prepares the connection initiation before any manual intervention is needed, streamlining the overall process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If manual triggering of Mesh buttons is required, then connection establishment can occur, but the networking process becomes time-consuming and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveefficiency of Mesh networking processVSAvoidtime required for networking operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The unconfigured gateway device autonomously manages the entire connection initiation process by automatically transmitting probe request frames and completing the handshake sequence. This self-service mechanism eliminates the time loss associated with manual button triggering and significantly improves networking efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual button-triggering system with an automated wireless communication system. The unconfigured device uses electronic probe request frames instead of mechanical button presses to initiate connection, substituting a faster, more efficient electronic mechanism for the slower manual mechanical process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4061042B1Method and apparatus for mesh networking
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD
  • EP4061042B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4061042B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4061042B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a method and an apparatus for Mesh networking, and a gateway device. The method includes: monitoring a probe request frame on a target channel, wherein the probe request frame is automatically transmitted on the target channel by a gateway device to be connected in a state of no network configuration; in response to a monitored probe request frame indicating that the gateway device to be connected meets a networking condition and receiving a networking instruction, establishing a Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) connection with the gateway device to be connected; and synchronizing networking configurations with the gateway device to be connected through the WPS connection, so that the gateway device to be connected is connected to the Mesh network based on the networking configurations.