KR20220110699A - APPARATUS, METHOD and RECODING MEDIUM for MANAGING WIRELESS MESH NETWORK - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for managing a wireless network between a plurality of beacon devices constituting a mesh network, an apparatus therefor, and a recording medium recording a computer program for performing the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for managing a wireless mesh network, an apparatus therefor, and a recording medium recording a computer program for performing the same. If a beacon device checks a connection status with a wireless AP device connected thereto and determines that a status is abnormal, the beacon device expands the coverage thereof and changes the connection status to other nearby wireless AP devices. To this end, a wireless mesh network management method according to an embodiment of the present invention detects a wireless AP device in an abnormal state by transmitting and receiving a state check message, expands the coverage of a beacon device, and connects, to other wireless AP devices, to a beacon device which has been connected to a wireless AP device in an abnormal state.

Description

Wireless mesh network management method, apparatus therefor, and a recording medium recording a computer program performing the same {APPARATUS, METHOD and RECODING MEDIUM for MANAGING WIRELESS MESH NETWORK}

The present invention relates to a method for managing a wireless network between a plurality of beacon devices constituting a mesh network, an apparatus therefor, and a recording medium recording a computer program for performing the same, and more particularly, to a wireless AP to which the beacon device is connected thereto. A wireless mesh network management method for changing the connection state to another adjacent wireless AP device by expanding its coverage when it is determined that the connection state with the device is abnormal is about

The content described in this section merely provides background information for the present embodiment and does not constitute the prior art.

In general, a wireless network has a star-type topology structure of point to point and point to multi point, but recently a multipoint to multipoint mesh like a wired network. ), interest in wireless networks having a structure is increasing.

The characteristics of a wireless mesh network are that it is easy to expand the network without being connected to a wired network, and accordingly, it has advantages in network flexibility and scalability, such as speed and economy of network installation, and redundancy by multi-path.

In the existing wired network environment, all APs are connected by wire by connecting signals through a repeater or wireless router, called an access point (hereinafter referred to as “AP”).

However, in a mesh network, if only the representative AP is connected by wire, wireless communication routers that act as antennas, like existing wireless communication base stations, become mesh nodes and connect all sections wirelessly. This technology has emerged to overcome the limitations of the existing wireless LAN as a technology that can be implemented with a structure.

In addition, with the development of mobile communication networks and the development of terminal specifications, mobile communication terminals have become essential belongings of modern people, out of the scope of conventional simple communication devices or information providing devices, and are evolving into total entertainment devices.

Also, in the mobile communication terminal, technologies for performing short-range wireless communication between devices located in a short distance are rapidly developing, and one of such short-distance wireless communication is Bluetooth communication.

Bluetooth communication has evolved and recently, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology (Bluetooth 4.0) is widely used in smart phones, retail geofencing, and mobile payments. This Bluetooth low energy technology consumes less power than standard Bluetooth wireless connections.

In addition, a service method for providing various information to a mobile communication terminal possessed by a user by using a beacon using Bluetooth communication is being developed, and there is a case of constructing a mesh network using a beacon device using the Bluetooth communication. is increasing

In the case of such a wireless mesh network, when a specific wireless AP device becomes unusable due to hacking or malfunction, there is a problem in that all other beacon devices of a lower layer connected thereto cannot be used.

As a result, in the mesh network management using the beacon device, an efficient method for adjusting the connection state of the beacon device is needed when a failure of a specific wireless AP device occurs.

Korean Patent No. 10-0309380, registered on October 17, 2001 (Title: System and method for detecting and blocking failure of wireless communication network)

The present invention has been proposed to solve the above-described problems in the prior art. It detects a wireless AP device that does not operate normally due to hacking or malfunction, and when such a wireless AP device is detected, the beacon device changes the connection state to provide service An object of the present invention is to provide a wireless mesh network management method to continuously provide a wireless mesh network management method, an apparatus therefor, and a recording medium recording a computer program performing the same.

More specifically, the present invention provides the method for managing a wireless mesh network, when a beacon device receives a status check message from a wireless AP device and the status check message is not received from the wireless AP device for a preset period or longer, It determines whether the wireless AP device is in an abnormal state, and if it is, increases the transmission power to expand the coverage, and uses this to connect other wireless AP devices or other beacon devices so that the beacon device connected to the abnormal wireless AP device is connected. An object of the present invention is to provide a method for managing a wireless mesh network for changing a state, an apparatus for the same, and a recording medium recording a computer program for performing the same.

The technical problems to be achieved in the present invention are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs from the description below. will be able

A method for managing a wireless mesh network according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object is made by a beacon device, comprising: periodically receiving a status check message from a wireless AP device; determining that the wireless AP device is abnormal when the status check message is not received for more than a preset period; controlling to expand coverage by increasing transmission power when an abnormality occurs in the wireless AP device; discovering another wireless device within the extended coverage, and controlling to connect to the other wireless AP device when the other wireless AP device is discovered; may be included.

In addition, a beacon device according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the object as described above, a first communication unit for communicating with a wireless AP device or other beacon device; a second communication unit for communicating with another beacon device; Periodically receive a status check message from the wireless AP device, if the status check message is not received for more than a preset period, it is determined that the wireless AP device has an abnormality, and when an abnormality occurs in the wireless AP device, transmit power a control unit controlling to increase coverage to extend coverage, discovering another wireless device within the extended coverage, and controlling to connect to another wireless AP device when another wireless AP device is found; It may be composed of

In addition, the present invention may provide a computer-readable recording medium in which a program for executing the wireless mesh network management method as described above is recorded.

According to the wireless mesh network management method using the mesh network of the present invention, a wireless AP device that does not operate normally due to hacking or malfunction is detected, and when such a wireless AP device is detected, the beacon device changes the connection state to provide service can be provided continuously.

In addition, according to the present invention, for normal operation of a beacon device connected to a wireless AP device detected as an abnormal state, a beacon device connected to a wireless AP device detected as an abnormal state expands its coverage by increasing its transmit power by itself, and uses it. Thus, a normal beacon service can be provided by connecting to another wireless AP device or a beacon device operating normally.

Accordingly, a wireless network with network flexibility and scalability, such as speed and economic feasibility of network installation and provision of redundancy by multi-path, is built without fear of contamination of beacon devices, and connected to a representative AP by wire to communicate with existing wireless communication. Beacon devices that will act as antennas, such as base stations, become mesh nodes and wirelessly connect all sections, and it is possible to overcome the limitations of existing wireless LANs by implementing the same network structure as a wired network mesh in the wireless network.

The effects obtainable in the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs from the following description. .

