Mesh Network Provisioning Using Hop-Count Relay Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional provisioners need to repeatedly perform provisioning operations across wider scan ranges, inefficiently connecting devices to mesh networks.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device updates network connection information by decreasing hop counts and transmits this information to external devices, facilitating efficient connection to a mesh network and determining their location within it.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the provisioner uses a fixed scan range to perform provisioning operations, then the provisioning process can be completed within the scan range, but devices outside the scan range cannot be connected to the mesh network
Solution Approach 1:
The provisioning process is segmented into multiple stages with decreasing hop counts. The provisioner first provisions devices within its direct scan range (hop count 1), then these provisioned devices act as new provisioners to connect devices in the next range (hop count 2), and so on. This segmentation allows the system to extend connection range beyond the original provisioner's scan range while maintaining manageable complexity at each stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the dimension of hop count to extend the provisioning range. Instead of relying solely on the physical scan range of the provisioner, the system uses network topology hops as an additional dimension to reach devices farther away. This allows devices outside the initial scan range to be connected through intermediate provisioned devices.
2Productivity
If the provisioner repeatedly performs provisioning operations to expand coverage, then more devices can be connected to the mesh network, but the time and complexity of the provisioning process increases
Solution Approach 1:
Devices are provisioned in advance with network connection information and hop count data before they need to act as provisioners themselves. This preliminary provisioning allows them to immediately start provisioning other devices without waiting for the original provisioner, significantly reducing the total provisioning time while maintaining efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Once a device is provisioned, it automatically becomes a provisioner itself and starts provisioning other devices in its scan range. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for the original provisioner to continuously manage all provisioning operations, reducing both time and complexity while increasing overall provisioning productivity across the network.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are electronic device, a network system, and a control method thereof. An electronic device according to the present disclosure comprises a memory, a communication interface, and a processor which: when receiving network connection information including a hop count from a first external device connected to a network, updates the network connection information to reduce the hop count, and stores the same in the memory; and when receiving a beacon message from a second external device that is not connected to the network, transmits the updated network connection information to the second external device by using the communication interface so that the second external device can be connected to the network.