Mesh-link Traffic Segmentation by Priority
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mesh networks face communication performance issues due to their quasi-static nature, which can lead to saturated links and reduced quality of experience, especially during increased client load or with applications like VoIP and video conferencing that require additional resources.
Innovation Solution
A Root Access Point (RAP) communicates via multiple concurrent mesh links using different frequency bands, prioritizing packets or frames based on their application type, allowing dynamic adaptation to RF conditions and traffic flows by assigning links based on specified priorities and communication-performance metrics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mesh network uses a quasi-static topology with single or limited mesh paths, then the network structure is simple and stable, but the communication performance degrades and links become saturated under increased client load or varying RF conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic mesh paths that can adapt to changing RF conditions and traffic loads. The system monitors link quality and automatically selects alternative paths when degradation is detected, transforming the static topology into a dynamic one that responds to environmental changes and maintains communication performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by selecting different mesh paths based on RF conditions and traffic characteristics. When a link becomes saturated or degraded, the system alters the transmission path parameters to route traffic through alternative links, thereby maintaining communication performance without requiring physical reconfiguration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the mesh network topology is updated frequently to adapt to RF conditions, then the adaptability and communication performance improve, but the system complexity and overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors RF conditions and link quality, then uses this information to dynamically select appropriate mesh paths. This feedback loop enables adaptive behavior without requiring complex centralized control, as each access point can independently make routing decisions based on local observations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh network performs self-configuration and self-optimization by automatically detecting link quality and selecting appropriate paths without external intervention. The system serves itself by monitoring its own performance and making necessary routing adjustments, reducing the need for complex external management infrastructure.
3Ease of operation
If multiple concurrent mesh links are used for different priority traffic, then the quality of experience for priority applications improves, but the device complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments traffic into different priority levels and assigns them to different mesh paths or links. By dividing the traffic flow into priority-based segments, the system can guarantee quality of experience for critical applications while using available capacity for lower-priority traffic, without requiring complete redundancy for all traffic types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different quality levels to different traffic flows based on their priority requirements. High-priority traffic receives preferential treatment through dedicated or protected paths, while lower-priority traffic uses available capacity, creating local quality variations that match the specific needs of different applications without uniformly increasing resources for all traffic.
Data Source
AI summary
A root access point (RAP) that communicates with one or more mesh access points (MAPs) via two or more concurrent mesh links (or paths) in a mesh network is described. Notably, during operation, the RAP may communicate, via a mesh link in the two or more concurrent mesh links, packets or frames with the one or more MAPs, where the mesh link uses a band of frequencies, and where the packets or frames have a priority. Moreover, the RAP may communicate, via a second mesh link in the two or more concurrent mesh links, second packets or second frames with the one or more MAPs, where the second mesh link uses a second band of frequencies that is different from the currently selected band of frequencies, and where the second packets or second frames have a second priority that is less than the priority of the packets or frames.