Wireless Mesh Network Configuration via Segmented Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current processes for setting up and configuring wireless mesh networks are time-consuming, inefficient, error-prone, insecure, and lack scalability, particularly when adding new wireless access points or expanding existing networks.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that securely configure wireless mesh networks without the need for physical network cables or unencrypted wireless transmissions, using a profile generated from user inputs to organize wireless devices, with dual-factor verification and low-power communication channels to ensure security and scalability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a serial cable connection process is used to configure each access point individually, then each access point can be configured securely, but the setup time increases linearly with the number of access points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the configuration process into two distinct phases: a secure wired configuration phase for initial setup, and a wireless expansion phase for adding additional access points. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both security in the initial setup and scalability in the expansion phase, resolving the contradiction between secure configuration and setup time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary configuration actions during the wired setup phase, where access points are configured with their unique identifiers and network parameters before being added to the wireless mesh network. This preliminary action establishes a secure foundation that enables subsequent wireless expansions without requiring repeated secure configuration, thus reducing overall setup time while maintaining security.
2Reliability
If factory configuration with a fixed number of access points is used, then secure communication is established, but the network cannot be expanded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic configuration system where the number of access points in the network is not fixed but can be dynamically expanded. The system maintains secure communication through a centralized controller that manages the dynamic addition of access points using authenticated wireless communications, resolving the contradiction between secure fixed configuration and scalable expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal configuration framework that works for both initial network setup and subsequent expansions. The same centralized controller and authentication mechanisms serve both the initial configuration of access points and the later addition of new access points wirelessly, providing multi-functionality that enables both secure communication and network scalability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If non-secure wireless communications are used for initial configuration, then network expansion is enabled, but security vulnerabilities are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the security-sensitive configuration operations from the wireless expansion phase and places them in the initial wired configuration phase. By taking out the vulnerable wireless configuration step and replacing it with a secure wired alternative for the initial setup, the system enables network expansion while eliminating the security vulnerabilities associated with unencrypted wireless communications during configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a centralized controller as an intermediary between the access points and the configuration process. This intermediary manages secure communications during the initial setup and facilitates safe wireless expansions, acting as a mediator that enables network expandability while preventing security vulnerabilities by controlling and monitoring all configuration traffic.
4Manufacturing precision
If manual configuration of each access point is required, then precise control is achieved, but the process becomes tedious and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service configuration where access points automatically generate and transmit their unique identifiers to the centralized controller. The system performs self-configuration by automatically establishing secure connections, assigning network parameters, and integrating new access points without requiring manual intervention, thus achieving both configuration accuracy and operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the centralized controller receives automatic status information from access points and uses this feedback to automatically configure and validate their settings. This feedback-driven approach ensures configuration accuracy by verifying parameters while simplifying operation by eliminating manual configuration steps, as the system autonomously completes the setup process.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to securely setting up mesh networks in a manner that does not require a physical network cable being attached to a wireless mesh device and that does not require transmitting unencrypted information wirelessly when a mesh network is setup. Methods and apparatus consistent with the present disclosure may allow a user to choose which mesh nodes can join a network and that user may specificity a custom profile that may include rules that may identify how mesh network identifiers are used, that identify passcodes/passphrases assigned to a particular network, may identify types of traffic that may be passed through particular 802.11 radio channels, or other parameters that may control how traffic is switched between devices in a particular wireless mesh network. This combined with dual factor verification and the use of different types of communication channels make wireless mesh networks easy to deploy and expand.