WO2014084716A2

WO2014084716A2 - A method for creating virtual links in a wireless mesh network

Info

Publication number: WO2014084716A2
Application number: PCT/MY2013/000208
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hafizal BIN MOHAMAD @ DIN; Azmi BIN YAACOB; Ng MING ANN; Ahmad Zaki BIN ABU BAKAR; Nordin BIN RAMLI
Original assignee: Mimos Berhad
Priority date: 2012-11-29
Filing date: 2013-11-27
Publication date: 2014-06-05
Also published as: WO2014084716A3

Abstract

The present invention relates to data communications networks more particularly a method for creating virtual links in a wireless mesh network and configuring virtual links in a virtual group of a wireless mesh network. One of the advantages of the method of the present invention is it eliminates the need to use additional hardware infrastructures for virtual channels or links in wireless mesh network and grouping them for specific service or application. Another advantage of the method of the present invention is that it allows agile network configuration based on situation and requirements by dynamically increasing the number of virtual channels or the number of virtual group. Thus, this advantage improves the scalability, security, and network management in a wireless mesh network. Furthermore, the method of the present invention provides a method to create virtual channels for mesh network having non-tagging. Thus, it reduces packet processing at access point in a wireless mesh network. The method of the present invention having one beacon for each virtual channel provides an advantage for configuring inside the beacon with secure and non¬ secure channels.

Description

A METHOD FOR CREATING VIRTUAL LINKS IN A WIRELESS MESH NETWORK

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to data communications networks more particularly a method for creating virtual links in a wireless mesh network and configuring virtual links in a virtual group of a wireless mesh network.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Network access systems are becoming increasingly important in modern society. People from around the world may now utilize networks such as the Internet to remotely exchange data, information, and ideas. Further, network access systems may be important to companies and businesses worldwide. Grouping mesh points for different services require different hardware configuration. Moreover, hardware will be required when creating different working groups. Current mesh points do not have the flexibility to dynamically create virtual channels for different group of specific service or application.

Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) generally include many of the same attributes of physical Local Area Networks (LANs), except that VLANs enable network nodes to be grouped together even when the nodes are operating in seemingly disparate and often physically separated networks. Thus, reconfiguration of VLANs often can be accomplished using software, and requires little or no reconfiguration of network hardware. Virtual LAN (VLAN) allows a network to be built, irrespective of a change in terminal location or a change in network configuration caused by an organizational change. The network management cost can be reduced, and the network load can be reduced due to a broadcast packet limitation.

However, to date most of the Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) are designed for non- mesh type of connection and require tagging for each data packet. Therefore thereis need for a method for creating virtual links in a wireless mesh network are created in a dynamic virtual local network for wireless mesh network without tagging for each data packet.Themethod for creating virtual links in a wireless mesh network of the present invention further eliminates the need to add more hardware infrastructures and dynamically increase the number of virtual channels or the number of virtual group. This method allows anagile network configuration based on situation and requirements, thus improving scalability, security, and network management. The present invention provides a considerable reduction of materials with even greater efficiency and economically during operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a method for creating virtual links in a wireless mesh network comprising determining a broadcast Service Set Identifier (SSID) and a mesh identity (MeshID) from at least one mesh access point (MAP); determining a broadcast mesh identity (MeshID) from at least one mesh point (MP); establishing a plurality of mesh links between the mesh access point (MAP) and mesh point (MP) and connected to a mesh gateway; creating a plurality of virtual mesh links between the connected mesh access point (MAP) and mesh point(MP); selecting service set identifier(SSID) by a user and establishing wireless links between the user and mesh access point (MAP); sending a frame from the user to the selected service set identifier(SSID) and forwarding the frame from mesh access point (MAP) towards the mesh gateway through corresponding mesh identity (MeshID); receiving the frame at the mesh gateway from the nearest mesh point(MP) and forwarding the frame to a switch and destination interface; receiving the transmitted frame at the switch and detecting the virtual link for destination interface; and forwarding the frame to a predetermined final destination.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the mesh point (MP) is a mesh station.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the virtual mesh links are created via one-to-one beacon configuration between the mesh access point (MAP) and mesh point (MP). In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the virtual links are created in a static virtual local area network environment for a wireless mesh network.