1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an entire system for performing a wireless mesh network management method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a mesh network structure for performing a wireless mesh network management method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a block diagram illustrating a structure of a first beacon device performing a wireless mesh network management method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a block diagram illustrating a structure of a second beacon device performing a wireless mesh network management method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a wireless mesh network management method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a message flow diagram illustrating a process of performing a wireless mesh network management method using a mesh network according to an embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a beacon device performing a wireless mesh network management method using a mesh network according to an embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a diagram illustrating an operating environment of an apparatus for providing a wireless mesh network management method using a mesh network according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In order to clarify the characteristics and advantages of the problem solving means of the present invention, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to specific embodiments of the present invention shown in the accompanying drawings.

However, detailed descriptions of well-known functions or configurations that may obscure the gist of the present invention in the following description and accompanying drawings will be omitted. In addition, it should be noted that throughout the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible.

The terms or words used in the following description and drawings should not be construed as being limited to conventional or dictionary meanings, and the inventor may properly define the concept of terms for describing his invention in the best way. It should be interpreted as meaning and concept consistent with the technical idea of the present invention based on the principle that there is.

Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiment of the present invention, and do not represent all of the technical spirit of the present invention. It should be understood that there may be equivalents and variations.

In addition, terms including ordinal numbers such as 1st, 2nd, etc. are used to describe various components, and are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from other components, and to limit the components. not used For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the second component may be referred to as the first component, and similarly, the first component may also be referred to as the second component.

In addition, when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “connected” to another element, it means that it is logically or physically connected or can be connected. In other words, it should be understood that a component may be directly connected or connected to another component, but another component may exist in the middle, and may be indirectly connected or connected.

In addition, the terms used herein are used only to describe specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit the present invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

In addition, terms such as "comprises" or "have" described in this specification are intended to designate that the features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification exist, but one or the It should be understood that the above does not preclude the possibility of addition or existence of other features or numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

In addition, terms such as “…unit”, “…group”, and “module” described in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented as hardware or software or a combination of hardware and software. have.

Also, "a or an", "one", "the" and similar terms are otherwise indicated herein in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims). or may be used in a sense including both the singular and the plural unless clearly contradicted by context.

In addition, embodiments within the scope of the present invention include computer-readable media having or carrying computer-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such computer readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer system.

By way of example, such computer-readable media may be in the form of RAM, ROM, EPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage, or computer-executable instructions, computer-readable instructions, or data structures. It may include, but is not limited to, a physical storage medium such as any other medium that can be used to store or convey any program code means in .

In the following description and claims, a “network” is defined as one or more data links that enable the transfer of electronic data between computer systems and/or modules. When information is transmitted or provided to a computer system via a network or other communication connection (wired, wireless, or a combination of wired or wireless), the connection may be understood as a computer-readable medium.

Computer readable instructions include, for example, instructions and data that cause a general purpose computer system or special purpose computer system to perform a particular function or group of functions. The computer executable instructions may be, for example, binary, intermediate format instructions such as assembly language, or even source code.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to personal computers, laptop computers, handheld devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, mobile telephones, PDAs, pagers. It may be implemented in a network computing environment having various types of computer system configurations, including (pager) and the like. The invention may also be practiced in distributed system environments where both local and remote computer systems linked through a network by a wired data link, a wireless data link, or a combination of wired and wireless data links perform tasks. In a distributed system environment, program modules may be located in local and remote memory storage devices.

In addition, a wireless mesh network management method using a beacon technology according to the present invention will be described based on a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) data communication technology.

While NFC can be used only within a limited range of several tens of cm, the Bluetooth method can operate in a range of several tens of meters, and thus the field of application is much wider. In particular, the Bluetooth method does not need to tag a reader by bringing it close to the reader like NFC, and it is possible to transmit data just by passing a place where a beacon device is installed.

However, in the present invention, the base station performance measurement method is not necessarily limited to BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) or Bluetooth (Bluetooth), Zigbee, UWB (Ultra-WideBand), ANT, Wi-Fi, NFC, etc., PAN (Personal Area) Network) method of various short-distance communication technologies is applicable.

Now, a method for managing a wireless mesh network according to an embodiment of the present invention and a computer-readable recording medium in which a program for executing the method is recorded will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

First, a wireless mesh network management system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

Hereinafter, the abnormal state of the wireless AP device means that the wireless AP device does not operate normally due to a malfunction of the wireless AP device, or the wireless AP device is contaminated by unauthorized external access such as hacking, so that the original service information is malicious. It refers to a state in which normal beacon service cannot be performed, such as being converted into other service information for the purpose and delivering it to the user.

1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an entire system for performing a wireless mesh network management method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the wireless mesh network management system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a mobile communication terminal device 100 , a beacon device 900 , a service device 400 , and a communication network 500 connecting them. can be done through

Such an authentication system may be installed in an arbitrary range according to the needs of the manager, such as an entire area or a partial floor of a department store or discount mart, or in a certain area including a number of buildings in a specific range of places, for example. it might be

Here, the beacon device 900 transmits and receives a beacon signal through short-range wireless communication such as BLE or Wi-Fi, and the mobile communication terminal device 100 in its vicinity receives it. The mobile communication terminal device 100 that has received the beacon signal transmits information (eg, UUID, reception strength, etc.) included in the beacon signal to the service device 400 through the communication network 500 . The service device stores respective service information (coupon, discount information, advertisement information, etc.) for each beacon device 900 , and service information of the beacon device 900 corresponding to information transmitted from the mobile communication terminal device 100 . is transmitted to the user terminal, and the service information is output to the user through the mobile communication terminal device 100 .

Service traffic is generated in the beacon device 900 while the mobile communication terminal device 100 receives information included in the beacon signal from the beacon device 900 and transmits it to the service device 400 through a communication network.

The mobile communication terminal device 100 refers to a device of a network user or administrator capable of transmitting and receiving various data by accessing the wireless communication network provided by the present invention. A user refers to a person who is provided with a customer-targeted service (coupon, discount information, advertisement provision, etc.) provided by the wireless mesh network constituting the present invention, and the manager manages the service device 400 for providing the customer-targeted service. It refers to a person or a person who manages a specific beacon device 900 .

Here, the terminal is UE (User Equipment), MS (Mobile Station), MSS (Mobile Subscriber Station), SS (Subscriber Station), AMS (Advanced Mobile Station), WT (Wireless terminal), MTC (Machine-Type) Communication) device, M2M (Machine-to-Machine) device, D2D device (Device-to-Device), may be replaced by terms such as station (STA: Station). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and any device connected to the wireless communication network provided by the present invention may correspond to the mobile communication terminal device 100 referred to in this specification. A unit equivalent to the above-mentioned units may be used as the mobile communication terminal device 100 according to the present invention. The mobile communication terminal device 100 can perform voice or data communication through the wireless communication network provided by the present invention, and the mobile communication terminal device 100 of the present invention for this purpose includes a browser, a program and A memory for storing a protocol, a microprocessor for executing and controlling various programs, and the like may be provided.

