Wireless Mesh Node Onboarding for Secure Network Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for setting up and expanding wireless mesh networks are inefficient, error-prone, insecure, and lack scalability, often requiring manual data entry and physical connections, which expose networks to vulnerabilities and increase setup time.
Innovation Solution
A method involving secure communication sessions, dual-factor authentication, and low-power wireless communication to streamline the creation and expansion of wireless mesh networks, allowing automatic configuration of mesh nodes using QR codes or NFC tags, and storing configuration information in a cloud database for easy expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration of mesh nodes is performed, then network security can be maintained, but setup time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Configuration data is pre-generated and stored in a database before the actual setup process. The system retrieves and applies pre-configured settings automatically, eliminating the need for manual configuration while maintaining security through pre-validation of configuration parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-configuration by automatically retrieving configuration data from the database and applying it to mesh nodes without requiring manual administrator intervention. The configuration process is automated through system scripts that handle data retrieval, validation, and application automatically.
2Reliability
If physical network cables are connected to each access point, then secure configuration is achieved, but scalability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection process with a wireless data transmission method. Configuration data is transmitted wirelessly from a server to mesh nodes, eliminating the need for physical cable connections during setup while maintaining security through authenticated wireless communication channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides a universal configuration method that works for any number of mesh nodes regardless of network size. The same automated process can configure single nodes or large networks, making the system scalable from small to large deployments without changing the fundamental configuration approach.
3Reliability
If serial configuration process is used for each access point, then configuration security is maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Configuration data is prepared and validated in advance before deployment. The system stores pre-validated configuration templates that can be applied to multiple nodes simultaneously, eliminating the need to perform configuration steps sequentially for each node while maintaining security through pre-validation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple configuration operations into a single automated process. Instead of configuring nodes one by one, the system retrieves configuration data once and applies it to multiple nodes simultaneously through batch processing, significantly improving setup efficiency while maintaining security through centralized configuration management.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, computer readable storage medium and apparatus, as described herein, registers and configures mesh node devices to operate in a wireless mesh network as part of a process that may be referred to as an onboarding process. Such an onboarding process may store registration information and configuration information in a database at a computer in the cloud or that is accessible via the Internet. This stored information may be used to easily create or expand a wireless mesh network. This registration information may be cross-referenced with a profile associated with a network configuration, with a customer license, and with an identifier that identifies a wireless mesh network. Profiles consistent with the present disclosure may identify configuration preferences of a wireless mesh network and may identify software