Mesh Network Frequency Band Switching via Port State Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mesh network devices face challenges in quickly switching between frequency bands, leading to potential network disconnections and instability due to the need for re-networking when signal strength decreases.
Innovation Solution
A frequency band switching apparatus and method for mesh networks that includes access points and an idle node with dual communication ports operating in different frequency bands, where one port is turned off during the on-boarding phase to connect to the mesh network through the active port, avoiding network loops and enabling quick band switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the user sets the two networking devices to switch frequency bands, then the communication stability is improved, but the network service continuity deteriorates due to re-networking
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing a secondary communication path before the primary frequency band becomes unusable. When signal quality degrades, the node already has an alternative frequency band ready to switch to, avoiding the need for re-networking and maintaining service continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
A gateway node acts as an intermediary in the frequency band switching process. The gateway receives and forwards data packets between the switching node and the network, enabling seamless frequency band transitions without direct reconnection between the original pair of nodes, thus preventing network disconnection.
2Speed
If dual communication ports are enabled simultaneously for quick band switching, then the switching speed is improved, but network loops may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the state of communication ports based on operational phase. During on-boarding, one port is disabled to prevent loops. After successful network integration, the system can dynamically enable both ports for fast switching, with continuous monitoring to detect and break potential loops, thus achieving both speed and safety.
3Reliability
If one communication port is turned off during on-boarding phase, then network stability is improved by avoiding loops, but frequency band switching capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
During the on-boarding phase, the system performs preliminary setup by enabling one communication port at a time to establish stable connections without creating network loops. This preliminary stable foundation allows subsequent activation of the second port for frequency band switching without compromising network integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static single-port configuration during on-boarding to a dynamic multi-port configuration after network integration. The gateway node dynamically manages port states, enabling fast frequency band switching while maintaining network stability through continuous topology monitoring and loop prevention mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for switching frequency band in a mesh network including a plurality of access points is provided. The method includes turning off one of two communication ports of a second backhaul station of an idle node when the idle node is in an on-boarding phase and the two communication ports are turned on, so that the idle node joins the mesh network by communicatively connecting to a first backhaul station of one of the access points through the turned on communication port. The two communication ports operate in different frequency bands. A first fronthaul station of each of the access points is configured to provide a communication connection for at least one user terminal. A second fronthaul station of the idle node is configured to provide a communication connection for the at least one user terminal after the idle node joins the mesh network.