Mesh Router Path Distance Factor for Loop-Free Topology
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless mesh networks face challenges in network management and control due to the lack of a separate out-of-band control channel, suboptimal management paths, scalability issues with existing protocols like STP, and difficulties in providing redundancy and load balancing, leading to potential connectivity losses and inefficient channel assignment.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a path distance factor (PDF) method that calculates and broadcasts a distance metric between mesh routers and portals, enabling loop-free tree construction, network-wide redundancy, and efficient channel selection, using enhanced diffusing update algorithms and beacon frames to manage radio frequency and optimize network performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a separate out-of-band control channel is not provided, then device complexity is reduced, but network management reliability deteriorates due to suboptimal management paths and potential connectivity losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a portal as an intermediary node that connects the mesh network to the wired network infrastructure. The portal serves as a mediator for control and management traffic, allowing mesh routers to communicate with the network management system through the portal rather than requiring direct out-of-band control channels between all nodes. This intermediary approach maintains reliability by providing a dedicated path for management traffic while avoiding the complexity of full mesh control channel infrastructure.
2Ease of operation
If existing protocols like STP are used for network management, then ease of operation is improved, but scalability deteriorates due to issues with large network sizes and suboptimal management paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network management function by introducing hierarchical levels: mesh routers at the edge, portals as intermediate controllers, and wired network infrastructure for centralized management. This segmentation allows STP and other protocols to operate effectively within manageable segments (mesh routers to portal) while the portal handles aggregation and coordination with the broader network infrastructure, enabling scalability to large network sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimensional layer to network management by introducing portals as an intermediate tier between mesh routers and the wired network infrastructure. This dimensional change transforms the management architecture from a flat mesh structure to a hierarchical structure with multiple levels, allowing protocols like STP to operate at the mesh level while scalability is achieved through the portal aggregation layer.
3Device complexity
If redundancy and load balancing are not provided, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to connectivity losses from node or link failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service redundancy mechanisms where mesh routers automatically calculate and update their own routing paths using the PDF metric. When link or node failures occur, routers independently recalculate alternative paths without requiring manual intervention or complex centralized control. This self-service approach provides reliability through automatic failover while avoiding the complexity of manual redundancy management systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating and maintaining multiple potential paths using the PDF metric before failures occur. Mesh routers continuously update their knowledge of alternative routes through beacon exchanges, so when failures happen, redundant paths are already identified and ready for immediate activation, providing fast recovery without requiring complex real-time rerouting decisions.
4Device complexity
If channel assignment is not optimized, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to inefficient channel utilization and network performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter used for channel assignment from simple hop-count or arbitrary metrics to the PDF (Path Distance Factor) metric. By using PDF as the optimization parameter, the system achieves efficient channel utilization and network performance because PDF accurately reflects the actual cost and quality of paths in the mesh network, allowing routers to make informed channel selection decisions that maximize throughput and minimize interference.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for radio frequency management (RFM) in a mesh network using a path distance factor (PDF) is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a computer-implemented method, comprises calculating a path distance factor (PDF) between a first mesh router and a portal. A frame is transmitted to a second mesh router, wherein the frame includes the path distance factor.