Seamless supervision access point update that preserves continuous client connectivity

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for ensuring client device connectivity in a deployment according to regulatory updates affecting channel usage or availability. An access point, AP, or AP controller can obtain a list of channels supported by clients and detect, in a network device, the presence of a regulatory update affecting channel usage. The list of channels supported by the AP is compared to the list of channels supported by the clients and a determination is made as to which client devices associated with the AP do not support a channel usage change resulting from the regulatory update. Based on a density of APs deployed and the determination as to which client devices do not support the channel usage change, the allocation of channels of the list of channels supported by the AP among one or more radios of the APs in the deployment is controlled.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) infrastructure elements or components in a network provide services to WLAN devices. Specifically, a network typically has one or more controllers, each supporting multiple access points (APs) deployed within or across an area or enterprise. It operates according to the IEEE 802.11 standard. A network is an example of such a network. For example, wireless network communication devices (also called station or client devices), such as personal computers and mobile phones, are examples of this. APs and cellular network APs transmit data over wireless digital networks.

[0002] Wireless communication occurs on the radio spectrum, which is a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum with frequencies from 0 Hz to 3 THz. To prevent interference between different users, systems, and networks, the generation and transmission of radio frequency signals are typically regulated by national laws, which are then coordinated by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The ITU allocates different portions of the radio spectrum to different industries or technologies, such as broadcasting stations and cellular communication operators.

[0003] When regulations change, network components such as access points (APs) need to be updated to comply with those changes. For example, regulations regarding which parts of the radio spectrum can be used may change, allowing... The AP operates on a new portion of the previously restricted radio spectrum. Typically, each regulatory change requires implementation or execution, for example, by distributing appropriate upgrade data / information / configuration to customers through software upgrades. However, this approach to handling regulatory changes can be cumbersome because each change needs to be patched into multiple maintenance releases. Attached Figure Description

[0004] This disclosure is described in detail with reference to the following accompanying drawings, according to one or more different embodiments. The drawings provided are for illustrative purposes only and depict only typical or exemplary embodiments.

[0005] Figure 1 An example of a network configuration in which the disclosed techniques can be implemented is shown.

[0006] Figure 2A Example access points in which various embodiments can be implemented are shown.

[0007] Figure 2B It shows Figure 2A Example of a multi-radio configuration for an access point.

[0008] Figure 3This is a block diagram of an example computing component or device used to maintain client connectivity in response to regulatory changes, based on an example of the disclosed technology.

[0009] Figure 4 An example deployment of the access point is shown.

[0010] Figure 5 A block diagram of an example computer system in which the various examples described herein can be implemented is shown.

[0011] These accompanying drawings are not exhaustive and do not limit this disclosure to the exact form disclosed. Detailed Implementation

[0012] As mentioned above, APs may need to be upgraded due to regulatory changes. Such upgrades may require updating the AP's regulatory data / information, such as the AP's regulatory documents. In some systems / networks, a feature is provided where this regulatory information can be distributed in a separate file, which can be downloaded to a controller such as the AP controller (or other centrally managed logic running on hardware-based / virtual devices), or to the AP itself, without requiring an upgrade to the AP's software / software version. That is, when regulations change, the relevant information can be encapsulated in a file for distribution. This file, which may be called a Regulatory Certificate, can contain the AP's regulatory information and can be published periodically, for example, at customer support sites. The Regulatory Certificate file can then be uploaded directly to the AP or to (multiple) AP controllers and then pushed to the deployed APs.

[0013] While APs can be easily upgraded (as described above), the client devices (also known as clients or stations (STAs)) associated with these APs are not so easily configured (or reconfigured) to operate in response to (multiple) regulatory changes. For example, different... Chip vendors may release proprietary software drivers that can be used by client devices. Such client devices may also be operated or managed by different entities. For example, some client devices may be personal devices, while others may be managed by different corporate entities, and so on.

[0014] Therefore, from the perspective of client devices, traditional technologies struggle to adapt to regulatory changes. If client devices cannot be upgraded or configured / reconfigured to accommodate any new regulatory changes—for example, adding already available channels to a specific portion of the radio spectrum—then these client devices will be unable to find any usable APs if the AP has already been upgraded / reconfigured according to the new regulatory changes. In other words, client devices that can support new regulatory changes (e.g., can support newly added channels) can coexist with those that cannot support (or may not yet support) the new regulatory changes.

[0015] Therefore, the disclosed technical examples address computer-implemented solutions to technical problems involving coverage or service vulnerabilities in wireless communication networks or deployments. If, based on a comparison between the channels supported by the AP (more specifically, one or more radios of the AP) and the channels supported by the client devices, it is determined that some AP-supported channels are not supported by the client devices, then those unsupported channels are selectively deployed. That is, new channels (new channels resulting from regulatory updates or changes) are deployed only when there is a sufficiently large (threshold) number of client devices associated with the AP and can support the new channels.