The mobile communication terminal device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be implemented in various forms. For example, the mobile communication terminal device 100 described in this specification may include wireless A mobile terminal to which a communication technology is applied may be used.

In particular, the mobile communication terminal device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is a terminal capable of Bluetooth communication (eg, Bluetooth 4.0, that is, Bluetooth Low Energy (hereinafter, referred to as BLE)) and WiFi connection. , a beacon signal transmitted from the beacon device 900 may be received through BLE communication, and a beacon signal produced based on WiFi may be received, so that a designated process may be performed accordingly. In addition, the designated processing can also be performed through two-way communication with Wi-Fi or other wireless APs.

Among these mobile communication terminal devices 100 , the beacon device 900 and the service device 400 provide a user terminal device, a network, and a service within a certain range for a device using the service that the manager of the service device 400 wants to provide. The device used by the person providing the service is called an administrator terminal device.

When the beacon device 900 is described, the plurality of beacon devices 900 are installed at a predetermined location for a normal beacon service and refer to a device that periodically transmits a beacon signal. In this case, the beacon signal may include beacon identification information such as unique identification information or location information allocated to the beacon device 900 , and such beacon identification information is the mobile communication terminal device 100 receiving the beacon service. become the standard

Specifically, the mobile communication terminal device 100 located within the communication coverage receives the beacon signal transmitted from the beacon device 900, and the mobile communication terminal device 100 receiving the beacon signal receives the beacon identification information extracted from the beacon signal. It transmits a service request including a service request to the service device 400 , and provides the service device 400 with service information (eg, a service page, etc.) corresponding to the beacon identification information to the mobile communication terminal device 100 . .

Beacon identification information used in such a beacon service may be a unique value of a BLE beacon including a universally unique identifier (UUID), a major/minor version, and a signal strength in the case of a BLE beacon.

The identification information of the BLE beacon generally consists of a 16-byte UUID, a 2-byte Major, and a 2-byte Minor. UUID is an identifier standard used for building software, standardized by the Open Software Foundation (OSF) as part of the Distributed Computing Environment (DCE), and is a unique identifier expressed in 32 hexadecimal digits.

In the case of a Wi-Fi beacon, the configuration of identification information may be a unique value for each Wi-Fi including a BSSID, frequency, and signal strength. BSSID (Basic Service Set Identifier) refers to a 48-bit identifier or network ID that identifies a basic service set in 802.11, a wireless local area network (LAN) standard. Usually, it means the MAC address (Media Access Control address, media access control address) of the AP device, and in the case of an Independent BSS or Ad-hoc network, the BSSID is generated as a random value.

Although BLE and Wi-Fi are exemplified, as already described, the wireless communication method of the beacon device 900 according to an embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto.

A more detailed description of the specific configuration of the beacon device 900 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described later.

The service device 400 is a component for providing a service to a user through a network, and receives a service packet requested from the mobile communication terminal device 100 and transmits the received packet to the mobile communication terminal device 100 . A response packet can be sent to Also, the beacon device 900 may be controlled through the communication network 500 .

The service device 400 may be a Web Application Server (WAS), Internet Information Server (IIS), or a well-known web server (Web Server) or cache server (Cache Server) on the Internet using Apache Tomcat or Nginx, in addition to One of the devices exemplified as devices constituting the network computing environment may be the service device 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the service device 400 supports an operating system (OS) such as Linux or Windows, and may execute the received control command. In terms of software, program modules implemented through languages such as C, C++, Java, Visual Basic, and Visual C may be included.

In addition, the service device 400 of the present invention may be connected to the mobile communication terminal device 100 for carrying out the present invention through the communication network 500, and the communication network 500 includes an Internet network, an intranet network, a mobile communication network, It refers to a network that can transmit and receive data using Internet protocols using various wired and wireless communication technologies such as satellite communication networks. In addition, the communication network 500 is combined with the service device 400 or the mobile communication terminal device 100 to store computing resources such as hardware and software. The communication network 500 is a closed network such as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), etc., and an open network such as the Internet, as well as a code division multiple access (CDMA), a wideband code division (WCDMA), etc. Multiple Access), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Evolved Packet Core (EPC), and the like, as well as next-generation networks and computing networks to be implemented in the future.

In addition, the communication network 500 of the present invention includes, for example, a plurality of access networks (not shown) and a core network (not shown), and may be configured to include an external network, for example, an Internet network (not shown). Here, the access network (not shown) is an access network for performing wired/wireless communication through the mobile communication terminal device 100 and the beacon device 900, for example, BS (Base Station), BTS (Base Transceiver Station), NodeB, It may be implemented with a plurality of base stations such as eNodeB, and a base station controller such as a base station controller (BSC) and a radio network controller (RNC). In addition, as described above, the digital signal processing unit and the wireless signal processing unit, which were integrally implemented in the base station, are divided into digital units (Digital Unit, hereinafter referred to as DU and radio unit, hereinafter referred to as RU), respectively, A plurality of RUs (not shown) may be installed in a plurality of areas, respectively, and the plurality of RUs (not shown) may be connected to a centralized DU (not shown) to be configured.

In addition, the core network (not shown) constituting the mobile network together with the access network (not shown) serves to connect the access network (not shown) and an external network, for example, an Internet network (not shown).

As described above, the core network (not shown) is a network system that performs a main function for a mobile communication service such as mobility control and switching between access networks (not shown), and performs circuit switching or packet switching (packet). switching), and manages and controls the packet flow in the mobile network. In addition, the core network (not shown) manages inter-frequency mobility, and performs a role for interworking with traffic in the access network (not shown) and the core network (not shown) and other networks, for example, the Internet network (not shown). may be Such a core network (not shown) further includes Serving GateWay (SGW), PDN GateWay (PGW), Mobile Switching Center (MSC), Home Location Register (HLR), Mobile Mobility Entity (MME) and Home Subscriber Server (HSS). It may be configured to include.

In addition, the Internet network (not shown) refers to a general public communication network, ie, a public network, through which information is exchanged according to the TCP/IP protocol, and is connected to the service providing server device 400 and from the service device 400 . The provided service may be provided to the mobile communication terminal device 100 through a core network (not shown) and an access network (not shown), and service request information transmitted from the mobile communication terminal device 100 is transmitted through an access network (not shown). and through a core network (not shown) may be provided to the service providing server device 400 . Also, by connecting the service device 400 and the mobile communication terminal device 100 , it is possible to provide a service using the beacon device 900 .

