Multi-Tree Mesh Network Path Diversity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) systems face limitations in mesh network reliability and path diversity due to vulnerabilities in mesh gate failures and limited communication paths between mesh devices, which can lead to reduced bandwidth and increased downtime.
Innovation Solution
Mesh devices are enabled to associate with multiple mesh networks, exchange neighbor information, and calculate optimal communication paths across multiple networks, allowing for path diversity and improved reliability by acting as conduits between overlapping mesh networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mesh devices are limited to a single mesh network, then network management is simplified, but reliability and path diversity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables mesh devices to function in multiple mesh networks simultaneously, allowing a single device to participate in multiple networks with different access points. This multi-functionality approach resolves the contradiction by improving reliability through alternative paths while the standardized association mechanism keeps management complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of network participation by allowing devices to associate with multiple access points across different networks. This dimensional expansion from single-network to multi-network participation enables path diversity and reliability improvement without fundamentally complicating the underlying mesh networking principles.
2Productivity
If mesh devices use multiple communication paths, then bandwidth and reliability are improved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service routing where mesh devices autonomously calculate and determine optimal paths using distributed algorithms. Each device independently computes routes based on local information and exchanges routing data with neighbors, eliminating the need for centralized path management and reducing overall system complexity while enabling multiple communication paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic path calculation where routing paths are not fixed but adaptively determined based on current network conditions. Mesh devices continuously exchange routing information and recalculate paths as needed, allowing the network to dynamically optimize bandwidth utilization while keeping individual device complexity manageable through localized computations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mesh devices associate with multiple access points, then access diversity is improved, but device association management becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing standardized association procedures that are performed in advance and systematically. When mesh devices associate with multiple access points, they follow predefined protocols for network joining, authentication, and configuration, which simplifies the management complexity despite the increased access diversity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by allowing mesh devices to modify their association parameters dynamically, such as switching between different access points based on network conditions. This parameter-based approach enables flexible access diversity while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized parameter sets and change protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices described herein can allow a mesh device to participate in multiple mesh networks. The method comprises associating with a first access point over a first mesh network, wherein the first access point manages the first mesh network; responsive to receiving a neighbor information broadcast from a neighboring mesh device, updating a neighborhood table stored in an accessible memory, wherein the neighbor information includes a neighboring mesh device information and a neighboring mesh device network identifier; responsive to a request to transmit a message to a destination, determining a next device, wherein the next device is on a calculated path towards the destination, the path including mesh devices from a plurality of mesh networks; and transmitting the message to the next device.