Mesh Router Occupancy Sensing for Energy-Saving Network Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mesh routers in wireless networks continue to consume power even when unoccupied, leading to inefficiency and potential security risks from malicious connections or data snooping.
Innovation Solution
A mesh network management system using a master wireless router and slave routers that sense radio frequency signals to determine if an environment is unmanned, transitioning to energy-saving modes when unoccupied to conserve power and enhance security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mesh routers continue to operate in normal mode to maintain network availability, then network connectivity is preserved, but energy consumption increases unnecessarily when no users are present
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of mesh routers based on real-time occupancy detection. When the sensing module detects that no users are present in the detection zone, the controller automatically transitions routers from normal mode to energy-saving mode, and vice versa when users return, thereby optimizing energy consumption while maintaining network availability only when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the sensing module continuously monitors the detection zone for user presence and provides this information to the controller. The controller then adjusts router operational states based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts network power consumption to actual usage conditions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If mesh routers remain in normal mode to ensure network security monitoring, then security threats can be detected, but energy wastage occurs when the environment is unoccupied
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes router operational modes based on occupancy status. When the sensing module detects an unoccupied environment, the controller switches routers to energy-saving mode, reducing power consumption while maintaining security monitoring capability through periodic or event-triggered detection rather than continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous operation, the system employs periodic sensing and event-triggered router activation. The sensing module periodically checks for user presence, and routers are activated only when occupancy is detected, transforming continuous energy consumption into periodic, demand-based operation that maintains security while reducing overall energy wastage.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple mesh routers are deployed to extend wireless coverage, then network coverage area increases, but the complexity of network management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the sensing and control functions into a centralized or coordinated mechanism where multiple mesh routers work under a unified management framework. The sensing module and controller coordinate across multiple routers, allowing them to operate independently for coverage extension while being collectively managed through a single occupancy detection system, thereby reducing management complexity despite increased network scale.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Reduces power consumption and enhances network security by dynamically adjusting router modes based on occupancy, while maintaining connectivity and detecting potential intrusions.
Implementation Method 1
The master wireless router senses a radio frequency signal in the at least one wireless sensing detection zone
Data Source
AI summary
A mesh network management system based on wireless sensing and a method thereof are provided. The mesh network management system includes a master wireless router and at least one slave wireless router signally connected to the mater wireless router. The master wireless router and the slave wireless router are in a normal mode. At least one wireless sensing detection zone is formed between the master wireless router and the slave wireless router. The master wireless router senses a radio frequency signal in the wireless sensing detection zone and confirms whether the wireless sensing detection zone meets an unmanned environment condition according to the radio frequency signal to generate an unmanned environment confirmation result. The master wireless router sets at least one of the master wireless router and the slave wireless router from the normal mode to an energy-saving mode according to the unmanned environment confirmation result.