The processor mounted in each device according to the embodiment of the present invention may process a program instruction for executing the method according to the present invention. In one implementation, the processor may be a single-threaded processor, and in another implementation, the processor may be a multi-threaded processor. Furthermore, the present processor is capable of processing instructions stored in a memory or a storage device.

As described above, the entire system for performing the wireless mesh network management method according to an embodiment of the present invention has been schematically described.

Next, a mesh network structure centered on the beacon device 900 among all systems for performing the wireless mesh network management method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a mesh network structure for performing a wireless mesh network management method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2 , a mesh network structure according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a communication network 500 , a wireless AP device 600 connected thereto, and a first beacon device 200 connectable to the wireless AP device 600 and a second It may be configured as a second beacon device 300 connected to one beacon device 200 .

As described with reference to FIG. 1 , the communication network 500 refers to a network capable of transmitting and receiving data using an Internet protocol using various wired and wireless communication technologies such as an Internet network, an intranet network, a mobile communication network, and a satellite communication network. In the structure of FIG. 1, the mobile communication terminal device 100 and the service device 400 are connected to provide a service to a user or serve as a passage for an administrator to manage the network, and in the structure of FIG. 2, the service device 400 ) and the wireless AP device 600 , through which the service device 400 serves as a passage for controlling one or more beacon devices 900 .

The first beacon device 200 and the second beacon device 300 are a kind of the beacon device 900 and may be plural, and a specific structural difference will be described later.

The second beacon device 300 is under the management of the first beacon device 200 . The first beacon device 200 is connected to the wireless AP device 600 in order to be connected to a wired network. The first beacon device 200 connected to the wireless AP device 600 is not defined as a specific first beacon device 200 , and one or more first beacon devices 200 are connected to the wireless AP device 600 . It is also possible Conversely, a plurality of wireless AP devices 600 may exist to be connected to one or a plurality of first beacon devices 200 .

Each of the first beacon devices 100 does not necessarily manage only one second beacon device 200 , and may manage a plurality of second beacon devices 200 . Referring to FIG. 2 , it can be seen that the first beacon devices 200a and 200b manage two second beacon devices 300a, 300b, 300c, and 300d, respectively.

The first beacon device 200 and the second beacon device 300 may be connected through pairing and bonding. The plurality of second beacon devices 300 may be connected to the first beacon device 200 in various ways, such as a star topology or a ring topology.

In particular, in the present invention, the first beacon device 200 is connected to the second beacon device 300 through a local area network (PAN), and transmits a predetermined command message or a request message to the second beacon device 300 to the second beacon device 300 . The device 300 may be managed and controlled.

Here, one first beacon device 200 is not necessarily connected to and manages one second beacon device 300 , and one first beacon device 200 controls a plurality of second beacon devices 300 . It may be managed, and may be connected to another first beacon device 200 through a local area network (PAN).

At this time, the short-range communication method between the first beacon device 200 and the short-range communication method between the first beacon device 200 and the second beacon device 300 are configured or adopted differently from each other to implement the present invention. have.

In addition, the first beacon device 200 may be controlled by the service device 400 through the communication network 500 , and may change its own connection state according to the state of the wireless AP device 600 connected thereto. .

An upper layer and a lower layer may be divided between the first beacon device 200, where the upper layer refers to the wireless AP device 600 and the specific first beacon device 200a in the connection step in the connection step. It means the first beacon device 200b located at a stage closer than the first beacon device 200a. Conversely, if it is located at a stage farther than the specific first beacon device 200a, it is defined as belonging to a lower layer.

In addition, based on a random beacon device, a parent node is a beacon device that is connected to a random beacon device and exists in a higher layer, a beacon device that exists in a lower layer than a random beacon device is a child node; As a child node of a parent node of an arbitrary beacon device, a beacon device excluding itself among beacon devices existing in the same layer as the arbitrary beacon device is referred to as a sibling node.

In FIG. 2 , the first beacon device 200b becomes a parent node with respect to the first beacon device 200a, the first beacon device 200a becomes a child node with respect to the first beacon device 200b, and the second beacon device 200b Devices 300a and 300b may be referred to as sibling nodes to each other.

In addition, the first beacon device 200 and the second beacon device 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention transmit the authentication key and location information to the service device 400 through the wireless AP device 600 and the communication network 500 . can be transmitted

A more detailed description of each specific configuration of the first beacon device 200 and the second beacon device 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described later.

The wireless AP device 600 is connected to the first beacon device 200 so that the wirelessly connected beacon devices 900 can be connected to the communication network, and a network structure in the form of a wired network mesh can be implemented in the same structure in the wireless network. let there be

When a non-operating or malfunctioning beacon device among the plurality of beacon devices 900 occurs in such a mesh network, a user terminal located in the vicinity thereof cannot receive a beacon service.

In addition, when the wireless AP device 600 does not operate or malfunctions due to a failure or contamination, communication between the beacon device 900 and the service device 400 cannot be established, making it difficult to manage the beacon devices 900 . do.

In particular, the first beacon device 200 manages the second beacon device 300 , and a plurality of first beacon devices 200 are connected to the wireless AP device 600 , so that the wireless AP device 600 is abnormal. When this occurs, there is a problem in that it is difficult for the plurality of first beacon devices 200 connected to the wireless AP device 600 and the plurality of second beacon devices 300 connected thereto to operate normally.

As described above, the mesh network structure centered on the beacon device 900 among all systems for performing the wireless mesh network management method according to an embodiment of the present invention has been described.

Hereinafter, structures of the first beacon device 200 and the second beacon device 300 performing the wireless mesh network management method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 .

3 is a block diagram illustrating a structure of a first beacon device performing a wireless mesh network management method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3 , a first beacon device 200 performing a wireless network authentication method using a mesh network according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first communication unit 210 , a second communication unit 220 , and a storage unit 230 . ), the control unit 240 may be included.

The first communication unit 210 and the second communication unit 220 are means for receiving data from an external source and transmitting data to the external source, for example, a network interface card and a corresponding network driver interface specification (Network Driver Interface). Specification: "NDIS") may be represented as a logical combination of one or more software and/or hardware modules, such as a stack. Such a communication unit may support various communication protocols. For example, it may support various mobile communication standards such as AMPS, CDMA, GSM, W-CDMA, HSDPA, LTE, LTE-A, and the like, and may also support short-range wireless network technologies such as BLE and Zigbee. In addition, wired communication standards such as Ethernet, Home PNA, and PLC (Power Line Communication) can be supported.

In particular, in the present invention, the first communication unit 210 may be connected to the first communication unit 210 of the other first beacon device 200 , and is connected to the wireless AP device 600 to provide a service device through the communication network 500 . It is also possible to communicate with 400 .

