Router Mesh Networking Automation via Probe Request Monitoring

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing router networking process is complex and inefficient, requiring manual operations and lacking intelligence in mesh network setups, which complicates the discovery and connection of routers in wireless mesh networks.

Innovation Solution

A method where a first router monitors probe requests from second routers, determines the appropriate router to network based on signal strength and equipment state, and establishes a connection through wireless access, eliminating the need for manual operations by enabling automatic networking through information exchange.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual operations are used for router networking (clicking scan operation, add operation, or triggering networking buttons), then the networking process can be completed, but the operations are complicated and require manual keying, resulting in low degree of intelligence and low efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of router networking processVSAvoidcomplexity of manual operations
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The router automatically discovers other routers through probe requests and completes networking without user intervention. The system performs self-service by autonomously executing the networking process including discovering available routers, selecting target routers, and establishing connections, eliminating the need for manual scan operations, add operations, or button triggering.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The router proactively sends probe requests to discover other routers before networking is initiated. This preliminary action of automatically discovering and identifying target routers eliminates the need for users to manually scan and select routers, streamlining the networking process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If manual keying is required for router networking, then networking can be completed, but the process becomes time-consuming and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveefficiency of router networkingVSAvoidtime required for manual networking operations
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (clicking buttons, triggering networking actions) with automated electronic communication. The router uses probe requests and response messages to automatically discover and establish connections with other routers, substituting user manual keying with automated electronic discovery and networking protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The router sends probe requests and receives responses from other routers to automatically determine networking targets. This feedback mechanism enables the system to autonomously identify available routers and complete networking without manual intervention, significantly reducing the time required compared to manual operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If automated router discovery is implemented through probe requests, then networking efficiency is improved, but the system must process and analyze multiple probe requests and responses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed of router discovery and connectionVSAvoidcomplexity of information exchange process
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The probe request mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it discovers available routers, identifies target routers for networking, and initiates the connection process. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate operations into a single automated process, improving efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4021082B1Method and device for networking, and storage medium
Publication Date: 2024.12.18 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD
  • EP4021082B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4021082B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4021082B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A probe request sent by at least one second router is received (S101). A router to be networked is determined (S102) from the at least one second router according to the probe request. A networking request carrying networking matching information is returned (S103, S406) to the router to be networked. Wireless access of the first router is enabled. The networking matching information is provided to the router to be networked for networking matching. After the router to be networked has enabled wireless access of the router to be networked based on the networking request, networking is completed (S104, S409, S510) by establishing (S407), based on wireless access of the first router and wireless access of the router to be networked, a connection with the router to be networked.