Diagnosis of embedded, wireless mesh networks with real-time, flexible, location-specific signaling

摘要

A system for optimizing the security of data communication on wireless mesh networks invention uses existing mesh network nodes to control new nodes that attempt to join the network. In a preferred embodiment, this is achieved by (1) testing that a new node is “clean” before allowing it to join the wireless mesh network by scanning the new node for viruses, checking for security patches, etc., (2) quarantining an “infected” node from joining the wireless mesh network until it is cleaned, (3) signaling other nodes in the existing mesh network that a node is either “infected” or “clean”, (4) cleaning a new node by supplying it with antivirus software, vendor patches, etc. from nearby nodes in the existing wireless mesh network, (5) updating the wireless mesh network in real time with a list of clean and infected nodes, and (6) performing the above steps without the need for a central, controlling server.