Mesh Network Node Configuration via Dynamic Signature Exchange

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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 devices or connecting to external networks necessitates updating configurations across all nodes, which is inefficient and resource-intensive.

Innovation Solution

A computerized method where node devices automatically detect connections, exchange mesh node signatures, and generate configurations based on updated lists, allowing them to dynamically adjust roles and synchronize configurations without manual intervention, using virtualized operating systems to perform multiple roles and transition smoothly between them.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual configuration methods are used to add or remove devices in a mesh network, then configuration accuracy can be maintained, but the time and effort required for maintenance increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidmaintenance time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mesh network nodes automatically perform configuration updates when devices are added or removed. Each node detects topology changes and autonomously recalculates routing paths, eliminating the need for manual technician intervention while maintaining configuration accuracy through algorithmic routing optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-establishes configuration templates and routing algorithms that are automatically applied when topology changes occur. Configuration rules and routing protocols are prepared in advance, allowing rapid deployment of new devices without time-consuming manual setup procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If manual reconfiguration is performed across all nodes when adding a new device, then network reliability is maintained, but the complexity of the configuration process increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork reliabilityVSAvoidconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The configuration process is segmented into independent node-level operations. Each node autonomously processes its own configuration updates based on local topology changes, rather than requiring coordinated reconfiguration of the entire network. This reduces overall system complexity while maintaining reliability through distributed decision-making.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Nodes continuously monitor network topology and provide feedback to routing algorithms. When a new device is detected, nodes automatically adjust their routing tables based on real-time network state information, maintaining reliability through adaptive feedback control without complex manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic role switching is implemented in mesh network nodes, then adaptability to changing network needs improves, but the computational resources required increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork adaptabilityVSAvoidcomputational resource usage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Mesh network nodes implement dynamic role switching capabilities that allow them to transition between different functional states (e.g., router, endpoint, gateway) based on real-time network requirements. This dynamic adaptability enables the network to optimize performance for varying workloads while nodes only perform computations necessary for their current role, managing resource usage efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If automatic configuration generation is implemented based on node signatures, then ease of operation improves, but the risk of configuration errors may increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration easeVSAvoidconfiguration reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses node signature copying and matching to automatically generate configurations. Each node maintains a database of valid node signatures and automatically copies appropriate configuration templates based on signature matching, ensuring consistency and reducing errors while improving ease of operation through automated template-based configuration generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS12261749B2Automatically managing a mesh network based on dynamically self-configuring node devices

Publication Date: 2025.03.25 MASTERCARD INT INC

AI summary

Configuring a mesh network of node devices for routing data is described. Based on detecting a connection to a second device, a first node device sends a mesh node signature to the second device and receives a mesh node signature from the second device. The mesh node signature list of the first node device is updated to include the mesh node signature of the second device. If mesh network requirements are satisfied based on the mesh node signature list, a mesh network configuration is generated by the first node device based on mesh network configuration rules and the updated mesh node signature list. The mesh network configuration is sent to at least the second device by the first node device based on the mesh node signature list. The first node device routes network traffic data to at least the second device based on the mesh network configuration.