[0016] Because client devices capable of supporting new channels and those that cannot can coexist in the same network or deployment, or be associated with the same or adjacent APs, selective channel deployment is based on AP density. As used herein, the term AP density can generally refer to the number of APs in a given area, and more specifically, to a measure indicating or reflecting the number of APs capable of listening to each other (e.g., receiving beacons or other signals transmitted by another AP, typically an adjacent AP). If the AP density in a particular network or deployment is neither too high nor too low, channels (both old and new channels) are evenly distributed across the APs' radios within the network or deployment. In this way, there are enough radios to support both old and new channels, resulting from regulatory updates to the corresponding client devices. However, if the AP density is low (relative to a minimum threshold), only those channels that existed before the regulatory update can be deployed. On the other hand, if the AP density in a particular network or deployment is high (relative to a maximum threshold), both old and new channels are allocated as a function of the number (or percentage) of client devices that do not support the new channel. In this way, the operation of a network or AP deployment in one or more networks can be optimized based on the capabilities of the client devices using the AP in the network / deployment.

[0017] Recently developed access points (APs) may include multi-band radios, such as dual-band simultaneous radios that can work with, for example, eight radio chains in the 5 GHz band and four radio chains in the 2.4 GHz band. For example, in operation, the 5 GHz radio may be converted into two logical radios, each with four radio chains. Channel switching can be prompted by, for example, radar detection, or when channel utilization exceeds acceptable limits, or, as described above, in response to some regulatory change(s) affecting channel use or allocation. When a channel switch has been initiated, the AP's radios may send a Channel Switching Announcement Message Element (CSA IE) in their beacons and then switch to the new channel. If, for some reason, the AP's radios cannot switch to the new channel, for example, radar is detected during a scan time that conforms to a Channel Availability Check (CAC), the radios may abandon scanning that channel and may scan another channel. It should be noted that the examples disclosed in this disclosure are not necessarily limited to multi-radio modes such as 7+1 or 4+3+1 patterns. For example, some contemplated embodiments may include isolating more than one radio chain, where multiple isolated radio chains may be configured to operate on the same channel. Generally speaking, a radio can be divided into any number of radio chains, the sum of which equals the original number of radios.

[0018] Furthermore, some access points (APs) can be switched or configured to operate according to a dual-radio or tri-radio mode. For example, an AP can be configured to operate using either a logical or physical radio, such as a 2.4 GHz radio and two 5 GHz radios. That is, network devices such as APs can use radio chains to send and / or receive information over the network. As used herein, the term "radio chain" can refer to hardware capable of transmitting and / or receiving information via radio signals. Wireless client devices and / or other wireless devices can use multiple radio chains to communicate with network devices over a communication channel. As used herein, the term "communication channel" (or channel) can refer to a frequency or frequency range used by network devices to transmit (e.g., send and / or receive) information. Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) network devices can use multiple radio chains to send and / or receive information. A radio chain can include two antennas, such as a horizontal antenna and a vertical antenna, among other possibilities. As used herein, the term "antenna" refers to a device that converts electrical energy into radio waves and / or vice versa.

[0019] It should be noted that, according to the 802.11 standard, a service set or extended service set (ES) can refer to a group of wireless network devices identified by the same Service Set Identifier (SSID) or "network name". A basic service set (BSS) can refer to a subgroup of devices that have a service set that operates within the same physical layer media access characteristics (e.g., RF, modulation scheme, security settings, etc.) in addition to operating on the same Layer 2 networking parameters to form a logical network, enabling them to be wirelessly networked. Therefore, in an enterprise WLAN network, multiple BSSs can be controlled, allowing network devices to be clustered in different BSS networks.

[0020] By selectively allocating channels, based on regulatory updates issued to the network / deployment, interruptions or service disruptions in client device connectivity can be mitigated or completely avoided. It should be understood that BSS operation may include the transmission / reception of data frames and non-data frames between the AP and its clients using multiple radio links on the AP and clients.

[0021] It should be noted that the terms “optimization” and “best” used herein can be used to describe achieving or realizing performance as efficiently or perfectly as possible. However, as those skilled in the art who are reading this document will recognize, perfection is not always achievable. Therefore, these terms can also include achieving or realizing performance as well as efficiently or practically as possible under given conditions, or achieving or realizing performance better than that achievable using other settings or parameters.

