Mesh Network Configuration by Hop-Based Zone Updates
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Distributing configuration information in a mesh network is challenging due to limited wireless coverage and the need for secure credential propagation, especially in tree topologies where nodes far from the root node may lose connection before being updated.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid mesh network structure using wired and wireless connections, combined with a controller that assigns zones based on hop distance from the root node, ensures secure and reliable configuration distribution by updating nodes in descending order of zone numbers, utilizing IEEE 1905.1 messages for propagation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If configuration information is distributed using traditional mesh network methods, then all nodes can be reached, but nodes far from the root node may lose connection before being updated due to limited wireless coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh network is divided into multiple zones based on hop distance from the root node. Configuration updates are distributed zone by zone, starting from the outermost zone and moving inward. This segmentation ensures that nodes far from the root node are updated before their parent nodes, preventing connection loss during the update process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by first updating nodes in outer zones before updating nodes in inner zones. This preliminary update of distant nodes ensures they are configured and ready to maintain connections before their parent nodes are updated, preventing the connection loss problem.
2Productivity
If configuration information is sent to all nodes simultaneously, then update speed is improved, but network security and stability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration distribution process is segmented into multiple phases corresponding to different zones. Each zone is updated in sequence rather than simultaneously, which maintains security and stability while still achieving efficient overall distribution through parallel processing within each zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic action by distributing configuration information in structured intervals across different zones. Configuration renew messages are sent in a systematic sequence through zones, ensuring controlled propagation that maintains security while achieving comprehensive coverage.
3Manufacturing precision
If a controller manages configuration distribution in a large mesh network, then configuration accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller manages configuration distribution by segmenting the network into zones based on hop distance. This segmentation simplifies the controller's task by organizing nodes into manageable groups that can be updated in a systematic sequence, reducing management complexity while maintaining high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses parameter changes by organizing nodes according to their hop distance parameter from the root node. This parameter-based organization allows the controller to systematically manage configuration distribution through zone numbers, improving accuracy while maintaining manageable complexity through automated zone-based control.
Data Source
AI summary
One or more systems, methods, and/or devices for disseminating configuration information in a mesh network. A mesh network may have a plurality of nodes, and each node may belong to a zone depending on each node's number of hops away from a root node of the mesh network. Configuration information may need to be sent to all of the nodes in the mesh network. The configuration information may be sent to the zone of nodes with the greatest number of hops form the root node, and this may be repeated until all of the nodes of the mesh network have been configured.