Mesh Network Proximity Invitation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network technologies require devices to connect through public networks, which can lead to privacy issues due to the involvement of routers and other networking components that may snoop or store traffic, making it desirable to establish closed or private mesh networks without these components.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for inviting devices to join a mesh network using proximity detection and near-field communication (NFC) or other wireless standards to establish a private network, ensuring secure communication by encrypting data and allowing devices to connect without the need for traditional networking hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If devices connect through public networks with routers and networking components, then network connectivity and data exchange are enabled, but privacy is compromised due to traffic snooping and storage by networking components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates traditional networking components (routers, switches, hubs) from the network architecture by implementing a mesh network where devices communicate directly with each other using peer-to-peer protocols. This removes the intermediate components that compromise privacy while maintaining network connectivity through direct device-to-device communication channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an invitation code mechanism as an intermediary control layer that manages network joining without requiring traditional networking infrastructure. The invitation code system acts as a mediator that enables secure, controlled access to the mesh network while avoiding the need for routers or central networking components that would compromise privacy.
2Reliability
If a closed mesh network is established without traditional networking components, then privacy and security are improved, but device joining becomes more complex requiring invitation mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by generating and distributing invitation codes before devices attempt to join the mesh network. The inviting device prepares the invitation code in advance, which contains the necessary information for secure joining. This preliminary preparation simplifies the actual joining process while maintaining security, as devices can autonomously connect using the pre-shared invitation code without complex handshaking or centralized authentication.
3Ease of operation
If proximity detection is used to automatically invite devices, then ease of joining is improved, but risk of unauthorized connection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where devices exchange proximity information and connection status to verify legitimate joining attempts. The system provides feedback loops that allow devices to confirm mutual proximity and authorization status before establishing connections, enabling automatic joining while preventing unauthorized access through continuous verification of connection conditions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables secure, private communication between devices by establishing a mesh network that maintains data integrity and privacy, allowing devices to connect securely without relying on public network components, thus enhancing user control over network traffic.
Implementation Method 1
the touch detection module establishes a near field communication (NFC) connection between the first and second electronic devices to verify the first and second electronic devices are physically touching
Implementation Method 2
the touch detection module determines the first and second electronic devices are within a predetermined distance of each other and senses the first and second electronic devices vibrated at the same time to verify the first and second electronic devices are physically touching
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, method, and program product are disclosed for inviting devices to join a mesh network. A network interface is accessible by a processor and a memory stores machine readable code executable by the processor. The machine readable code includes a network module configured to establish a mesh network via the network interface. The mesh network includes one or more electronic devices. The machine readable code includes a proximity module configured to detect a first electronic device within close proximity to a second electronic device. The first electronic device is not connected to the mesh network and the second electronic device is connected to the mesh network. The machine readable code includes an invitation module configured to send mesh network connection information to the first electronic device from the second electronic device in response to determining the first electronic device is within close proximity to the second electronic device.