Wireless Mesh Network Topology Visualizer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless home networks face challenges in visualizing and managing their complex, decentralized mesh topology, which affects network performance and connectivity, especially in multi-hop environments with varying node mobility and traffic dynamics.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for a wireless home mesh network that employs a hierarchical architecture with multiple tiers of nodes, each assigned based on performance capabilities, and a mesh visualizer tool to collect and display global topology information, enabling real-time network connectivity visualization and management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a decentralized mesh network topology is used to extend wireless network range and improve flexibility, then network coverage and adaptability are improved, but network management complexity and difficulty of detecting/measuring topology increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a visualizer component as an intermediary that collects topology information from mesh network nodes and presents it in a simplified graphical interface. This mediator translates the complex decentralized topology into an easily interpretable visual representation, resolving the contradiction between network flexibility and topology detectability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual network management and physical inspection methods with automated electronic visualization systems. The visualizer automatically collects and displays topology data, substituting mechanical/manual approaches with electronic automation to simplify the detection and measurement of complex mesh network structures.
2Reliability
If multiple tiers of nodes are introduced to improve network performance and management, then network efficiency and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the mesh network into multiple functional tiers (gateway nodes, backbone nodes, access nodes) with specific roles and responsibilities. This segmentation organizes the complex network into manageable layers, improving reliability through specialized node functions while making the overall system more controllable and easier to manage despite the increased structural complexity.
3Loss of information
If real-time topology information collection is implemented to improve network management, then connectivity monitoring is improved, but network overhead and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic topology information collection rather than continuous monitoring. Nodes exchange topology data at scheduled intervals, which maintains adequate network awareness and connectivity monitoring while significantly reducing the energy consumption and network overhead associated with constant real-time information gathering.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for a wireless home mesh network with a network topology visualizer is described. In one embodiment, the method may include collecting node topology information by a node of a wireless home mesh network, where the node topology information includes a list of neighbor nodes for the node. Thereafter, a communication socket is opened, and a node topology packet, including a lust of neighbor nodes, is transmitted in order to produce a global network topology map. Other embodiments are described and claimed.