Wireless Spanning Tree Protocol Loop Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spanning tree protocols for wireless networks, such as IEEE 802.1, are not effectively designed for wireless environments as they were originally developed for wired networks, leading to issues like temporary loops, inefficient bandwidth usage, and inability to handle mobile and unpredictable radio links.
Innovation Solution
A wireless spanning tree protocol (WSTP) that adapts the standard IEEE 802.1 protocol to wireless networks by using radio parameters for link selection, avoiding temporary loops, and maintaining a tree-like topology, while being compatible with existing protocol stacks and minimizing changes to end stations and intermediate devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard IEEE 802.1 spanning tree protocol is used in wireless networks, then loop prevention is achieved, but temporary loops still occur and bandwidth usage is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters used for link selection from wired-network-oriented parameters (bridge-priority, port-priority, path cost based on link speeds) to wireless-specific parameters including radio path loss, received signal strength, and received signal quality (EVM measurements). This parameter transformation enables the spanning tree protocol to adapt to wireless characteristics, preventing temporary loops while optimizing bandwidth usage through radio-aware path selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary radio link establishment and quality assessment before finalizing spanning tree topology. By pre-evaluating radio parameters and establishing links based on predicted quality, the system prevents temporary loops that would otherwise occur when links are blocked or reconfigured during runtime, thereby improving both reliability and bandwidth efficiency.
2Reliability
If standard IEEE 802.1 spanning tree protocol blocks or tears down links, then loop-free topology is maintained, but temporary loops occur and network stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-preventing loop formation through radio-aware path selection before links are established. By using radio parameters to predict link stability and selecting paths that account for wireless characteristics, the system prevents temporary loops from occurring in the first place, rather than reacting to them after formation. This proactive approach maintains topology stability while eliminating the harmful effect of temporary loops.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wired-network-oriented parameters are used for link selection, then standard IEEE 802.1 protocol compatibility is maintained, but wireless link characteristics are not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by making the spanning tree protocol multi-functional: it can operate with standard IEEE 802.1 parameters for compatibility while simultaneously supporting wireless-specific parameters for optimization. The system selectively applies different parameter sets based on the network environment, enabling the same protocol to serve both wired and wireless networks effectively. This allows maintenance of protocol compatibility while optimizing for wireless characteristics through radio parameter integration.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of implementing a spanning tree protocol for a wireless network conforming to a wireless network standard, the spanning tree protocol substantially conforming to the IEEE 802.1 standard, including a first wireless bridging node wirelessly transmitting BPDU information to other wireless bridging nodes of the network or wirelessly receiving BPDU information from other wireless bridging nodes, the BPDU information encapsulated in one or more control/management frames, e.g., beacon or probe response frames of the wireless network standard, the BPDU information relating to a spanning tree topology containing the first and other wireless bridging nodes.