[0022] Before describing in detail embodiments of the disclosed systems and methods, it is useful to describe example network installations that can implement these systems and methods in various applications. Figure 1 An example of a network configuration or deployment 100 that can be implemented for an organization, such as a business, educational institution, government entity, healthcare facility, or other organization, is shown. The diagram illustrates an example of a configuration implemented using an organization with multiple users (or at least multiple client devices 110) and possibly multiple physical or geographic sites 102, 132, 142. Network configuration 100 may include a master site 102 communicating with network 120. Network configuration 100 may also include one or more remote sites 132, 142 communicating with network 120.

[0023] The main site 102 may include a main network, which may be, for example, an office network, a home network, or other network setup. The main site 102 network may be a private network, for example, a network that may include security and access controls to restrict access to authorized users of the private network. Authorized users may include, for example, employees of a company located at the main site 102, residents of a residence, customers of the business, etc.

[0024] In the example shown, master site 102 includes controller 104 that communicates with network 120. While some examples described herein may be specific to an AP controller, in general, a controller can be any kind of centralized management logic running on a hardware-based or virtual device. Controller 104 may provide communication between master site 102 and network 120, although it may not be the only communication point between master site 102 and network 120. A single controller 104 is shown, although a master site may include multiple controllers and / or multiple communication points with network 120. In some embodiments, controller 104 communicates with network 120 via a router (not shown). In other embodiments, controller 104 provides router functionality to devices in master site 102.

[0025] Controller 104 can operate to configure and manage network devices such as those at master site 102, and can also manage network devices at remote sites 132, 134. Controller 104 can operate to configure and / or manage switches, routers, access points, and / or client devices connected to the network. Controller 104 itself can be an access point or provide access point functionality. As will be discussed in more detail below, for example, a controller, such as controller 104, can be configured to evaluate AP density and perform channel allocation or allocation / deployment based on the capabilities of client devices in a network or deployment such as master site 102. In other examples, the APs themselves (e.g., APs 106a, 106b, and 106c) can perform AP density evaluation, determine client channel capabilities, and deploy channels appropriately. Similarly, AP density metrics in a network or deployment can be used as a basis for selectively deploying channels and allocating channel usage across one or more AP radios. Alternatively, the APs can perform the same / similar functions to determine AP density, client device channel capabilities, and manage channel allocation among AP radios.

[0026] Controller 104 can communicate with one or more switches 108 and / or wireless access points (APs) 106a-c. Switches 108 and APs 106a-c provide network connectivity to various client devices 110a-j. Using the connection to switch 108 or AP 106a-c, client devices 110a-j can access network resources, including the (main site 102) network and other devices on network 120.

[0027] Examples of client devices may include: desktop computers, laptop computers, servers, web servers, authentication servers, authentication-authorization-accounting (AAA) servers, domain name system (DNS) servers, dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) servers, internet protocol (IP) servers, virtual private network (VPN) servers, network policy servers, mainframes, tablet computers, e-readers, netbook computers, televisions and similar monitors (e.g., smart TVs), content receivers, set-top boxes, personal digital assistants (PDAs), mobile phones, smartphones, smart terminals, dumb terminals, virtual terminals, video game consoles, virtual assistants, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, etc.

[0028] Within the main site 102, a switch 108 is included as an example of an access point to the network established by a wired client device 110i-j within the main site 102. Client device 110i-j can connect to switch 108 and, through switch 108, can access other devices within network configuration 100. Client device 110i-j can also access network 120 through switch 108. Client device 110i-j can communicate with switch 108 via a wired connection 112. In the example shown, switch 108 communicates with controller 104 via a wired connection 112, although this connection could also be wireless.

[0029] AP 106a-c is included as another example of an access point for client devices 110a-h to the network established in main site 102. Each AP in AP 106a-c can be a combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware configured to provide wireless network connectivity to wireless client devices 110a-h. In the example shown, AP 106a-c can be managed and configured by controller 104. AP 106a-c communicates with controller 104 and the network via connection 112, which can be a wired or wireless interface.

[0030] Network 120 may be a public or private network, such as the Internet, or other communication networks that allow connectivity between various sites 102, 130 to 142 and access to servers 160a-b. Network 120 may include third-party telecommunications lines, such as telephone lines, broadcast coaxial cables, fiber optic cables, satellite communications, cellular communications, etc. Network 120 may include any number of intermediate network devices, such as switches, routers, gateways, servers, and / or controllers, which are not directly part of network configuration 100, but facilitate communication between the various parts of network configuration 100 and between network configuration 100 and other network-connected entities.