A method for configuring virtual links in a virtual group of a wireless mesh network comprising; determining a broadcast Service Set Identifier (SSID) and a mesh identity (MeshID) from at least one mesh access point (MAP); determining a broadcast mesh identity (MeshID) from at least one mesh point (MP); establishing a plurality of mesh links between the mesh access point (MAP) and mesh point (MP) and connected to a mesh gateway; selecting Service Set Identifier (SSID) by a user and establishing wireless links between the user and mesh access point (MAP); forwarding a request from mesh access point (MAP) to the mesh gateway; identifying user's media access control (MAC) address by determining authentication of the user and identifying the virtual links of the user; creating a new virtual link by authentication with the corresponding mesh identity (MeshID) at the mesh gateway; providing a registration for the user to the corresponding mesh identity (MeshID) at the mesh access point (MAP) and authenticating the user; sending a frame from the user to the selected Service Set Identifier (SSID) and forwarding the frame from mesh access point (MAP) towards the mesh gateway through corresponding mesh identity (MeshlD);receiving the frame at the mesh gateway from the nearest mesh point(MP) and forwarding the frame to a switch and destination interface; receiving the transmitted frame at the switch and detecting a virtual link for destination interface; and forwarding the frame to a predetermined final destination.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the mesh point (MP) is a mesh station.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the request from mess access point (MAP) to the mesh gateway is via a multiple mess access point (MAP) in a multihop.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the request from mesh access point (MAP) to the mesh gateway is via a multiple mesh access point (MAP) in a multihop. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the new virtual link is authenticated via a RADIUS server.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the new virtual link at mesh gateway is created through one-to-one beacon configuration between the mesh nodes.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the virtual links in a virtual group of a wireless mesh network are created in a dynamic virtual local network for a wireless mesh network. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the authentication of the user is determined via a RADIUS server.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. Figure 1 illustrates a diagram of virtual local area network (VLAN) for mesh networksinaccordance of an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2illustratesa diagram of static virtual local area network (VLAN) for mesh networksinaccordance of an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 illustrates a system sequence diagram of static virtual local area network (VLAN) for mesh networksinaccordance of an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 illustrates a diagram of dynamic virtual local area network (VLAN) for mesh networksinaccordance of an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 illustrates a system sequence diagram of dynamic virtual local area network (VLAN) for mesh networksinaccordance of an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 illustrates a system sequence diagram of unregistered medium access control (MAC) address in a dynamic virtual local area network (VLAN) for mesh networks in accordance of an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 illustratesa flow chart showing the operation ofstatic virtual local area network (VLAN) for mesh networksinaccordance of an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 illustrates a flow chart showing the operation ofdynamic virtual local area network (VLAN) for mesh networksinaccordance of an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION The present invention will now be described in detail in connection with specific embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Wireless networks provide unprecedented freedom and mobility for a growing number of laptop and PDA users who no longer need wires to stay connected with their workplace and the Internet. Ironically, the very devices that provide wireless service to these clients need lots of wiring themselves to connect to private networks and the Internet. This wiring is expensive to install and change, and deployment must be carefully planned and timed to minimize disruption to normal business operations. Permits or permissions may be required, and then there are the laborious tasks of pulling, terminating and testing the copper wiring or fiber optic cabling. With all the work involved, it should not be surprising that wiring can be the most expensive part of a "wireless" network. Indeed, the many obstacles associated with wiring are now preventing or delaying the deployment of wireless applications that could deliver a real competitive advantage or a high return on investmentor both. A wireless mesh network (WMN) is a communications network made up of radio nodes organized in a mesh topology. Wireless mesh networks often consist of mesh clients, mesh routers and gateways.

