Secure Mesh Network Software Update via Peer-to-Peer Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless mesh network software updates are inefficient, requiring each node to download updates directly from a Heterogeneous Network Gateway (HNG), leading to linear sequences of updates that consume time and bandwidth, especially in larger networks where nodes far from the HNG experience longer download times due to traffic passing through peer nodes.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a peer-to-peer file sharing protocol within the wireless mesh network where nodes listen for an 'image available' notification, download and install the update from the first peer that provides it, and then broadcast the update to other peers, allowing all nodes to receive the update without directly connecting to the HNG.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each node downloads software update directly from HNG, then update reliability is ensured, but bandwidth consumption increases and update time extends
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediate peer nodes as mediators to distribute software updates. Instead of every node connecting directly to the HNG, updates flow through a chain of peer nodes that have already received the update. This intermediary distribution mechanism reduces the total bandwidth consumption while maintaining update reliability through the coordinated propagation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The HNG first performs preliminary actions by identifying which nodes need updates and broadcasting update availability notifications to the network. This preliminary coordination enables subsequent peer-to-peer distribution to proceed efficiently without requiring direct connections from all nodes to the HNG, thereby reducing overall bandwidth consumption.
2Ease of operation
If each node downloads software update directly from HNG, then update control is simplified, but update time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The HNG performs preliminary actions by broadcasting an 'image available' notification to all nodes, announcing the availability of the software update. This preliminary announcement enables nodes to prepare for peer-to-peer distribution without waiting for individual download requests, significantly reducing update time while the HNG maintains control through the notification mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Once a node receives the update image, it immediately begins the process of broadcasting it to its peers without interruption. This continuous propagation action ensures that updates spread through the network as rapidly as possible, minimizing the total update time while maintaining coordinated control through the notification system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If nodes far from HNG download through peer nodes, then network topology flexibility is maintained, but download speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The HNG performs preliminary actions by broadcasting update availability notifications throughout the network before actual downloads begin. This preliminary propagation of availability information enables nodes at any distance from the HNG to immediately start receiving updates from their nearest peers without waiting for sequential downloads, thereby maintaining download speed while preserving network topology flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses intermediate peer nodes as mediators to deliver updates to nodes far from the HNG. These intermediary nodes that have already received the update act as local servers for their neighbors, enabling fast local distribution without requiring direct connections to the HNG. This maintains both network topology flexibility and high download speed.
4Loss of energy
If peer-to-peer sharing is implemented, then bandwidth efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where nodes respond to 'image available' notifications by downloading and then broadcasting the update. The system uses acknowledgment signals and coordinated propagation protocols that provide feedback about update status and availability. This feedback mechanism enables efficient peer-to-peer sharing while managing system complexity through standardized interaction protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the update notification mechanism universal by having the HNG broadcast availability information to all nodes, and all nodes participate equally in the peer-to-peer distribution process. This universal approach simplifies the system architecture by treating all nodes uniformly, reducing the complexity that would otherwise arise from differentiated roles or hierarchical management.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods and computer software are disclosed for performing a secure software update in a mesh network. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed, comprising: receiving, at each node of a network, a notification from a coordinating server, wherein each node of the network is listening for an image available notification; receiving, at a first node of the network, the image available notification; downloading and installing a software update image by the first node of the network; broadcasting, at the first node of the network, the image available notification to other peer nodes of the first node of the network; and downloading and installing the software update image from the first node of the network by at least one other peer node of the network.