[0031] Figure 2A Example AP 200 is shown, which can be Figure 1 This describes an embodiment of an AP (e.g., AP 106a-c). An AP can refer to a network device that allows wireless client devices to connect to a wired or wireless network, and is not necessarily limited to an IEEE 802.11-based AP. An AP may include processing resources (e.g., processor 210), memory (e.g., memory 212), and / or input / output interfaces (not shown), including wired network interfaces such as IEEE 802.3 Ethernet interfaces, and interfaces such as IEEE 802.11... Wireless network interfaces, although examples in this disclosure are not limited to these interfaces.

[0032] AP 200 may include multiple antennas. AP 200 may include a radio 202, which may be a 5 GHz radio, including eight radio chains 204-1, 204-2, 204-3, 204-4…, 204-8. Each radio chain includes two antennas (204-1a, 204-1b, 204-2a, 204-2b, 204-3a, 204-3b, 204-4a, 204-4b…, 204-8a, 204-8b). For example, among other possibilities, each radio chain may include a horizontal antenna and a vertical antenna. Each radio chain can be used for both transmitting and receiving data. It should be understood that the examples in this disclosure are not limited thereto. AP 200 may also include another radio 206, which may be a 2.4 GHz radio, including four radio chains 208-1, 208-2, 208-3, 208-4. Similar to radio chains 204-1…204-8, each radio chain 208-1…, 208-4 may include two (vertical and horizontal) antennas (208-1a, 208-1b…, 208-4a, 208-4b). Although not explicitly stated in the examples provided for clarity and to avoid obscuring the scope of this disclosure... Figure 2A As shown, however, each radio chain can be connected to multiple antennas via a radio frequency (RF) switch.

[0033] In some examples, such as Figure 2BAs shown, the eight 5GHz radio chains, i.e., radio 202, can be converted into two radios (202-1 and 202-2) at runtime, each operating simultaneously with four radio chains (204-1 to 204-4, and 204-5 to 204-8). Therefore, AP 200 can operate using simultaneous triple radio operation, i.e., two 5GHz radios (radio 202 divided into radios 202-1 and 202-2, and a single 2.4GHz radio, i.e., radio 206). For example, radio 202-1 can be dedicated to the first communication channel 201 in the first communication channel group, and radio 202-2 can be dedicated to the second communication channel 203 in the second communication channel group.

[0034] According to various embodiments, regardless of whether AP 200 operates using radio 202 as a single radio or as two radios 202-1 and 202-2, one of the radio chains can be isolated and used for scanning on different channels (as described in more detail below). That is, AP 200 can operate in a 7+1 mode, where 7 of the 8 radio chains are used for BSS operation, and the remaining radio chains are used for scanning on different channels. For example, radio chain 204-1 can be isolated and dedicated to scanning on different channels, leaving radio chains 204-2, 204-3, ..., 204-8 for BSS operation. Therefore, it can be said that AP 200 operates in a 7+1 mode. For example, radio chain 204-1 can be isolated and dedicated to scanning on different channels. Therefore, radio 202-1 can be used for BSS operation using radio chains 204-2, 204-3, and 204-4, and radio 202-2 can be used for BSS operation using radio chains 204-5, 204-6, 204-7, and 204-8. Thus, it can be said that AP 200 operates in a 4+3+1 mode.

[0035] As described above, in some examples, the communication frequency band may be the 5.0 GHz UNII band. Communication channels (and midpoint frequencies) operating on the 5 GHz communication band may include 36 (5.180 GHz), 40 (5.200 GHz), 44 (5.220 GHz), and 149 (5.745 GHz), etc. In these examples, AP 200 may provide network connectivity to wireless client device 206-1 on communication channel 201 (e.g., communication channel 36), which is included in a first communication channel group and is distinct from another communication channel 203 (e.g., communication channel 44) included in a second communication channel group, which provides network connectivity to different wireless client devices such as wireless client device 206-N. That is, communication channel 201 is a communication channel distinct from communication channel 203. Although shown as a separate communication channel, it is understood that the first and / or second communication channel groups may include multiple communication channels.

[0036] In some examples, a first communication channel group may include multiple communication channels, each of which will operate on a communication frequency band (e.g., the 5.0 GHz UNII band) and according to a specific wireless specification (e.g., 802.11ax). For example, by operating according to a specific specification such as IEEE 802.11ax, each communication channel in the first communication channel group may employ OFDMA, spatial reuse, uplink multiple-user multiple-input multiple-output (UL MU-MIMO), and / or combinations thereof. By extension, in such examples, a wireless client device capable of conforming to a specific wireless specification may have the capability to employ OFDMA, spatial reuse, UL MU-MIMO, and / or combinations thereof.

