Mesh Network Bridging Device for Resource-Restricted Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Resource restricted devices in mesh networks often struggle to communicate due to differences in communication channel properties, such as frequency or signal emission capabilities, leading to connectivity issues and power inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A mesh network bridging device that alternates between two modes of operation, communicating with resource restricted devices on one channel and the mesh network on another, allowing it to act as a bridge and adjust channel properties to match the mesh network, ensuring seamless communication and power efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a resource restricted device communicates directly with the mesh network on the second communication channel, then network security and noise reduction are improved, but the device cannot connect due to incompatible channel properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bridging device as an intermediary that operates on both the first communication channel (compatible with resource restricted devices) and the second communication channel (used by the mesh network). This mediator translates and forwards messages between the two channels, enabling resource restricted devices to communicate with the mesh network without directly joining the second channel, thus maintaining network security while achieving compatibility.
2Reliability
If the mesh network frequently changes communication channels for security purposes, then security is improved, but resource restricted devices lose connectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication function into two separate channels: the first communication channel dedicated to resource restricted devices with stable properties, and the second communication channel for the mesh network that can change freely for security purposes. The bridging device maintains separate connections on both channels, allowing the mesh network to change channels without affecting resource restricted devices, thus resolving the contradiction between security and connectivity duration.
3Device complexity
If the mesh network operates on a single communication channel, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different device types is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The bridging device is designed with multi-functionality, capable of operating on both the first communication channel and the second communication channel simultaneously. It performs multiple roles: communicating with resource restricted devices on the first channel, maintaining mesh network connections on the second channel, and translating between the two. This universal design enables the network to support diverse device types without increasing the complexity of individual devices or the overall network structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a mesh network bridging device adapted to allow a resource restricted device to pass and/or receive signals from a mesh network. The mesh network bridging device is operable over both a first communication channel, so as to communicate with the resource restricted device, and a second communication channel, so as to communicate with the mesh network. The mesh network bridging device is adapted to switch between a first and second mode of operation, associated with the first and second communication channel respectively, so as to alternately communicate with the resource restricted device and the mesh network bridging device. The mesh network bridging device may thereby act as a bridge between the resource restricted device and the mesh network bridging device.