In addition, the first communication unit 210 according to an embodiment of the present invention releases the connection with the abnormal wireless AP device 600 under the control of the controller 240 and communicates with the other wireless AP device 600 or other It may communicate with the first beacon device 200 .

Here, the first communication unit 210 preferably uses a wireless communication method such as WLAN (Wireless LAN), Wi-Fi, Wibro, Wimax, HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access), etc., It is not limited thereto, and wired communication such as Ethernet (Ethernet), xDSL (ADSL, VDSL), HFC (Hybrid Fiber Coaxial Cable), FTTC (Fiber to The Curb), FTTH (Fiber To The Home), etc. method can also be used.

The second communication unit 220 transmits and receives signals and various data for maintaining a wireless connection with the second beacon device 300 . Here, the second communication unit 220 may perform a personal area network (PAN) type communication including Bluetooth.

The storage unit 230 is configured to store data or programs executed or processed by the control unit 240 . Basically, the storage unit 230 is an operating system (OS) for booting the first beacon device 200 and operating each configuration described above, and an application program for performing the functions of the first beacon device 200 . etc. can be saved.

In particular, in the present invention, the storage unit 230 may register information about another first beacon device 200 or the second beacon device 300 in the vicinity according to the present invention. This information includes location information of each beacon device 900 . In addition, the storage unit 230 may also store information about the nearby wireless AP device (600).

Information on the beacon device 900 or the wireless AP device 600 is reserved as an alternative connectable target when a transmission failure occurs in communication with the wireless AP device 600 to which the first beacon device 200 is currently connected. It can serve as a list.

The storage unit 230 includes a hard disk, a magnetic medium such as a floppy disk and a magnetic tape, a compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM), and an optical recording medium such as a digital video disk (DVD). , magneto-optical media such as a floppy disk, and main and auxiliary storage devices such as ROM, random access memory (RAM), and flash memory. The storage unit 230 may largely include a program area and a data area.

The controller 240 is a configuration for performing overall control of the first beacon device 200 and may be implemented by including one or more processors. This processor may be a single-threaded processor, and in another implementation example, the present processor may be a multithreaded processor. Furthermore, the control unit 240 may operate by processing a command stored in the storage unit 230 through the one or more processors. In this case, the command may include, for example, an interpreted command such as a script command such as JavaScript or ECMAScript command, executable code, or other commands stored in a computer-readable medium.

In particular, in the present invention, a computer-readable recording medium in which a program for executing the wireless mesh network management method according to the present invention is recorded is stored in the storage unit 230 , and may be loaded and executed by the control unit 240 .

When the method for managing a wireless mesh network according to the present invention is executed, the control unit 240 transmits a status check message from the wireless AP device 600 at regular intervals and checks a response thereto, and the wireless AP device 600 performs a predetermined cycle. If there is no response to the abnormal state check message, it may be determined that an abnormal state has occurred in the wireless AP device 600 . In this case, the first beacon device 200 increases the transmission power, releases the connection with the wireless AP device 600 that is determined to have an abnormal state, or another normal wireless AP device 600 or the first beacon device. 1 can be controlled to be connected to the beacon device 200 .

In addition, a command for allowing the second beacon devices 300 connected thereto to connect with another first beacon device 200 may be generated and transmitted to the second beacon device 300 through the second communication unit 220 .

That is, it is possible to generate a wireless mesh network connection or disconnection command with the wireless AP device 600 or another beacon device 900 , and control the first communication unit 210 and the second communication unit 220 to perform the command. have.

Also, the location information may be transmitted to the service device 400 through the first beacon device 200 and the communication network 500 of the upper layer. However, the location information is included in the identification information of the beacon signal transmitted by the first beacon device 200 , and it is also possible to reach the service device 400 through the mobile communication terminal device 100 .

As described above, the first beacon device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention has been described.

Hereinafter, the main configuration and operation method of the second beacon device 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

4 is a block diagram illustrating a structure of a second beacon device 300 performing a wireless mesh network management method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4 , a second beacon device 300 performing a wireless network setting method using a mesh network according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a communication unit 310 , a storage unit 320 , and a control unit 330 . can be done by

The communication unit 310, like the communication unit of the first beacon device 200, is a means for receiving data from an external source and transmitting data to the external source, for example, a network interface card and a corresponding network driver interface specification (Network Driver Interface Specification: "NDIS") may be represented as a logical combination of one or more software and/or hardware modules, such as a stack.

In particular, in the present invention, the communication unit 310 periodically or aperiodically transmits/receives a signal and various data for maintaining a wireless connection with the first beacon device 200 . In addition, the location information is transmitted to the first beacon device 200 to which it is connected, and the first beacon device 200 transmits the location information to the communication network 500 through the first beacon device 200 and the wireless AP device 600 of the upper layer. to be delivered to the service device 400 through The communication unit 310 may perform personal area network (PAN) communication including Bluetooth.

The storage unit 320 is configured to store data or programs executed or processed by the control unit 330 . Basically, the storage unit 320 is an operating system (OS) for booting the second beacon device 300 and operating each configuration described above, and an application program for performing the functions of the second beacon device 300 . etc. can be saved. The storage unit 320 is a hard disk, a magnetic medium such as a floppy disk and a magnetic tape, a compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM), an optical recording medium such as a DVD (Digital Video Disk) (Optical Media) , magneto-optical media such as a floppy disk, and main and auxiliary storage devices such as ROM, random access memory (RAM), and flash memory. The storage unit 320 may largely include a program area and a data area, and stores an application program necessary for the functional operation of the second beacon device 300 . When each function is activated in response to a user's request, the second beacon device 300 executes corresponding application programs under the control of the controller 330 to provide each function.

In particular, in the present invention, the storage unit 320, like the storage unit of the first beacon device 200, other first beacon device 200 or second beacon device 300 in the vicinity according to the present invention. information can be registered. This information includes location information of each beacon device 900 , and information about a nearby wireless AP device 600 may also be stored. This information can serve as a preliminary list created as alternatively linkable objects.

The controller 330 is a configuration for performing overall control of the second beacon device 300 and may be implemented by including one or more processors. This processor may be a single-threaded processor, and in another implementation example, the present processor may be a multithreaded processor. Furthermore, the control unit 330 may operate by processing a command stored in the storage unit 320 through the one or more processors. In this case, the command may include, for example, an interpreted command such as a script command such as JavaScript or ECMAScript command, executable code, or other commands stored in a computer-readable medium.

In particular, in the present invention, a computer-readable recording medium in which a program for executing the wireless mesh network management method according to the present invention is recorded is stored in the storage unit 320 , and may be loaded and executed by the control unit 330 .

