Mesh Network Loop Prevention via Role Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mesh networks, arbitrary connections between nodes can lead to path loops, causing broadcast packet storms due to circulating packets, which existing technologies have not effectively addressed.
Innovation Solution
A network device is selectively set as a master or slave role, using a main bridge and a first bridge to transmit and receive broadcast packets, parsing packet path information to determine if a loop exists, and adjusting its bridge and port states based on Ethernet interface weights to prevent loops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If nodes in mesh network are connected in arbitrary manner to achieve network flexibility and self-configuration, then network adaptability is improved, but path loops are formed causing broadcast packet storms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the network into master and slave roles, where the master device segments the broadcast packet transmission path and prevents loops by controlling which nodes forward broadcast packets. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining network flexibility while preventing broadcast storms through role-based packet forwarding control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where slave nodes detect broadcast packets and send feedback information to the master node. The master node uses this feedback to determine the network topology and adjust packet forwarding decisions, preventing path loops while maintaining arbitrary connection flexibility.
2Reliability
If broadcast packets are transmitted to all nodes for network coverage, then network reliability is improved, but packets circulate in loops causing packet storms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the loop prevention function from the broadcast packet transmission process by introducing a master node that selectively forwards packets. The master node removes redundant packet transmissions that would cause circulation, while maintaining reliable delivery to all nodes through controlled forwarding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the master node pre-determine the network topology and establish packet forwarding rules before broadcast packets circulate. This preliminary topology discovery and control mechanism prevents packet circulation while ensuring comprehensive network coverage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If network topology is dynamically adjusted to accommodate changing connections, then network adaptability is improved, but path loops may be formed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by allowing the master node to dynamically adjust packet forwarding decisions based on real-time network topology changes. The master node continuously monitors network conditions and adapts broadcast packet routing to prevent loops while maintaining topology flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback from slave nodes about their connection status and received packets to dynamically adjust the master node's forwarding decisions. This feedback mechanism enables real-time loop prevention while maintaining adaptability to changing network topology.
Data Source
AI summary
A network device including a main bridge, a first bridge, a controller, and an Ethernet port is provided. When the Ethernet port is connected to a mesh network, the processing unit performs the following steps: controlling the Ethernet port to transmit a first broadcast packet; when the Ethernet port receives a second broadcast packet, parsing the second broadcast packet to extract the packet path information to determine whether a path loop exists; determining, according to the Ethernet interface weight (EIW), the slave interface uplink weight (SIUW), and the master device weight (MW) carried by the first broadcast packet and the second broadcast packet, (1) whether the network device plays a master device role, (2) whether the bridge of the Ethernet port is set as the main bridge or the first bridge, and (3) whether the Ethernet port allows data transmission.