Mesh Point Proxy Update via Multi-Hop Management Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless mesh networks, non-mesh supporting stations (STAs) cannot directly interwork with external networks, and existing scanning methods are inefficient for establishing mesh connections between mesh access points (MAPs), leading to connectivity issues and overhead in information transfer.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the transmission of multi-hop management frames with proxy update information elements (IEs) between source and destination mesh points to update proxy information, allowing STAs connected to MAPs to interwork with external networks via a mesh portal, reducing unnecessary overhead by using a hop-by-hop approach instead of broadcasting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If broadcasting is used to transfer proxy information about STAs connected to MAPs, then all mesh points can receive the information, but protocol overhead increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and transfers only the necessary proxy information (MAC addresses of STAs connected to MAPs) from the source MP to the destination MP, rather than broadcasting all network information. This selective extraction reduces the amount of data transferred and minimizes protocol overhead while ensuring that the mesh portal receives the essential connectivity information needed for external network interworking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the source MP acts as a mediator to collect and forward proxy information to the destination MP. Instead of direct broadcasting to all nodes, the information flows through a controlled intermediary path, reducing unnecessary transmissions and optimizing the transfer efficiency of proxy information across the mesh network.
2Ease of operation
If existing scanning methods are used for establishing mesh connections, then connection establishment is possible, but efficiency is reduced and connectivity issues occur for non-mesh supporting STAs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-establishing proxy information about STAs connected to MAPs before external network access is needed. The source MP collects and forwards this connectivity information in advance to the destination MP, so that when non-mesh supporting STAs need to access external networks, the path information is already available, eliminating the need for inefficient scanning and reconnection attempts.
3Reliability
If proxy information is transferred using traditional broadcasting, then all nodes receive the information, but network overhead and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential proxy information (STA MAC addresses and their connecting MAPs) from the source MP and transfers it selectively to the destination MP. This extraction approach ensures that the mesh portal receives the necessary connectivity information for reliable external network access while minimizing the communication energy required compared to traditional broadcasting of all network information.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of updating proxy information in a mesh network is provided. The method includes transmitting a first multi-hop management frame from a source mesh point (MP) to a destination MP, the first multi-hop management frame comprising a proxy update information element (IE) to update the source MP's proxy information, and receiving a second multi-hop management frame from the destination MP, the second multi-hop management frame comprising a proxy update confirmation IE in response to the first multi-hop management frame. When proxy information updated, flooding overhead may be released.