When the wireless mesh network management method according to the present invention is executed, the location information of the second beacon device 300 is transmitted to the service device 400 through the first beacon device 300 and the communication network 500 of the upper layer. can However, the location information is included in the identification information of the beacon signal transmitted by the second beacon device 300 , and it is also possible to reach the service device 400 through the mobile communication terminal device 100 .

Also, when receiving a wireless mesh network formation command from the service device 400 , the command may be executed by controlling the communication unit 310 .

In addition to the command from the service device 400, a message for changing the connection state of the wireless mesh network may be received from the first beacon device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention, whereby the currently connected first beacon device The communication unit 310 may be controlled to release the connection with the 200 and perform a connection with the other first beacon device 200 .

As described above, the second beacon device 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention has been described.

Now, a method for managing a wireless mesh network according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7 .

5 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a wireless mesh network management method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5 , there are a plurality of wireless AP devices 600a and 600b connected to a communication network, and there is one first beacon device 200a and one managed by the manager of the service device 400 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The above second beacon device 300 may be connected to a specific wireless AP device 600a to provide a beacon service.

In this process, if an abnormal state occurs in the wireless AP device 600a, communication between the first beacon device 200a and the service device 400 connected thereto may be disrupted, resulting in a problem in providing the beacon service.

According to the present invention, when such a situation occurs, the first beacon device 200a increases the transmission power by itself, thereby expanding the communicable coverage. For example, if the coverage when the wireless AP device 600a operates normally falls within a range of 200-1, when it is determined that the wireless AP device 600a is in an abnormal state, search for another wireless AP device 600b. To increase the coverage to 200-2.

If another wireless AP device 600b is discovered in the increased coverage, the first beacon device 200a disconnects from the previously connected wireless AP device 600a and requests a connection to the other wireless AP device 600b. to change the connection status.

If another device is not found even after the coverage is expanded, the step of searching for a device may be repeated while further increasing the transmission power.

In another embodiment, the first beacon device 200a may establish a connection with the first beacon device 200b other than the wireless AP device 600b. Alternatively, it is possible to control the second beacon devices 200 to increase the transmit power so that the second beacon devices 300 connected to the first beacon device 200a are connected to another first beacon device 200b, Conversely, the other discovered first beacon devices 200b may increase their transmission power to expand coverage and connect with the second beacon devices 200 .

Since it is difficult for the first beacon device 200a connected to the wireless AP device 600a having an abnormal state to transmit a control message through the service device 400, in order to expand the coverage of other devices, the first beacon device 200a directly transmits a control message. it is possible

6 is a message flow diagram illustrating a process of performing a wireless mesh network management method using a mesh network according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6 , first, the beacon device 900 periodically transmits and receives a status check message to and from the wireless AP device 600a in order to check the connection state with the connected wireless AP device 600a ( S600 ). In this process, the beacon device 900 transmits a status check message to the wireless AP device 600a, and the wireless AP device 600a responds thereto.

In this process, if the beacon device 900 does not receive a response message to the status check message transmitted from the wireless AP device 600a (S602), it may be determined that an abnormality has occurred in the wireless AP device 600a. (S604).

When it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the wireless AP device 600a connected to the beacon device 900 , the beacon device 900 increases transmission power by itself to expand the communicable coverage ( S606 ). Then, a search is performed to see if another wireless AP device 600b exists within the expanded coverage (S608). If another wireless AP device 600b exists, the connection state of the wireless mesh network is changed by disconnecting the previously connected wireless AP device 600a and requesting a connection to the newly discovered wireless AP device 600b. It may be changed (S610).

Also, if there is no other wireless AP device 600b within the expanded coverage, the step of further increasing the transmission power and searching for another wireless AP device 600b may be repeated. Alternatively, the level of the transmission power may be preset based on the maximum transmission power that the beacon device 900 can output. Thereafter, it is possible to search for another wireless AP device 600b while increasing the transmission power according to a predetermined step.

In addition, as described above, the beacon device 900 may perform a connection with a beacon device other than the wireless AP device 600b. Alternatively, it is possible to control beacon devices connected to a lower layer of the beacon device 900 to be connected to other beacon devices.

To this end, it is possible to control beacon devices connected to a lower layer of the beacon device 900 to increase their transmit power. Conversely, other discovered beacon devices increase their transmit power to expand coverage and lower the beacon device 900 . It can be connected to beacon devices connected to the layer.

7 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a beacon device 900 performing a wireless mesh network management method using a mesh network according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7 , first, the beacon device 900 periodically transmits/receives a status check message to and from the wireless AP device 600 ( S700 ). In response to the status check message transmitted by the beacon device 900 , when the wireless AP device 600 does not respond to the status check message for more than a preset period ( S702 ), the beacon device 900 transmits the status check message to the wireless AP device 600 . It is determined that an abnormality has occurred and the transmission power is increased (S704). As the transmission power increases, the communicable coverage increases, and another wireless AP device is searched for within the extended coverage (S706). If another wireless AP device is not discovered, the step of increasing the transmission power is repeated. When another wireless AP device is discovered, the beacon device 900 is connected to the other wireless AP device (S708).

If a beacon device other than the wireless AP device 600 is discovered, disconnect the beacon device 900 connected to the wireless AP device 600 in an abnormal state and connect the beacon device 900 to the other beacon device. It can be connected (S710).

Alternatively, depending on the connection state of the beacon device 900, when it is difficult to maintain a connection with a beacon device of a lower layer when connecting to another beacon device, only a beacon device of a lower layer may be connected to another beacon device, When another beacon device of , the beacon device 900 and a beacon device of a lower layer may be connected to different beacon devices from among a plurality of discovered beacon devices.

As described above, a wireless network management method using a mesh network according to an embodiment of the present invention has been described.

In this case, the program recorded on the recording medium can be read, installed, and executed by the computer to execute the above-described functions.

Here, in order for the computer to read the program recorded on the recording medium and execute the functions implemented as the program, the above-described program includes C, C++, It may include code coded in a computer language such as JAVA or machine language.

Such code may include a function code related to a function defining the above-mentioned functions, etc., and may include an execution procedure related control code necessary for the processor of the computer to execute the above-mentioned functions according to a predetermined procedure. In addition, this code may further include additional information necessary for the processor of the computer to execute the above functions or code related to memory reference for which location (address address) in the internal or external memory of the computer should be referenced. .

In addition, when the computer's processor needs to communicate with any other computer or server in a remote location in order to execute the above-mentioned functions, the code is transmitted by the computer's processor to any remote location using the computer's communication module. It may further include a communication-related code for how to communicate with other computers or servers, and what information or media to transmit and receive during communication.