A virtual local area network (VLAN) is a technique for virtually classifying stations into groups independently of a physical connection form, and there are present a port based virtual local area network (VLAN) for grouping based on a port of a LAN switch, a medium access control (MAC) address based virtual local area network (VLAN) for grouping based on a MAC address of a station, a protocol based virtual local area network (VLAN) for grouping based on a protocol to be used and the like. Normally, there is desired to have a set of virtual local area network (VLAN) running in wireless mesh network. This can be done through packet tagging.

However, grouping of wireless mesh points for different set of services require different hardware configuration. More hardware will be required should we need to create different work group. Current mesh points do not have the flexibility to dynamically create virtual channels for different group of specific service or application

Thus the present invention is to create virtual channels or links in wireless mesh network and group them for specific service or application. Moreover, this will eliminate the need to add more hardware infrastructures. At the meantime, this invention is to dynamically increase the number of virtual channels or the number of virtual group. This will allow agile network configuration based on situation and requirements, thus improving scalability, security, and network management

In wireless mesh network, it consists of multiple nodes that connected wirelessly. For example in IEEE 802.11s, it consists of mesh point (MP) acting as a gateway/bridge to external networks, mesh access point (MAP) that perform the mesh relaying functions and as the access point to serve the clients.

Figure 1show the scenario of the presented invention where multiple virtual local area network(VLANs) are created with non-tagging. Multiple clients that associated with mesh access point (MAP) can be grouping into few groups based on their common services. As shown in this figure, the said groups will be connected to the next mesh access point (MAP) node wirelessly by beaconing their virtual link separately for each link. Thus, each individual virtual link will broadcast their MeshID to the next node, and no tagging is required to differentiate the packets. Thus each packet that belong to one specific group of service will be routed to the gateway

Figure 2 illustrates a diagram of static virtual local area network (VLAN) for mesh networksinaccordance of an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 shows the static virtual local area network (VLAN) creation for wireless mesh network. In the static virtual local area network (VLAN) case, all the clients that registered to virtual local area network(VLAN) groups are already known at the switch. At the MAP, each of the Service Set Identifier (SSID) is already mapped to its virtual links at the backhaul with dedicated virtual local area network (VLAN) mesh identifier (MeshID). For example SSID1 is mapped to MeshlDI , and so on. At the switch, each of VLAN has a list of clients that registered under the virtual local area network (VLAN)group. The registered client will be put into the list based on medium access control (MAC) address.

Figure 3 illustrates a system sequence diagram of static virtual local area network (VLAN) for mesh networksinaccordance of an embodiment of the present invention. The switch may include a single switch, router, or hub, or a plurality thereof, or combination of devices, for routing/switching etc. data packets within a network. As shown in this figure, each of the clients is associated with the MAP via their SSID1. Each of the virtual local area network (VLAN) identifier (ID)isprovided based on the registered clients in the list at switch. For example, it can be configured VLAN1 for the Sales, VLAN2 as for marketing and VLAN3 as for the Support group. As for the beginning, each client that registered to certain group of virtual local area network (VLAN)is associated with the mesh access point (MAP) via its Service Set Identifier (SSID) (for example SSID1 , SSID2 and SSID3 as the virtual local area network (VLAN) name)). Once mesh access point (MAP) receives the frame from SSID3 from client, it forwards the frame to mesh interface with mesh ID. For example in this figure, SSID1 is mapped into MeshlDI , SSID2 to MeshlD2, and so on. Next, MAP broadcasts the MeshID together with the password in order to establish the link among the mesh access point (MAP) and mesh point (MP) towards the gateway. Once the Mesh Gateway receives the frame with MeshlD3, it forwards it to VLAN3 interface with virtual local area network (VLAN) tagging. Once the switch receives the frame, it detects which virtual local area network (VLAN) group is belonging to base on the tagging at the frame based on the identity such as each client medium access control (MAC) address. At the switch, it has the dedicated virtual local area network (VLAN) ports. The frame is then forwarded to the specific destination based on the specific virtual local area network (VLAN) port.