[0037] It should be understood that in some network setups, the AP's (multiple) radios, such as AP1-6, 136, 146, etc. Figure 1 ) or AP200 Figure 2A , 2BOne of the options can be configured to provide and maintain network connectivity for one or more client devices associated with (multiple) radios and authenticated by the AP via a first channel (referred to as its "home channel"). The allocation of the home channel can be determined using a network-wide algorithm. At different scheduled times, the AP is configured to operate in monitoring mode to scan one or more other channels, referred to as its "foreign channels," to obtain status information from neighboring APs. The AP may attempt to sample the channel utilization (derived from observed noise lower limits and interference on the channels) on all the channels it has scanned. If the radio's home channel is a Dynamic Frequency Scan (DFS) channel and a radar signal is detected on it, the radio will switch to the best available channel based on its own analysis without intervention from the home channel allocation algorithm. This process will also be followed if the channel utilization on the current home channel deteriorates beyond an acceptable level.

[0038] Therefore, based on the aforementioned channel utilization sampling, the AP (or controller) can maintain a sorted list of channels to which the radio can migrate. For example, such a sorted list can be stored and maintained in the memory 212 of the AP 200. Figure 2A , Figure 2B This channel list can be updated based on one or more regulatory updates that may affect the operation or use of certain channels, or additional channels can be added (or removed) for use by client devices associated with the AP (such as one or more client devices from client devices 206-1 to 206-N). For example, although... Figure 2A and Figure 2B The AP 200 shown is capable of operating in the 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz ranges, but regulatory updates may involve adding one or more channels in the 6 GHz range of the radio spectrum. That is, radio 202-2 may, for example, be configurable to operate on channels in the 6 GHz range based on regulatory changes or updates, such as channels 5 (5.975 GHz), 21 (6.055 GHz), 37 (6.135 GHz), etc. For example, a regulatory change / update could be a change / update that allows consumers to use a portion of the 6 GHz radio spectrum for wireless communication.

[0039] If a client device (e.g., client device 206-1) does not support any 6GHz channel, it will not be able to find and communicate with any APs that have migrated to the 6GHz channel. That is, if radio 202-2 of AP 200 migrates to the 6GHz channel, radio 202-2 can begin transmitting beacons indicating its use of the 6GHz channel. If client device 206-1 cannot be updated / configured to operate on the 6GHz channel, it will not detect or discover radio 202-2 of AP 200 when client device 206-1 attempts to scan for APs. Depending on which other APs or AP radios client device 206-1 may be able to discover and utilize to meet its communication needs, the failure to detect certain APs or AP radios may result in a potential loss of coverage or service for client device 206-1.

[0040] Based on some examples, regulatory updates can allow new channels to be deployed when they become available for a given location, region, municipality, etc. However, examples of the disclosed techniques selectively allocate new channels (although new / newer channels typically have less interference associated with their use). In some examples, new channels are deployed only if a sufficiently large number of client devices in the ESS (e.g., more than a given threshold) support (multiple) the new channel. This helps ensure that, if not, a valid channel is not yet available to enough client devices, such a channel is not deployed until there are enough client devices that can use and benefit from its use. Furthermore, backward or legacy regulatory compatibility can be maintained for any client (old and already associated with an AP or new and attempting to associate with an AP) at a specific location or region.

[0041] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of an example computing component or device 300 for allocating channels based on regulatory changes or updates. Computing component 300 can be, for example, a server computer, a controller, or any other similar computing component capable of processing data. Figure 3 In an example implementation, computing component 300 includes a hardware processor 302 and a machine-readable storage medium 304. In some embodiments, computing component 300 may be an embodiment of an AP processor or an AP controller, such as processor 210 of AP 200 or AP controller 104.

[0042] Hardware processor 302 may be one or more central processing units (CPUs), semiconductor-based microprocessors, and / or other hardware devices suitable for retrieving and executing instructions stored in machine-readable storage medium 304. Hardware processor 302 may fetch, decode, and execute instructions, such as instructions 306-312. As an alternative to or supplement to retrieving and executing instructions, hardware processor 302 may include one or more electronic circuits that include electronic components for the function of executing one or more instructions, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or other electronic circuits.

[0043] Machine-readable storage media, such as machine-readable storage media 304, can be any electrical, magnetic, optical, or other physical storage device that contains or stores executable instructions. Therefore, machine-readable storage media 304 can be, for example, random access memory (RAM), non-volatile RAM (NVRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), storage devices, optical discs, etc. In some embodiments, machine-readable storage media 304 can be a non-transient storage medium, wherein the term "non-transient" excludes transient propagation signals. As described in detail below, machine-readable storage media 304 can be encoded with executable instructions, such as instructions 306-312. The memory 212 of AP 200 (or the memory of controller 104) can be an example of such a machine-readable storage medium.

