Wireless Mesh Network Station Association Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless mesh network standards, such as HWMP, do not effectively manage network overhead when stations frequently join or leave a mesh access point, leading to excessive use of RERR packets and unclear recognition of station association or disassociation, especially in scenarios with many stations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a proactive routing protocol to form a tree structure within the wireless mesh network, designating a mesh portal as the root node, and using disassociation and association messages inserted into a root announcement message to inform nodes of station changes, reducing the need for RERR packets and enhancing network efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RERR packets are transmitted to inform nodes of station disassociation, then nodes can recognize station leave, but network overhead increases significantly when stations frequently move
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines station disassociation notification with the periodic Root Announcement message that is already transmitted in the network. Instead of sending separate RERR packets for each disassociation event, the mesh access point inserts disassociation information into the existing Root Announcement message structure, thereby merging two functions into one message transmission and reducing network overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the periodic Root Announcement messages that are already being transmitted at regular intervals to carry disassociation information. By embedding disassociation notifications in these periodic messages rather than sending immediate reactive notifications, the system reduces the total number of control packets while ensuring all nodes are eventually informed of station movements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If reactive routing protocol (AODV) is used to search routing paths, then routing flexibility is improved, but routing table maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the routing protocol functionality by using proactive routing for maintaining basic routing tables and tree structure, while using reactive routing (AODV) only when specific ad-hoc path searches are needed. This segmentation allows nodes to maintain simplified routing tables through proactive updates while still benefiting from flexible on-demand path discovery when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary routing table maintenance through proactive routing protocols that continuously update routing information before it is needed. By maintaining up-to-date routing tables in advance through periodic Root Announcement messages, nodes are prepared for rapid data transmission without needing to perform complex path searches at the moment of data transfer.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus of transferring information on a station (1) to other nodes in a wireless mesh network (920) if the station (1) is associated in or disassociated from a mesh access point (910) are provided. The apparatus includes detection unit which detects a disassociation or association of the station (1), a message generation unit (912) which generates a disassociation message or an association message indicating that the station (1) is associated in or disassociated from the mesh access point (910), a requesting unit which transmits the message to a root node in a tree structure formed using a proactive routing protocol, and a message transmission unit which broadcasts the received message.