Figure 4 illustrates a diagram of dynamic virtual local area network (VLAN) for mesh networksinaccordance of an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 illustrates the architecture of performing the dynamic virtual local area network(VLAN) in wireless mesh network. As it differsto previous static virtual local area network(VLAN) creation, in dynamic virtual local area network(VLAN)it has only one Service Set Identifier (SSID) interfaces with the clients. Thus, the network needs to classify the client to which virtual local area network(VLAN) groups, and create the dedicated virtual links towards the gateway, so that the data frame is sent to that final destination.

The classification of clients is done by forwarding the request frame from the client to the RADIUS server, which is located at the core network office and administrated frequently. Remote Authentication Dial In User Service (RADIUS) server is a server that run the networking protocol which provides a centralized Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA) management for clients to connect and use a network service. In the RADIUS server, there will be a variant of virtual local area network(VLAN) group with its member clients medium access control (MAC) addresses.

Figure 5 illustrates a system sequence diagram of dynamic virtual local area network (VLAN) for mesh networksinaccordance of an embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, it illustrates the method on the creation of dynamic VLAN for mesh network. The method to perform dynamic VLAN creation is similar to the static VLAN creation, except that the mesh access point (MAP) only broadcasts one Service Set Identifier (SSID) to clients. Thus, it is required that the network to detect the client virtual local area network(VLAN)'s group and create the virtual links for the dedicated virtual local area network(VLAN) group, since there is only one Service Set Identifier (SSID) interfaces with the clients.

In this dynamic VLAN creation, firstly the clients are associated to the Service Set Identifier (SSID) and a request is forwarded to create the virtual links to the RADIUS server. Remote Authentication Dial In User Service (RADIUS) server is a server that run the networking protocol which provides a centralized Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA) management for clients to connect and use a network service. In the RADIUS, it has a table of virtual local area network(VLAN) groups with its registered medium access control (MAC) address of clients. At first, there is only one backhaul link with one MeshlDexisted in the network. The request to create the link is forwarded from mesh access point (MAP) to mesh point (MP) towards the gateway. Once it receives by the switch, it connects to RADIUS server to check on which virtual local area network(VLAN) group is belonged to the requested client. For example, if the client with medium access control (MAC) address X.X.X.X is listed under VLAN 2, the RADIUS server createsanew VLAN2 which links to the switch, and instruct the mesh gateway, mesh point (MP), and mesh access point (MAP) to create the virtual links with MeshlD2. At the mesh access point (MAP), the client medium access control (MAC) address is mapped to MeshlD2. Before the link from the client towards the gateway established, the clients need to be authenticated based on the password that has been set at the RADIUS server.

Once the authentication process is completed, the client sends the data frame through the virtual links with MeshlD2 towards the gateway and switch. At the switch, the frame is forwarded to a dedicated VLAN destination via the VLAN ports created.

Thus, in this case with only one SSID, the network creates virtual links for each dedicated VLAN groups defined by the RADIUS server. Figure 6 illustrates a system sequence diagram of unregistered medium access control (MAC) address in a dynamic virtual local area network (VLAN) for mesh networks in accordance of an embodiment of the present invention. In the case of unregistered client medium access control (MAC) address in the dynamic virtual local area network (VLAN) creation, the network creates a dedicated non-secure link for this client (as general name to group as the GUEST). The process is similar to method as explained in the dynamic virtual local area network (VLAN) creation for wireless mesh network with registered client, except that the client medium access control (MAC) address is not registered in the RADIUS (in other word, it does not belong to any virtual local area network (VLAN) group). As explained earlier, from client point of view, it is only one Service Set Identifier (SSID) broadcasted, thus it requires to connect to this SSID in order to get connected to internet.ln this case, the RADIUS server assigns the client to guest VLAN, and creates the virtual links towards to the client.

This invention is described based on the IEEE802.1 1s standard; however this invention is not limited to only this standard, and can be applied to any network that perform the multi- hopping from one node to another.

