Unclaimed Node Association in Mesh Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mesh network provisioning methods require manual interaction and pre-provisioning, making it difficult to securely add satellite nodes without user intervention, especially when they are not easily accessible.

Innovation Solution

A method where a satellite node generates and transmits broadcast information with an invalid address and identifying information, allowing the controller to detect and register the node without traditional pairing processes, using Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) for secure credential transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional pairing processes are used for satellite nodes, then secure credential transfer can be achieved, but manual user intervention and physical access to the satellite node are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure credential transferVSAvoidmanual user intervention

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The satellite node autonomously generates a fake MAC address and transmits broadcast information without requiring user intervention. The controller automatically receives this information and initiates the credential transfer process, eliminating the need for manual button pressing or physical access to the satellite node while maintaining security through the WPS protocol

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A fake MAC address is introduced as an intermediary mechanism to enable the satellite node to signal its availability for provisioning. This virtual address acts as a mediator that allows the controller to identify and communicate with the satellite node without requiring direct physical interaction or manual configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If pre-provisioning is required for satellite nodes, then secure network joining can be ensured, but the provisioning process becomes complex and requires additional setup steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure network joiningVSAvoidprovisioning process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The satellite node performs preliminary actions by autonomously generating a fake MAC address and transmitting broadcast information before the actual provisioning occurs. This preliminary signaling enables the controller to identify the node and initiate the secure credential transfer process without requiring pre-provisioning configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The satellite node creates a fake MAC address that mimics the structure and format of valid MAC addresses but does not correspond to any actual device. This copied address format allows the node to participate in standard WPS protocols while maintaining the ability to signal its provisioning status without requiring complex pre-provisioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Ease of operation

If satellite nodes are made easily accessible for configuration, then manual pairing can be simplified, but the system becomes vulnerable to unauthorized access and security breaches

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepairing accessibilityVSAvoidunauthorized access

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fake MAC address serves as a secure intermediary that allows the satellite node to signal its availability for provisioning without exposing direct access interfaces. The controller uses this virtual address to initiate authenticated communication through established WPS protocols, maintaining security while enabling remote provisioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If automated provisioning is implemented without user intervention, then provisioning efficiency is improved, but the risk of incorrect or unauthorized node registration increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprovisioning efficiencyVSAvoidnode registration accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The satellite node provides feedback by transmitting broadcast information containing its fake MAC address, allowing the controller to verify node availability and initiate provisioning only when appropriate. This feedback mechanism ensures that automated provisioning occurs only under correct conditions, maintaining registration accuracy while improving efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20240107430A1Associating unclaimed communications nodes

Publication Date: 2024.03.28 ADTRAN INC

AI summary

Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer-storage media, for associating unclaimed communications nodes. In some implementations, a method includes generating, by a transmitting device, broadcast information including (i) identifying information of the transmitting device and (ii) an invalid address that does not represent a device configured to communicate with a given controller; and transmitting, by the transmitting device, the broadcast information within a receiving vicinity of the given controller that is configured to (i) receive the broadcast information and (ii) designate the transmitting device as available to communicate with one or more other transmitting devices using the identifying information of the transmitting device.