Mesh Node Role Management via Virtualized OS Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Configuring and maintaining complex mesh networks of computing devices requires significant manual effort and time, as adding or removing nodes or connecting to external networks necessitates updating configurations across all devices, which is inefficient and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A computerized method and system where node devices automatically detect their role within a mesh network, activate virtualized operating systems to configure themselves appropriately, and dynamically update and share mesh network configurations, enabling seamless integration and synchronization of network traffic routing without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual configuration is used to add or remove nodes in a mesh network, then configuration accuracy is maintained, but time consumption and labor effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service configuration where node devices automatically detect their role in the mesh network and configure themselves without manual intervention. When a node joins or leaves the network, other nodes automatically update their configurations through role status data exchange, eliminating the need for technicians to manually reconfigure each device while maintaining configuration accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring nodes with role status data that automatically triggers configuration updates when connectivity changes occur. The mesh network maintains a database of role status information that is updated in advance, allowing automatic propagation of configuration changes to all relevant nodes without waiting for manual configuration commands.
2Stability of the object's composition
If manual configuration updates are performed across all devices, then configuration consistency is maintained, but operational complexity and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where nodes continuously exchange role status data with their neighbors. When a node's role changes or connectivity status updates, this information is fed back through the mesh network, automatically triggering configuration updates in other nodes. This closed-loop feedback system maintains configuration consistency while reducing operational complexity by eliminating manual coordination requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges configuration management functions into a unified automatic process. Instead of managing configurations separately at each node, the patent combines role status data collection, configuration calculation, and propagation into a single integrated system that operates autonomously across the entire mesh network, reducing operational complexity while maintaining consistency.
3Manufacturing precision
If nodes are manually reconfigured to adapt to network changes, then configuration accuracy is maintained, but adaptability and responsiveness decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static manual configuration model into a dynamic automatic configuration system. Nodes continuously monitor their connectivity status and role changes, automatically triggering configuration updates in real-time. This dynamic response enables the mesh network to adapt quickly to changing conditions while maintaining configuration accuracy through automated role status data propagation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary configuration preparations by maintaining role status data in advance and pre-calculating necessary configuration changes. When network changes occur, the system has already prepared the configuration information needed for rapid automatic updates, enabling both high adaptability and configuration accuracy without manual intervention delays.
4Device complexity
If a single operating system is used on all node devices, then device simplicity is maintained, but role-specific functionality and versatility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by enabling each node device to execute multiple different operating systems depending on its required role in the mesh network. Instead of being locked into a single OS, nodes can dynamically select and activate role-specific operating systems (such as mesh node OS, egress node OS, or gateway OS) to fulfill different functional requirements, thereby achieving multi-functionality while maintaining device simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces dynamic OS selection where the operating system running on a node changes based on its current role and network conditions. Nodes can transition between different operating systems as their roles change, enabling flexible adaptation to various network configurations without requiring complex hardware changes, thus achieving versatility while keeping devices simple.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure herein describes automatically managing a role of a node device in a mesh network. Based on connecting the node device to a target device via a network connection, status data of the target device is obtained. If the status data indicates the target device is a mesh node device, the node device activates a virtualized mesh node operating system. If the status data indicates the target device is a device that is separate from the mesh network, the node device activates a virtualized egress node operating system. The node device updates the mesh network configuration based on which virtualized operating system was activated and then shares the updated mesh network configuration to the other node devices of the mesh network, whereby the mesh network is configured to route network traffic data between the node device and the target device based on the updated mesh network configuration.