Figure 7illustrates a flow chart showing the operation of static virtual local area network (VLAN) for mesh networksof the present invention. A method for creating virtual links in a wireless mesh network created in a static virtual local area network environment for a wireless mesh network, comprising firstly by determined a broadcast Service Set Identifier (SSID) and a mesh identity (MeshID) from at least one mesh access point (MAP). This followed by determining a broadcast mesh identity (MeshID) from at least one mesh point (MP). A plurality of mesh links between the mesh access point (MAP) and mesh point (MP) are established and connected to a mesh gateway. Subsequently, a plurality of virtual mesh links are created between the connected mesh access point (MAP) and mesh point (MP).A user at this stage selects a Service Set Identifier (SSID) and establishes wireless links between the user and mesh access point (MAP). This is followed by a frame is sent from the user to the selected Service Set Identifier (SSID) and forwarded the frame from mesh access point (MAP) towards the mesh gateway through corresponding mesh identity (MeshID). Upon receiving the frame at the mesh gateway from the nearest mesh point (MP), the frame is forwarded to a switch and destination interface. The switch is then received the transmitted frame and detects the virtual link for destination interfaces. Finally, the frame is forwarded to a predetermined final destination via the interface (port) at the switch. The mesh point (MP) of the present invention is a mesh station. In one of the embodiment of the present invention, the virtual mesh links are created via one-to-one beacon configuration between the mess access point (MAP) and mesh point (MP).

Figure 8 illustrates a flow chart showing the operation of dynamic virtual local area network (VLAN) for mesh networks of the present invention. A method for configuring virtual links in a virtual group of a wireless mesh network created in a dynamic virtual local network for a wireless mesh network begins with a broadcast Service Set Identifier (SSID) and a mesh identity (MeshID) are determined from at least one mesh access point (MAP). This is followed by determination of a broadcast mesh identity (MeshID) from at least one mesh point (MP). A plurality of mesh links established between the mesh access point (MAP) and mesh point (MP) and connected to a mesh gateway. A Service Set Identifier (SSID) is then selected by a user and wireless links between the user and mesh access point (MAP) areestablished. Subsequently, a request from mesh access point (MAP) is forwarded to the mesh gateway. User's media access control (MAC) address is identified by determining authentication of the user and identifying the virtual links of the user. A new virtual link is created by authentication with the corresponding mesh identity (MeshID) at the mesh gateway. The new virtual link is authenticated via a RADIUSserver.The new virtual link at mesh gateway is created through one-to-one beacon configuration between the mesh nodes. A registration for the user is provided to the corresponding mesh identity (MeshID) at the mess access point (MAP) and authenticating the user. The authentication of the user is determined via a RADIUSserver. A frame is then sent from the user to the selected Service Set Identifier (SSID) and the frame is forwarded from mesh access point (MAP) towards the mesh gateway through corresponding mesh identity (MeshID). Subsequently, the frame at the mesh gateway is received from the nearest mesh point (MP) and the frame is forwarded to a switch and destination interface. The transmitted frame is received at the switch and a virtual link for destination interfaces detected. Finally, the frame is forwarded to a predetermined final destination. Themesh point (MP) of the present invention is a mesh station. In one of the embodiment of the present invention, the request from mesh access point (MAP) to the mesh gateway is via a multiple mesh access point (MAP) in a multihop.

One of the advantages of the method of the present invention is it eliminates the need to use additional hardware infrastructures for virtual channels or links in wireless mesh network and grouping them for specific service or application. Another advantage of the methodof the W

11 present invention is that it allows agile network configuration based on situation and requirements by dynamically increasing the number of virtual channels or the number of virtual group. Thus.this advantage improves the scalability, security, and network management in a wireless mesh network. Furthermore, the method of the present invention provides a method to create virtual channels for mesh network having non-tagging. Thus, it reduces packet processing at access point in a wireless mesh network. The method of the present invention having one beacon for each virtual channel provides an advantage for configuring inside the beacon with secure and non-secure channels. The method of the present invention also provides smooth mesh forwarding between mesh points i.e. multihop and seamless forwarding.