A computer-readable medium suitable for storing the computer program instructions and data is, for example, a recording medium, a magnetic medium such as a hard disk, a floppy disk, and a magnetic tape, and a compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM). , an optical recording medium such as a DVD (Digital Video Disk), a magneto-optical medium such as a floppy disk, and a ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (RAM) , Random Access Memory), flash memory, EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), and includes a semiconductor memory such as EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM). The processor and memory may be supplemented by, or integrated into, special purpose logic circuitry.

In addition, the computer-readable recording medium is distributed in a computer system connected through a network, so that the computer-readable code can be stored and executed in a distributed manner. And, in consideration of the system environment of a computer that reads a recording medium and executes a program by reading a recording medium, a functional program and related codes and code segments for implementing the present invention, programmers in the technical field to which the present invention belongs may be easily inferred or changed by

Each step according to the embodiments of the present invention may be implemented as computer-executable instructions and executed by a computing system. As used herein, “computing system” is defined as one or more software modules, one or more hardware modules, or a combination thereof that operate in conjunction with the performance of operations on electronic data. For example, the definition of a computer system includes software modules, such as the operating system of a personal computer, and hardware components of the personal computer. The physical layout of the module is not important. A computer system may include one or more computers connected through a network.

Similarly, a computing system may be implemented as a single physical device in which internal modules such as memory and processors operate in concert with the performance of operations on electronic data.

That is, the apparatus for performing the wireless mesh network management method according to the present invention may be implemented to perform the above-described embodiments based on the computing system described below.

8 is a diagram illustrating an operating environment of an apparatus for performing a mesh network authentication method according to an embodiment of the present invention. That is, it is a diagram for explaining an operating environment of the service device 400 .

8 and the following description are intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitable computing environment in which the present invention may be implemented. Although not required, the invention may be described in the context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by a computer system.

Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Computer executable instructions, associated data structures, and program modules represent examples of program code means for carrying out the acts of the invention disclosed herein.

Referring to FIG. 8 , an exemplary computing system embodying the present invention connects a processing unit 11 , a system memory 12 , and various system components including the system memory 12 to the processing unit 11 . and a computing device in a form including a system bus (10).

The processing unit 11 may execute computer-executable instructions designed to implement aspects of the present invention.

The system bus 10 may be any of several types of bus structures including a local bus, a peripheral bus, and a memory bus or memory controller using any of a variety of bus architectures. The system memory 12 includes a read only memory (ROM) 12a and a random access memory (RAM) 12b. A basic input/output system (BIOS) 13a containing basic routines that help transfer information between components within the computing system, such as during startup, may be stored generally in ROM 12a.

The computing system may comprise storage means, for example a hard disk drive 15 for reading information from or writing information to, a hard disk drive 15 for reading information from or writing information to, a magnetic disk. may include a magnetic disk drive 16 for writing to, and an optical disk drive 17 for reading information from, or writing information to, an optical disk, such as, for example, a CD-ROM or other optical medium. . The hard disk drive 15 , the magnetic disk drive 16 , and the optical disk drive 17 are connected to the system by a hard disk drive interface 18 , a magnetic disk drive-interface 19 , and an optical drive interface 20 , respectively. connected to the bus 10 .

In addition, the computing system may further include an external memory 21 as a storage means. The external memory 21 may be connected to the system bus 10 through the input/output interface 24 .

The drives described above and associated computer readable media read and written by the drives provide non-volatile storage of computer executable instructions, data structures, program modules, and other data. The exemplary environments described herein illustrate hard disk 15, magnetic disk 16 and optical disk 17, but in addition to magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, DVDs, Bernoulli cartridges, RAM Other tangible computer readable media for storing data may be used, including , ROM, and the like.

an operating system (13b), one or more application programs (13c), other program modules (13d), and one or more program modules including program data (13c), which are loaded and executed by the processing unit (11) The program code means may be stored in the hard disk 15, magnetic disk 16, optical disk 17, ROM 12a or RAM 12b.

In addition, the computing system may receive commands and information from a user through other input devices 22 such as a keyboard, a pointing device, a microphone, a joystick, a game pad, a scanner, and the like. These input devices 22 may be connected to the processing unit 11 via an input/output interface 24 coupled to the system bus 10 . The input/output interface 24 is a very flexible interface such as, for example, a serial port interface, a PS/2 interface, a parallel port interface, a USB interface, an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394 interface (ie, a FireWire interface). It can logically represent any of a variety of different interfaces, or even a combination of different interfaces.

In addition, the computing system to which the present invention is applied may further include a display device 26 , such as a monitor or LCD, or an audio device 27 , such as a speaker or microphone, which are connected via the video/audio interface 25 . connected to the system bus 10 . Other peripheral output devices (not shown) may also be connected to the computer system, such as, for example, speakers and printers. The video/audio interface unit 25 may include a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), a Graphics Device Interface (GDI), or the like.

Further, a computing system embodying the present invention is connectable to networks such as, for example, office-wide or enterprise-wide computer networks, home networks, intranets, and/or the Internet. A computer system may exchange data via such a network with external sources, such as, for example, a remote computer system, a remote application, and/or a remote database.

For this purpose, the computing system to which the present invention is applied includes a network interface 27 that receives data from and/or transmits data to an external source.

In the present invention, such a computing system may transmit and receive information to and from a device located at a remote location through the network interface 27 . For example, when the computing system means the first beacon device 200 , information may be transmitted/received to and from the service device 400 through the network interface 27 . On the other hand, when the computing system refers to the service device 400 , information may be transmitted and received with the first beacon device 200 through the network interface 27 . Network interface 27 may represent a logical combination of one or more software and/or hardware modules, such as, for example, a network interface card and a corresponding Network Driver Interface Specification (“NDIS”) stack.

Likewise, the computer system receives data from, or transmits data to, an external source via input/output interface 24 . The input/output interface 24 may be coupled to a modem 23 (eg, a standard modem, cable modem, or digital subscriber line (“DSL”) modem) through which an external source may be connected. It may receive data from and/or transmit data to an external source.

8 illustrates an operating environment suitable for the present invention, the principles of the present invention may be employed in any system capable of implementing the principles of the present invention, with appropriate modifications, if necessary. The environment depicted in Figure 8 is exemplary only and does not represent a small fraction of the wide variety of environments in which the principles of the present invention may be implemented.

In addition, various information generated when the wireless network setting program of the present invention is executed may be stored and accessed in any computer-readable medium related to the computing system as shown in FIG. 8 . For example, some of these program modules and some of the associated program data may be stored in the system memory 12 by the operating system 13b, the application program 13c, the program module 13d, and/or the program data. (13e) may be included.