[0044] Hardware processor 302 can execute instruction 306 to obtain a list of channels supported by the client. As mentioned above, this can be done in memory 212 of, for example, AP 200. Figure 2A , Figure 2B The AP stores and maintains a list of channels that can be used by the AP, i.e., the AP's (multiple) radios. This list of channels can be updated based on one or more regulatory updates that may affect the operation or use of certain channels, or additional channels can be added (or removed) for use by client devices associated with the AP, such as one or more client devices from client devices 206-1 to 206-N.

[0045] The list of channels supported by the client can serve as a current baseline of the channels available to a particular client device for its communication needs. In some examples, the list of channels supported by the client may include all channels on which the client device has sent probe requests. That is, the client device typically performs a channel scan to determine if a suitable AP that the client device can associate with is available. During an active scan, the client device may send probe requests and listen for probe responses from the AP. The AP or AP controller can obtain the list of channels supported by the client by logging information about the channels on which the AP's radio has received probe requests.

[0046] In some examples, the list of channels supported by the client can be obtained from “Supported Channels” data typically included in each associated request sent by the client device to the AP (e.g., a client device with 802.11h capability). For client devices with multi-band operation (MBO) capability, preferred and non-preferred channel lists / data can provide the necessary client-supported channel list / information for creating / maintaining the client-supported channel list. According to other examples, the list of client-supported channels can be collected based on the driver version of the client device, where certain driver versions may be associated with the ability to support regulatory updates. For example, the software controlling communication on the client device or its operating system (OS) may be versioned, and the client device manufacturer / vendor may indicate which software version supports which(s) channels. It should be understood that the mechanisms described above for obtaining the list of client-supported channels for a client device are illustrative and not intended to be limiting in any way. Any methods(s) or mechanisms(s) known now or in the future for obtaining supported channels can be used. In some examples, a certain combination of methods / mechanisms for determining the list of client-supported channels may be used.

[0047] At operation 308, the presence of regulatory updates affecting channel usage can be detected. As mentioned above, regulatory updates or changes can be published throughout the network or deployment. In the case of APs, the use of the downloadable Regulatory Table (DRT) feature allows files containing / including regulatory updates to be pushed to the AP (e.g., directly from the network management service or via the controller). Therefore, when the AP receives a regulatory update file such as the aforementioned regulatory certificate file (or when a regulatory update file is activated), reception can indicate that a regulatory update has been detected.

[0048] For each AP, each regulatory certificate file may include the names of the countries(s) supported in the regulatory update, the allowed channels for each country, the maximum effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP) for each channel, and the DFS function for each country in the allowed channel list. A maximum EIRRP value is specified for each physical layer (PHY) type the AP is allowed to transmit on, and for the DFS function of each channel / country that makes up the allowed list. When activated, the regulatory certificate file is compared to the default / current regulatory certificate file used by the AP to determine if the newly activated regulatory certificate file is a newer version of the default / current regulatory certificate file. If so, activation is complete. If the regulatory certificate file includes changes in the channel list or power level, the AP typically adjusts to the new channel(s) / changes the power level accordingly. The AP's channel list (the list of channels supported by the AP) is also updated accordingly to include the new channel(s). It should be noted that in some examples, regulatory updates may be published through various means / mechanisms, which may not require the use of an actual file. That is, and regardless of the mechanisms(s) used, updates to the allowed channels can ultimately be received or activated based on one or more regulatory requirements.

[0049] At operation 310, the list of channels supported by the AP can be compared with the list of channels supported by clients corresponding to those client devices associated with that particular AP. If any discrepancies exist, the AP determines which associated client devices do not support / cannot support the changes in the now-updated list of channels supported by the AP. Those client devices that cannot support these changes can be classified as "restricted channel clients," and the channels that the client can support can be referred to as the "restricted channel list." For example, if new channels are added due to regulatory updates or changes, some clients associated with an AP that has activated a newly received regulatory certificate file may not be able to support / communicate on these new channels.

[0050] In some examples, as described above, the regulatory change of interest is the addition of new channels. Performing a comparison between the list of channels supported by (multiple) clients and the list of channels supported by the AP may include determining whether the list of channels supported by the AP is (in number) larger than the list of channels supported by the clients. If so, the AP can determine that (multiple) clients associated with a list of channels supported by clients that is smaller than the list of channels supported by the AP are restricted channel clients. That is, the AP-supported channel list has more channels (due to new channels added relative to the regulatory update or change).

[0051] At operation 312, based on the deployed AP density and a determination of which clients do not support the channel usage change, channels from the AP's supported channel list are allocated among one or more radios of the deployed APs. As mentioned above, channel allocation among AP radios can be based on the channel capabilities of the client devices associated with the AP and the AP density. Similarly, client devices capable of supporting new channels and those not capable of supporting new channels can coexist in the same network or deployment, or can be associated with the same or adjacent APs. Therefore, AP density is a characteristic of the network or deployment scope that forms the basis for adjusting channel allocation / using channel allocation as a foundation.

