Wireless Mesh Topology Map Management Using Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless mesh networks face issues such as signal degradation, instability, and complex setup processes due to signal interference and the need for frequent hand-offs among mobile devices and access points, especially when using conventional methods like RSSI for connection management.

Innovation Solution

A wireless mesh network topology map management method based on positioning techniques, where access points (APs) are deployed and their positions are determined using methods like Angle of Arrival (AoA) and Time of Flight (ToF) to establish stable connections and optimize network topology, allowing for dynamic reconfiguration and load balancing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If Wi-Fi extenders are used to enlarge signal coverage, then the coverage range is improved, but the network speed decreases due to frequency band occupation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal coverage rangeVSAvoidnetwork transmission speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The network is segmented into multiple mesh nodes (access points) that each independently manage their own coverage zones. Instead of using a single extender that occupies the same frequency band, multiple segmented nodes distribute the coverage area, allowing simultaneous high-speed connections in different zones without frequency interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If conventional RSSI-based connection management is used, then mobile devices can connect to access points, but hand-off delays occur due to measurement and monitoring time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection managementVSAvoidhand-off delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating and storing position information for all access points in advance. When a mobile device needs to hand off between access points, the position data is already available, eliminating the need for real-time signal strength measurements and reducing hand-off delay to minimal processing time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If RSSI monitoring is performed frequently to ensure connection stability, then connection quality is maintained, but network traffic increases due to repeated measurements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidnetwork traffic

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical RSSI monitoring system with a positioning-based system. Instead of continuously measuring signal strength (which generates traffic), the system uses position information to determine connectivity. This substitution eliminates repeated measurement traffic while maintaining connection stability through position-based access point selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Area of stationary object

If multiple access points are deployed to improve coverage, then signal availability is improved, but network topology complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork coverage areaVSAvoidnetwork topology management

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the management parameter from signal strength (RSSI) to position coordinates. Each access point stores its position information, and mobile devices use this position data to determine optimal connections. This parameter change simplifies topology management by replacing complex signal strength calculations with straightforward position-based decisions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This method improves connection stability and speed by optimizing AP connections and reducing hand-off delays, enabling easier setup and management of wireless mesh networks, even in environments with multiple mobile devices and obstacles.

Implementation Method 1

their positions are determined using methods like Angle of Arrival (AoA) and Time of Flight (ToF)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAngle of Arrival (AoA):

Implementation Method 2

their positions are determined using methods like Angle of Arrival (AoA) and Time of Flight (ToF)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of Flight (ToF): Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS10687265B2Wireless mesh network topology map management method based on positioning technique

Publication Date: 2020.06.16 WISTRON NEWEB CORP

AI summary

A wireless mesh network topology map management method includes: deploying a main AP and a first AP; establishing a connection between the first AP and the main AP; executing a positioning procedure to obtain a first coordinate of the first AP relative to the main AP; deploying a second AP; establishing a connection between the second AP and one of the main AP and the first AP; executing the positioning procedure to obtain a second coordinate of the second AP relative to the main AP; establishing a wireless mesh network topology map based on the first and second coordinates; and controlling the second AP to establish a connection with one of the main AP and the first AP that has the shortest distance relative to the second AP based on the wireless mesh network topology map.