Also, when a mass storage device such as a hard disk is connected to the computing system, such program modules and related program data may be stored in the mass storage device. In a network environment, a program module related to the present invention or a part thereof is connected to a remote computer system connected through a modem 23 or a network interface 25 of the input/output interface 24, for example, the first beacon device 100 and a service. It may be stored in system memory associated with the computing system of device 400 and/or in a remote memory storage device, such as a mass storage device. Execution of these modules may be performed in a distributed environment as described above.

As described above, while this specification contains numerous specific implementation details, these are not to be construed as limiting as to the scope of any invention or claim, but rather may be specific to particular embodiments of a particular invention. It should be understood as a description of features. Certain features that are described herein in the context of separate embodiments may be implemented in combination in a single embodiment.

Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments, either individually or in any suitable subcombination. Furthermore, although features operate in a particular combination and may be initially depicted as claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination may in some cases be excluded from the combination, the claimed combination being a sub-combination. or a variant of a sub-combination.

Likewise, although acts are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, it should not be construed that all acts shown must be performed or that such acts must be performed in the specific order or sequential order shown in order to achieve desirable results. In certain cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Further, the separation of the various system components of the above-described embodiments should not be construed as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and the program components and systems described may generally be integrated together into a single software product or packaged into multiple software products. You have to understand that you can.

The present description sets forth the best mode of the invention, and provides examples to illustrate the invention and to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the invention. This written specification does not limit the present invention to the specific terms presented. Accordingly, although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above-described examples, those skilled in the art can make modifications, changes, and modifications to these examples without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be defined by the described embodiments, but should be defined by the claims.

The present invention relates to a method for managing a wireless mesh network, and relates to a beacon device for performing the same. The beacon device, recognizing an abnormal state of a nearby wireless AP device, increases the transmission power of the mesh network so that it can connect to another wireless AP device or a beacon device. By changing the connection state, it is possible to reduce problems caused by malfunction or hacking of beacon devices and to facilitate the management of the mesh network.

Accordingly, the network structure in the form of a wired network can be implemented in the same structure in the wireless network, thereby overcoming the limitations of the existing wireless LAN and smoothly performing the service that the service provider who operates the service device wants to provide. It can contribute to the development of the service industry, and in addition, the present invention has industrial applicability because it has sufficient potential for marketing or business, as well as a degree that can be clearly implemented in reality.

100: mobile communication terminal device
200: first beacon device
300: second beacon device
400: service device
500: network
600: wireless AP device
210: first communication unit 220: second communication unit
230, 320: storage unit 240, 330: control unit
310: communication unit

Claims (13)

A method for managing a wireless mesh network by a beacon device, the method comprising:
forming, by a first beacon device, a wireless mesh network with a first wireless AP device connected to a wired network by using a first communication unit that forms a first type short-range wireless communication channel;
confirming, by the first beacon device, disconnection from the first wireless AP device in a state in which the wireless mesh network is formed;
and expanding coverage by the first beacon device increasing transmission power according to the connection release confirmation.
According to claim 1,
searching, by the first beacon device, for a second wireless AP device connected to another wired network using the first communication unit according to the coverage extension;
and when the second wireless AP device is discovered, connecting the first beacon device to the second wireless AP device through a new first type short-range wireless communication channel using the first communication unit. How to manage a wireless mesh network with
According to claim 1,
searching, by the first beacon device, for a second beacon device connected to a second wireless AP device using another wired network according to the coverage extension;
When the second beacon device is discovered, connecting the first beacon device to the second beacon device through a second communication unit forming a second type short-range wireless communication channel; How to manage your network.
According to claim 1,
generating, by the first beacon device, a command to increase transmission power of a third beacon device of a lower layer connected based on a second communication unit forming a second type short-range communication channel according to the connection release confirmation;
and transmitting the generated command to a third beacon device of the lower layer.
5. The method of claim 4,
The step of generating the command is
searching, by the first beacon device, for a second wireless AP device connected to another wired network using the first communication unit according to the coverage extension;
If the second wireless AP device is not found, the first beacon device receives a command to increase the transmission power of the third beacon device of the lower layer connected to the first beacon device based on the second communication unit forming the second type short-range communication channel Creating a wireless mesh network management method, characterized in that it further comprises.
According to claim 1,
The step of confirming the disconnection is
periodically receiving, by the first beacon device, a status check message from the first wireless AP device connected through the first type short-range wireless communication channel;
When the first beacon device does not receive the status check message for more than a preset period, the first beacon device determines that an abnormality occurs in the first wireless AP device connected through the first type short-range wireless communication channel, and the first wireless AP Disconnecting the device and the connection through the first type short-range wireless communication channel; wireless mesh network management method comprising the.
A computer-readable recording medium in which a program for executing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is recorded.
a first communication unit for forming a first type short-range wireless communication channel with the wireless AP device;
a second communication unit forming a second type short-range wireless communication channel with another beacon device;
A wireless mesh network is formed through the first type short-range wireless communication channel based on a first wireless AP device connected to a wired network and the first communication unit, and in a state in which the wireless mesh network is formed, the first wireless AP device and a control unit that controls to expand the coverage by increasing the transmission power according to the disconnection confirmation when the disconnection of the
A beacon device comprising a.
According to claim 8, wherein the control unit,
According to the coverage extension, a second wireless AP device connected to another wired network is discovered using the first communication unit, and when the second wireless AP device is discovered, a new first type short-range wireless communication is performed based on the first communication unit A beacon device, characterized in that controlling to form a channel with the second wireless AP device.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the control unit,
When a second beacon device connected to a second wireless AP device using another wired network is discovered according to the coverage extension, controlling to form the second type short-range wireless communication channel with the second beacon device through the second communication unit Beacon device, characterized in that.
9. The method of claim 8,
The control unit is
generating a command for increasing the transmission power of the third beacon device of the lower layer connected through the second communication unit according to the connection release confirmation, and controlling to transmit the generated command to the third beacon device of the lower layer Beacon device, characterized in that.
12. The method of claim 11,
The control unit is
A second wireless AP device connected to another wired network according to the coverage extension is discovered through the first communication unit, and if the second wireless AP device is not found, a third beacon device of a lower layer connected through the second communication unit Beacon device, characterized in that the control to generate a command to increase the transmission power of the.
13. The method of claim 12,
The control unit is
Periodically receive a status check message from the first wireless AP device connected through the first communication unit, and when the status check message is not received for more than a preset period, the second wireless AP connected through the first type short-range wireless communication channel The beacon device according to claim 1, wherein the control is performed to determine the occurrence of an abnormality in the first wireless AP device and to release the connection between the first wireless AP device and the first type short-range wireless communication channel.

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