Mesh Network Role Determination via Uplink Reachability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining the mesh network role of access points (APs) in wireless mesh networks are either cumbersome, require manual assignment, or fail to detect dynamic changes, leading to potential network disruptions when APs lose or gain wired access.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method where network devices periodically assess the operational status of their high-priority uplinks and host reachability to automatically and dynamically determine their role as either a portal or a point, using a processor to send reachability check frames and determine their mesh network role based on these conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual assignment of mesh network role is used, then role determination can be performed, but the process becomes cumbersome and requires manual intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemesh network role determinationVSAvoidmanual configuration process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The access point automatically determines its own mesh network role by detecting whether it has access to a wired network, eliminating the need for manual configuration. The system performs self-assessment of its network connectivity status and autonomously assigns the appropriate role (portal or transit device).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If static role assignment is used, then role determination can be performed, but dynamic changes in network connectivity cannot be detected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork role accuracyVSAvoidresponse to connectivity changes

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mesh network role is determined dynamically based on real-time detection of wired network access status. The access point continuously monitors its connectivity conditions and automatically adjusts its role assignment accordingly, allowing the system to adapt to changing network topologies without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Extent of automation

If automatic role determination is implemented, then manual intervention is eliminated, but the system must periodically assess connectivity status

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemesh network role determinationVSAvoidperiodic assessment intervals

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The access point performs periodic detection of wired network access status to maintain accurate role assignment. By implementing regular assessment cycles, the system ensures that role determination remains current while balancing the need for automation with acceptable time intervals between updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3562260B1Automatically determining mesh network role of network device

Publication Date: 2023.09.13 HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEV LP

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AI summary

An example device comprising: a processor to determine whether an uplink of the network device in a mesh network is operational, to determine whether a host is reachable through the uplink in response to the uplink being operational, and to periodically determine a mesh network role of the network device based on the determination of whether the host is reachable through the uplink.