Mesh Network Management via Gateway Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mesh networks face challenges in managing decentralized, self-organizing nodes with dynamic changes and resource allocation, particularly in mobile networks where routing and bandwidth constraints are difficult to manage, and determining load and quality of service is complex.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for managing mesh network devices that create N-way mesh networks with full or partial mesh topologies, using integrated features and standards compliance, including wireless interfaces like IEEE 802.11 and ZigBee, with security and encryption protocols like WPA and AES, to facilitate secure and efficient data communication and resource management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If decentralized mesh nodes make independent local decisions to achieve autonomy and adaptability, then the network's self-organizing capability and versatility are improved, but the complexity of managing distributed routing and achieving global coordination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway device as an intermediary between the decentralized mesh network and external networks. The gateway performs centralized functions including IP address assignment, routing table maintenance, and coordination of mesh nodes, thereby reducing the complexity of distributed routing management while preserving node autonomy and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments functionality by separating control plane operations (performed by the gateway) from data plane operations (performed by mesh nodes). This segmentation allows nodes to maintain independence for data forwarding while the gateway handles complex routing decisions, resolving the contradiction between autonomy and coordination complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mesh networks use dynamic node addition and removal to achieve mobility and adaptability, then the network's versatility is improved, but the difficulty of maintaining network topology and routing information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway acts as a central intermediary that maintains the network topology database and routing information. When nodes are added or removed from the mesh network, the gateway automatically updates its routing tables and informs affected nodes, thereby simplifying topology management while allowing nodes to move freely.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where mesh nodes report their status and connectivity information to the gateway, which then adjusts routing information accordingly. This continuous feedback loop enables the network to dynamically adapt to node mobility without requiring complex distributed topology management algorithms.
3Reliability
If security protocols like WPA and AES are implemented to protect data communication, then the network's reliability is improved, but the processing overhead and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
Security associations and encryption keys are established in advance between the gateway and mesh nodes during the initial network setup. This preliminary action allows nodes to use pre-shared keys for encryption, reducing real-time processing overhead and energy consumption during actual data transmission while maintaining strong security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple security functions (authentication, encryption, and key management) into a unified security framework managed by the gateway. This merging reduces redundant processing and allows for more efficient implementation of security protocols, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining comprehensive security protection.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for managing mesh network devices. A mesh network device with integrated features creates an N-way mesh network with a full mesh network topology or a partial mesh network topology.