Method and system for location based configuration of a wireless access point (WAP) and an access device in a hybrid wired/wireless network

Abstract

Aspects of the invention provide a method and system for location based configuration of a wireless access point and an access device in a hybrid wired / wireless network. A method for providing location based configuration in a hybrid wired / wireless network may include identifying a location of a network device within the hybrid wired / wireless network. Configuration information corresponding to the determined location of the network device may be determined. The determined configuration information may be communicated to the networking device in order to facilitate location based configuration of the network device. The network device may include, but is not limited to, an access device, an access point and a switching device.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS / INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE[0001]This application is a continuation of copending U.S. patent application entitled “Method and system for location based configuration of a wireless access point (WAP) and an access device in a hybrid wired / wireless network” having Ser. No. 10 / 658,142, filed Sep. 9, 2003, which makes reference to, claims priority to and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 411,301 entitled “Method and System for Providing a Scalable Integrated Switch and Wireless Architecture” filed on Sep. 17, 2002; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 411,261 entitled “Communications Systems Software and Protocols” filed on Sep. 17, 2002; andU.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 433,106 entitled “Method and System for Location Based configuration of a Wireless Access Point (WAP) and an Access Device in a hybrid Wired / Wireless Network” filed on Dec. 13, 2002.[0002]The above stated applications are al...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention provides a method and system for location-based configuration of wireless access points and devices in a hybrid wired / wireless network. This allows for dynamic and on-demand configuration of network devices based on their location. The system can discover and update network devices with configuration information from databases and memories associated with access points and switching devices. It can also use RF channels and triangulation to determine the location of network devices. The technical effects of the invention include improved network efficiency, flexibility, and security.

Problems solved by technology

One major drawback is that companies that have invested in 802.11b equipment and infrastructure may not readily upgrade their network without significant expenditure.

RF interference may pose additional operational problems with 802.11b and 802.11g equipment designed to operate in the 2.4 GHz portion of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Accordingly, interference poses interference problems with the 802.11b and 802.11g standards.

Notwithstanding, the higher operating frequency of 802.11a causes more attenuation resulting in a shorter operating range at a given data rate.

This may significantly increase deployment cost since a larger number of access points are required to service a given service area.

Current networks lack an efficient method and system for configuring access devices and / or network devices within the network.

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