Wireless Mesh Network License Enforcement via Node Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless mesh network technologies face challenges in seamlessly monitoring and enforcing license terms, requiring advanced planning, software competency, and central verification, which limits flexibility and scalability.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a network manager device with embedded license information in nodes and access points allows for real-time monitoring and enforcement of license terms, enabling dynamic changes based on device join or leave events, decoupling network functionality from specific managers and allowing for hardware-based licensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a central manager is used to verify and enforce license terms, then license monitoring and enforcement can be performed, but the system requires advanced planning, software competency, and central verification which limits flexibility and scalability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the license verification function into two parts: the license information is embedded in individual network devices (segmented from the central manager), while the central manager only needs to relay messages. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex central verification while maintaining reliable license enforcement at the device level.
Solution Approach 2:
Network devices perform self-verification of license terms by embedding the license information locally. Each device can independently determine whether license conditions are met without requiring complex verification logic in the central manager, thus reducing system complexity while maintaining enforcement reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If license information is embedded in network devices, then real-time monitoring and dynamic changes can be enabled, but preventing concurrent use across multiple networks becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the network manager receives status information from devices about their network affiliation and license compliance. This feedback loop enables real-time monitoring of concurrent use, allowing the system to dynamically enforce license terms and prevent unauthorized multi-network usage while maintaining adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If advanced wireless network nodes and access points are designed with broad network services capability, then network flexibility and performance are improved, but the cost of design and development increases requiring license-based monetization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic control of network services through embedded license information. Devices are manufactured with full capabilities but dynamically activate or deactivate specific services based on the embedded license terms. This allows manufacturers to amortize R&D costs through selective service licensing while maintaining hardware versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A network manager of a wireless mesh network is configured to selectively enable or disable communication services provided between devices over the network. The selective enabling or disabling of services may be based on the monitoring and enforcement of license terms set according to license information embedded within the wireless network node(s) or access point(s) of the network. In operation, the network manager retrieves the license information from the node(s) and/or access point(s) of the network, and establishes license terms based on the retrieved license information. In turn, the network manager selectively enables or disables network services, such as by throttling communications relayed between the user application and the nodes, or between nodes, if the license terms are not respected.