[0052] Therefore, when the density of APs in a particular network or deployment is, for example, approximately midway between the minimum and maximum thresholds (neither too high nor too low), channels are allocated between the APs' radios in a way that allows service to be provided to both types of client devices. In other words, channel allocation ensures that there are enough radios transmitting on both the old and new channels (generated by regulatory updates) to allow coverage to be extended to both clients with limited channels and clients capable of supporting the new channels.

[0053] However, if the AP density is low (relative to the minimum threshold), only those channels that existed before the regulatory update can be deployed. That is, since only a “small” number of APs in a given network or deployment can serve client devices, if these APs, or even just some APs, are configured to operate on one or more new channels according to the regulatory update, clients on restricted channels will experience a significant service loss. While the threshold can vary depending on deployment, operational characteristics, and environment, an example of a minimum threshold could be, for instance, approximately -89 dBm.

[0054] On the other hand, if the AP density in a particular network or deployment is high (relative to the maximum threshold), both old and new channels are allocated as a function of the number (or percentage) of client devices that cannot support the new channels (i.e., restricted channel clients). That is, enough APs have been deployed so that channels can be allocated in a manner commensurate with the network / deployment's client device composition; that is, channel allocation can be adapted to the number of restricted and unrestricted channel clients. In this way, the operation of one or more network or AP deployments within a network can be optimized based on the client devices present / operating in the network deployment. Similarly, although the threshold can vary depending on deployment, operational characteristics, and environment, an example of a maximum threshold could be, for example, approximately -65 dBm.

[0055] Figure 4An example deployment 400 of APs in a building or other structure is shown. To illustrate different densities, this example deployment can be considered to include two areas with different AP densities. In the first area 402 of deployment 400, it can be understood that the deployed APs (one example of which is labeled AP 402A) correspond to a “low” AP density deployment. It should be understood that the AP density level considered low (or high, or medium) can vary depending on factors such as the deployment environment, the number of client devices associated with each AP, the AP's transmit power, etc. For example, one or two APs in a small area can be considered high density, such as an area (room) where AP 402A has been deployed. However, considering the first area 402 as a whole, the AP density can be considered low. Conversely, it can be understood that the second area 404 of deployment 400 can be considered to have a high AP density.

[0056] As mentioned above, the term AP density can refer to a measure or characteristic indicating the number of APs capable of listening to each other (e.g., receiving beacons or other signals transmitted by another AP, typically a neighboring AP). Figure 4 In the examples, AP density can be understood relative to the distance or spacing between each AP. Typically, when AP density is high, the AP radio transmit power is lower / reduced relative to the APs, such as in area 402, where the increased distance between APs indicates a need for higher AP radio transmit power to provide coverage for client devices. Therefore, in some examples, AP density can be measured based on path loss between APs. The lower the relative path loss between APs, the denser the network or deployment. Other mechanisms or methods for determining AP density can be used, such as heatmaps representing the density of APs deployed in a specific area(s).

[0057] Therefore, according to one example, if the second area 404 of deployment 400 is considered high, when the channel list of the APs (e.g., the channel list of AP 404A) is updated based on regulatory changes including additional / new channels, the AP controller or the AP itself controlling the APs deployed in the second area 404 can determine the client device capabilities as described above. Because the AP density in the second area 404 is high, the APs or AP controller(s) in the second area 404 can allocate channels among the AP radios based on the percentage of restricted channel client devices associated with these APs. That is, if the composition of the client devices operating in the second area 404 allows 80% of the client devices to operate on newly added channels, and 20% of the client devices are restricted channel client devices, then 20% of the AP radios can be allocated channels including older / currently existing channels for use, such as channels in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz ranges, while 80% of the AP radios can be allocated channels including newly added channels for use, such as channels in the 6 GHz range. It should be understood that the actual channel allocation does not need to be exactly consistent with the percentage of client device composition. It's important to note that, for example, channel allocation can be implemented using a centrally running process that provides an overall view of the various APs in deployment. Such a process can acquire / determine the required list of channels(s) and assign them to specific APs / AP radios. It should be noted that this channel allocation process can resemble a configuration application and can run on the AP or AP controller as needed.

