Mesh Network Relay Access for Disconnected LAN Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mesh network devices face challenges in accessing local network devices when disconnected from their assigned local area networks, leading to inefficient resource consumption and delays in monitoring or controlling functions due to the lack of valid subnet IP addresses.
Innovation Solution
A method involving mesh network devices exchanging connection information to calculate IP address ranges and determine the LAN to which a device is connected, enabling communication through another connected meshnet device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mesh network devices rely on direct LAN connection to access local network devices, then communication reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates when disconnected from the network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mesh network coordinator and mesh network infrastructure as intermediaries. When a mesh network device is disconnected from the LAN, the coordinator facilitates communication by relaying data packets through the mesh network infrastructure, enabling the device to access local network devices indirectly without direct LAN connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network access path into multiple independent routes: direct LAN connection, mesh network via coordinator, and infrastructure-based relay. This segmentation allows the system to switch between different communication paths depending on connection status, maintaining adaptability while preserving reliability through multiple options.
2Speed
If mesh network devices continuously monitor network connection status, then responsiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic connection status monitoring at the mesh network coordinator level rather than continuous monitoring at each device. The coordinator periodically checks the operational status of mesh network devices and updates routing information, reducing the energy burden on individual devices while maintaining system responsiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh network infrastructure automatically detects connection changes and reroutes traffic without requiring active monitoring by end devices. When a device disconnects, the coordinator and infrastructure self-adjust the network topology and routing paths, eliminating the need for continuous status checks by individual devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mesh network devices use indirect routing through other devices, then adaptability is improved, but transmission delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-establishes mesh network paths and routing tables before disconnection occurs. The coordinator maintains updated routing information and pre-configures alternative paths through the mesh network infrastructure, so that when a direct LAN connection is lost, data can immediately route through pre-identified intermediate devices without significant delay.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the routing intelligence and connection management functions from individual mesh network devices and concentrates them in the mesh network coordinator. This centralization allows the coordinator to optimize routing paths and manage intermediate device selections globally, reducing overall transmission delay compared to distributed ad-hoc routing decisions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method including receiving, by a first device from a second device in a mesh network, connection information indicating a DNS server associated with a LAN to which the second device is connected; transmitting, by the first device to the DNS server based on the connection information, a query to receive a subnet IP address assigned to a LAN device; receiving, by the first device from the DNS server, the subnet IP address assigned to the LAN device; determining, by the first device based on receiving the subnet IP address from the DNS server, that the LAN device is connected to the LAN; and transmitting, by the first device to the second device, a meshnet packet including data to be transmitted by the second device to the LAN device based on the subnet IP address assigned to the LAN device is disclosed. Various other aspects are contemplated.