Wireless Spanning Tree Protocol for Mesh Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spanning tree protocols, such as IEEE 802.1, are designed for wired networks and cannot efficiently operate in wireless networks, leading to issues like temporary loops and the need for modifications in protocol stacks and routing logic, which are undesirable in wireless mesh networks.
Innovation Solution
A wireless spanning tree protocol (WSTP) that conforms to the IEEE 802.1 standard but extends its functionality for wireless networks, using control/management frames to advertise BPDU information and prevent temporary loops by establishing only warranted radio links, allowing multiple instances of the protocol to run with different root mesh points for scalable and QoS-enhanced operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the standard IEEE 802.1 spanning tree protocol is used in wireless networks, then loop prevention functionality is provided, but temporary loops occur and network stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spanning tree protocol operation into distinct phases: a fast convergence mode using rapid BPDU exchange for initial topology establishment, and a stable operation mode using standard IEEE 802.1d procedures. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both rapid loop prevention and long-term stability by switching between different operational modes based on network conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary actions by establishing a root bridge and performing rapid topology discovery before normal spanning tree operations begin. The system pre-configures the network topology using control frames and management frames, ensuring that the spanning tree structure is firmly established before data traffic flows, thereby preventing temporary loops from occurring during the transition phase
2Reliability
If the standard IEEE 802.1 spanning tree protocol is used in wireless networks, then loop prevention is attempted, but protocol stack modifications are required which increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the spanning tree protocol universally applicable to both wired and wireless networks by implementing it at the data link layer (Layer 2) independent of the physical medium. The protocol uses standard IEEE 802.1d mechanisms that can operate over any transmission medium including wireless, eliminating the need for separate protocol stacks for different network types and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces control frames and management frames as intermediaries that carry spanning tree protocol information in wireless networks. These specialized frame types act as mediators between the standard IEEE 802.1d spanning tree protocol and the wireless transmission medium, allowing the protocol to function without requiring modifications to the core protocol stack while still addressing wireless-specific requirements
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple spanning tree instances are run with different root mesh points, then scalability and QoS are enhanced, but protocol implementation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different root bridges to be selected for different VLANs or network segments, enabling localized optimization of spanning tree topologies. Each region or service type can have its own root bridge and spanning tree instance tailored to its specific requirements, while the overall system maintains coordination through standardized BPDU exchange mechanisms, thus achieving scalability without proportionally increasing implementation complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for, a method of, and a computer carrier medium carrying code to cause a processor to execute a method. The method includes running a plurality of instances of a wireless spanning tree protocol in a wireless mesh node, each instance substantially conforming to the IEEE 802.1 standard. Running an instance of wireless spanning tree protocol including the wireless mesh point wirelessly transmitting BPDU information to other wireless mesh points of the network or wirelessly receiving BPDU information from other wireless mesh points, the BPDU information encapsulated in one or more control/management frames, e.g., beacon or probe response frames of a wireless network standard, the BPDU information relating to a spanning tree topology for the instance.