Network Node Pairing via Dynamic Role Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network devices struggle to efficiently convert a non-secure network to a secure network through a push-button mechanism, as nodes lack information on whether to join as endpoints or become domain masters, and cannot handle various scenarios of button presses effectively.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a network node with a pushbutton and a pairer that alternates between endpoint and temporary domain master states, enabling pairing by switching roles and using a state switcher to manage these states, along with a pairing window for secure domain establishment and multi-pairing capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a node uses a pushbutton mechanism to join a secure domain, then the ease of operation is improved, but the node cannot determine whether to join as an endpoint or become a domain master, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic role assignment where nodes alternate between endpoint and temporary domain master states in time-division manner. This dynamic switching allows a single pushbutton mechanism to handle both joining and domain master functions without requiring complex pre-configured logic, as the role is determined by timing rather than complex decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter from static role assignment to time-varying state switching. Nodes transition between different operational states (endpoint state, temporary domain master state) based on time intervals, allowing the same hardware to perform different functions at different times without increasing complexity.
2Productivity
If multiple nodes press buttons simultaneously to convert a non-secure domain to a secure domain, then the productivity is improved, but the nodes may create multiple separate secure domains instead of merging into one, worsening network stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic domain merging through the temporary domain master mechanism. When multiple nodes press buttons simultaneously, they all become temporary domain masters and automatically merge their domains into a single unified secure domain, preventing fragmentation while maintaining high conversion speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces temporary domain masters as intermediary entities that facilitate the merging process. These temporary domain masters act as mediators between multiple pressing nodes, coordinating the formation of a single unified domain rather than allowing separate domains to form, thus maintaining network stability during rapid conversion.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a node acts as a temporary domain master for an extended period to handle multiple pairing requests, then the adaptability is improved, but the time required for pairing operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous pairing capability during the temporary domain master period. The node remains in the temporary domain master state for an extended duration, continuously accepting and processing multiple pairing requests without interruption, thereby maximizing adaptability while managing time efficiently through sustained operational state.
Data Source
AI summary
A network node includes a pushbutton to provide a button-press event and a pairer to receive the button-press event while not being in a secure domain. In response to the button-press, the pairer alternates between acting as an endpoint node and acting as a temporary domain master, until pairing is completed. In an alternative embodiment, the node includes a multi-pairer to receive the button press event and, in response, to open a pairing window, to become a domain master of a secure network and to join more than one other network node receiving a button press event to the secure network until the pairing window closes.