The present invention may be implemented as a computer program product for use with the method and apparatus described herein. Such implementation may include a series of instructions fixed on a tangible medium, such as a computer readable media (including, a diskette, CD-ROM, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or fixed disk, or other memory devices), or fixed in a computer data signal transmittable or downloadable via a modem, data network or other interface device, such as a communications adapter connected to a network over a medium. The medium may be wireline, wireless, optical, microwave, or other medium. The series of instructions embodies all or a portion of the functionality described herein with respect to the method and apparatus. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that such instructions may be written in a number of programming languages for use with many computer architectures, operating systems, and/or components.

The foregoing embodiment and advantages are merely exemplary and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention. The description of the embodiments of the present invention is intended to be illustrative and not to limit the scope of the claims and many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A method for creating virtual links in a wireless mesh network comprising: determining a broadcast service set identifier (SSID) and a mesh identity (MeshID) from at least one mesh access point (MAP); determining a broadcast mesh identity(MeshlD) from at least one mesh point (MP); establishing a plurality of mesh links between the mess access point (MAP) and mesh point (MP) and connected to a mesh gateway; creating a plurality of virtual mesh links between the connected mess access point (MAP) and mesh point(MP); selecting service set identifier (SSID) by a user and establishing wireless links between the user and mess access point (MAP); sending a frame from the user to the selected service set identifier (SSID) and forwarding the frame from mess access point (MAP) towards the mesh gateway through corresponding mesh identity (MeshID); receiving the frame at the mesh gateway from the nearest mesh point(MP) and forwarding the frame to a switch and destination interface; receiving the transmitted frame at the switch and detecting the virtual link for destination interface; and forwarding the frame to a predetermined final destination.

2. The method as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the mesh point (MP) is a mesh station.

3. The method as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the virtual mesh links are created via one- to-one beacon configuration between the mess access point (MAP) and mesh point (MP). O 2014/084716

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4. The method as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the virtual links are created in a static virtual local area network environment for a wireless mesh network.

5. A method for configuring virtual links in a virtual group of a wireless mesh network comprising; determining a broadcast service set identifier (SSID) and a mesh identity (MeshID) from at least one mesh access point (MAP); determining a broadcast mesh identity (MeshID) from at least one mesh point (MP); establishing a plurality of mesh links between the mess access point (MAP) and mesh point (MP) and connected to a mesh gateway; selectingservice set identifier (SSID) by a user and establishing wireless links between the user and mess access point (MAP); forwarding a request from mess access point (MAP) to the mesh gateway; identifyinguser'smedia access control (MAC) address by determining authentication of the user and identifying the virtual links of the user; creating a new virtual link by authentication with the corresponding mesh identity (MeshlD)at the mesh gateway; providing a registration for the user to the corresponding mesh identity (MeshID) at the mess access point (MAP) and authenticating the user; sending a frame from the user to the selected service set identifier (SSID) and forwarding the frame from mess access point (MAP) towards the mesh gateway through corresponding mesh identity (MeshID); receiving the frame at the mesh gateway from the nearest mesh point(MP) and forwarding the frame to a switch and destination interface; 14 receiving the transmitted frame at the switch and detecting a virtual link for destination interface; and forwarding the frame to a predetermined final destination.

6. The method as claimed in Claim 5 wherein the mesh point (MP) is a mesh station.

7. The method as claimed in Claim 5 wherein the request from mess access point (MAP) to the mesh gateway is via a multiple mess access point (MAP) in a multihop.

8. The method as claimed in Claim 5 wherein the new virtual link is authenticated via a radius server.

9. The method as claimed in Claim 5 wherein the new virtual link at mesh gateway is created through one-to-one beacon configuration between the mesh nodes.

10. The method as claimed in Claim 5 wherein the virtual links in a virtual group of a wireless mesh network are created in a dynamic virtual local network for a wireless mesh network.

11. The method as claimed in Claim 5 wherein the authentication of the user is determined via a radius server.