Dynamic Wireless Power Adjustment for Mesh Network Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication networks face security risks due to unauthorized access, as they often remain active beyond their intended range, making them vulnerable to hacking and attacks, especially when unoccupied or unused.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that dynamically control and reduce wireless transmission power based on occupancy status, time of day, and device activity, using electronic devices like wireless access points and thermostats to limit the range and direction of wireless communication, thereby enhancing security by minimizing exposure when not needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If wireless transmission power is increased to extend coverage range, then the wireless network becomes more accessible and convenient, but the security risk increases due to extended range beyond intended area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of wireless transmission power based on real-time occupancy detection. The system continuously monitors whether occupants are present and adjusts the transmission power accordingly - maintaining high power when occupied and reducing to low power when unoccupied. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by making the coverage area adaptable rather than fixed, allowing the system to provide extensive coverage when needed while minimizing exposure when not needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the transmission power parameter based on occupancy status. When the occupancy sensor detects no occupants, the system transitions from high transmission power (extensive coverage) to low transmission power (limited coverage). This parameter change directly addresses the security vulnerability by reducing the wireless signal's reach when no one is present to utilize it, thereby eliminating the harmful effect of extended range exposure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If wireless transmission power is reduced to improve security, then the wireless network becomes more secure against unauthorized access, but the coverage range and convenience are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between high and low transmission power modes based on real-time occupancy detection. When occupants are detected, the system automatically increases transmission power to provide full coverage and convenience. When occupants are absent, it reduces power to minimize security risks. This dynamic behavior ensures that the coverage area is always appropriate for the current usage situation, resolving the contradiction between security and convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting occupancy status before adjusting transmission power. The occupancy sensor continuously monitors for presence, and the system proactively adjusts power levels in anticipation of security needs - maintaining high power when occupants are present (preventing inconvenience) and reducing power when absent (preventing security vulnerabilities).
3Ease of operation
If wireless communication remains continuously active to ensure availability, then the network is always accessible to users, but energy is wasted during unoccupied periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by alternating between high-power and low-power transmission modes based on occupancy cycles. The occupancy sensor continuously detects presence, and the system periodically adjusts transmission power - maintaining high power during occupied periods when availability is needed and switching to low power during unoccupied periods to conserve energy. This periodic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making energy consumption proportional to actual usage needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically adjusting its own transmission power based on occupancy detection without requiring manual intervention. The occupancy sensor and control system work together to autonomously determine when high availability is needed and when energy conservation is prioritized, allowing the system to serve itself in optimizing the balance between availability and energy consumption.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If transmission power is dynamically adjusted based on occupancy, then security and energy efficiency are improved, but the system complexity increases due to additional sensors and control logic
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves multi-functionality by using the occupancy sensor for dual purposes: both for occupancy detection (original function) and for controlling transmission power adjustment (additional function). This universal approach allows the single sensor to trigger multiple system responses - maintaining network availability when occupied and enhancing security by reducing power when unoccupied - thereby resolving the contradiction without adding significant complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the occupancy detection function with the transmission power control function into a unified system. The occupancy sensor's output directly controls the transmission power state, combining security monitoring and power management into one integrated control mechanism. This merging reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate systems for occupancy detection and power management, while still achieving the security improvement goal.
Data Source
AI summary
Various arrangements are presented for controlling a mesh network. An electronic device may determine an occupancy state of a structure. In response to determining that the structure is not occupied, the electronic device may determine whether each node of the mesh network is in communication with at least one device that currently needs wireless communications, wherein the mesh network comprises a plurality of nodes. Power consumption of at least one node of the plurality of nodes of the mesh network may be adjusted based on determining whether each node of the mesh network is in communication with at least one device that currently needs wireless communications.