Mesh Network Node Pre-admission via Unicast Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication networks, particularly those using scheduled protocols, face inefficiencies in admitting new nodes, leading to network throughput disruptions and latency due to the need for central switching points and unsynchronized node admissions in mesh networks.
Innovation Solution
A method where a new node detects the network presence, establishes a communication link using unicast messaging, and performs pre-admission processing without interrupting existing communications by sharing designated time slots or low-bandwidth channels, allowing seamless integration without impacting ongoing network operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a new node requests admission to a mesh network using scheduled protocol, then the node can be admitted to the network, but existing scheduled communications must be interrupted causing throughput impact and latency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing pre-admission processing before the new node is fully integrated into the mesh network. The base station exchanges signaling messages with the new node to complete authentication and configuration in advance, so that when the node is finally admitted, no scheduled communications need to be interrupted. This resolves the contradiction by preparing everything beforehand to enable seamless integration without throughput impact.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a new node repeatedly requests admission until recognized by a network node, then the node can join the network, but the new node waits an inordinate amount of time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the base station proactively monitors for new node admission requests and initiates pre-admission processing. Instead of the new node repeatedly attempting to join and waiting for recognition, the base station acts as an intermediary that detects the new node's presence and starts the admission process automatically, significantly reducing the time the new node waits to join the network.
3Ease of operation
If existing nodes interrupt scheduled communications to process new node admission requests, then the new node can be admitted, but network throughput is impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by completing all admission processing activities before the new node becomes an active member of the mesh network. The base station performs authentication, configuration, and resource allocation in advance during the pre-admission phase. This ensures that when the node is finally admitted, existing scheduled communications continue uninterrupted, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and network throughput.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for admitting an additional node into a communications network that uses a scheduled communications protocol. Specifically, the node detects the presence of a network, establishes a communication link with a node already present on the network using a unicast messaging protocol, and then communicates pre-admission information to the node on the network. After pre-admission is complete, the new node is admitted to the network.