Thread Network Subnet Merging via Proactive Advertisement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing Thread network approach for self-assembling network environments faces challenges in efficiently merging subnets due to the time-consuming and vulnerable process of establishing connectivity, which is affected by the periodicity of advertisement messages and interference with normal workload-related transmissions.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for controlling device interactions in Thread networks that involve entering a membership relation with a self-organizing subnet, receiving and responding to messages with partition parameters to facilitate merging of subnets, including an additional advertisement message from higher-ranking partitions to expedite the merging process, thereby reducing network formation time and minimizing bandwidth interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If advertisement messages are sent frequently to accelerate subnet merging, then network connectivity is improved, but bandwidth available for normal workload transmissions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the higher-ranking partition proactively send an advertisement message immediately upon detecting a lower-ranking partition, rather than waiting for the periodic advertisement cycle. This preemptive approach accelerates the merging process by reducing the waiting time for advertisement messages, thereby improving subnet merging speed without requiring a permanent increase in advertisement frequency that would consume bandwidth for normal workload transmissions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the organic growth model is used for network expansion, then devices can self-assemble into partitions, but the process takes significant time and is vulnerable to interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the higher-ranking partition actively participates in the merging process by sending advertisement messages upon detecting lower-ranking partitions. This intermediary action bridges the gap between passive self-assembling and active network formation, maintaining the self-assembling capability while significantly reducing network formation time and vulnerability to interruption.
3Reliability
If periodicity of advertisement messages is set high to maximize connectivity, then network stability is improved, but interference with normal workload transmissions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the higher-ranking partition send an advertisement message immediately upon detecting a lower-ranking partition, rather than waiting for the periodic advertisement cycle. This preemptive approach ensures network stability and connectivity when needed without requiring a permanent increase in advertisement frequency that would cause continuous bandwidth interference with normal workload transmissions.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a machine-implemented method of operating a device, comprising entering the device into a membership relation with a first self-organizing subnet at a first rank in a hierarchy of subnets of the network; receiving at the device a message from a second device making known parameters of a second subnet at a second rank in the hierarchy of subnets of the network; and responsive to receipt of the message, sending a message from the first device making known parameters of the first subnet at the first rank to the second device to render the subnet at the second rank operable to merge with the subnet at the first rank.