[0058] Conversely, consider area 402. Similarly, the AP(s) controller(s) or the AP itself controlling the APs can determine the channel capabilities of the client devices associated with those APs (e.g., AP 402A). Making this determination allows the AP(s) controller(s) or the AP(s) to determine whether a regulatory change or upgrade includes the addition of new channels by comparing the upgraded AP channel list with the channel lists of the client devices(s). In this way, a restricted channel list can be determined or obtained (as described above). Assuming the AP density in area 402 is considered low, only those channels in the restricted channel list will be used on all AP radios operating in area 402. In this way, restricted channel client devices will continue to receive services via the APs in area 402.

[0059] In either Zone 402 or Zone 404, which is considered to be between low and high AP density thresholds, channel allocation is performed among AP radios such that existing and newly added channels (from the restricted channel list) are evenly distributed. In other words, sufficient APs are deployed to provide adequate service coverage for any client device, regardless of the client device's channel capabilities. This intermediate AP density allows for more targeted channel allocation compared to the previous high AP density scenario, and coverage loss can still be prevented or mitigated through even distribution. That is, given a normal / typical AP density area, there will be a considerable number of APs present and coverage can be ensured, so no coverage holes will occur even when channels are evenly distributed from the restricted and "full channel" (including new channels) lists. For example, using this type of channel allocation, client devices will have APs associated with nearby locations. As mentioned above, in the case of high AP density, channel allocation based on the percentage of client device presence may offer greater flexibility, as there are still more AP radios to associate with even on newer channels. Therefore, we proceed cautiously in normal density scenarios. Therefore, for example, as mentioned above, it is possible to allocate 80% of new channels in deployments with high / heavy AP density, 50% of new channels in deployments with medium AP density, and no new channels (0%) when AP density is low.

[0060] Figure 5 A block diagram of an example computer system 500 in which various embodiments described herein may be implemented is shown. The computer system 500 includes a bus 502 or other communication mechanism for transmitting information, and one or more hardware processors 504 coupled to the bus 502 for processing information. The hardware processors 504 may be, for example, one or more general-purpose microprocessors.

[0061] Computer system 500 also includes main memory 506, such as random access memory (RAM), cache, and / or other dynamic storage devices, coupled to bus 502, for storing information and instructions to be executed by processor 504. Main memory 506 can also be used to store temporary variables or other intermediate information during the execution of instructions to be executed by processor 504. When these instructions are stored in storage media accessible to processor 504, they present computer system 500 as a special-purpose machine customized to perform the operations specified in the instructions.

[0062] The computer system 500 also includes a read-only memory (ROM) 508 or other static storage device coupled to the bus 502 for storing static information and instructions of the processor 504. A storage device 510, such as a disk, optical disk, or USB thumb drive (flash drive), may be provided and coupled to the bus 502 for storing information and instructions.

[0063] Generally, the terms "component," "system," and "database" as used in this article can refer to logic implemented in hardware or firmware, or to a collection of software instructions that may have entry and exit points written in a programming language such as Java, C, or C++. Software components can be compiled and linked into executable programs installed in dynamic link libraries, or can be written in interpreted programming languages ​​such as BASIC, Perl, or Python. It should be understood that software components can be invoked from other components or themselves, and / or can be invoked in response to detected events or interrupts. Software components configured to execute on a computing device can be provided on a computer-readable medium such as an optical disc, digital video disc, flash drive, magnetic disk, or any other tangible medium, or as a digital download (and may be initially stored in a compressed or installable format that requires installation, decompression, or decryption before execution). Such software code can be stored, in part or in whole, on a memory device executing the computing device for execution by the computing device. Software instructions can be embedded in firmware such as an EPROM. It should also be understood that hardware components may include connected logic units, such as gates and flip-flops, and / or may include programmable units, such as programmable gate arrays or processors.

[0064] Computer system 500 may implement the techniques described herein using custom hardwired logic, one or more ASICs or FPGAs, firmware, and / or program logic, which, in combination with the computer system, enable computer system 500 to become a special-purpose machine or be programmed as such. According to one embodiment, the techniques herein are executed by computer system 500 in response to processor(s) 504 executing one or more sequences of one or more instructions contained in main memory 506. Such instructions may be read into main memory 506 from another storage medium, such as storage device 510. Execution of the instruction sequence contained in main memory 506 causes processor(s) 504 to perform the process steps described herein. In alternative embodiments, hardwired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions.

[0065] As used herein, the term "non-transient medium" and similar terms refer to any medium that stores data and / or instructions that enable a machine to operate in a particular manner. Such non-transient media can include non-volatile media and / or volatile media. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical discs or magnetic disks, such as storage device 510. Volatile media include dynamic memory, such as main memory 506. Common forms of non-transient media include, for example, floppy disks, hard disks, solid-state drives, magnetic tape or any other magnetic data storage media, CD-ROMs, any other optical data storage media, any physical media with a perforated pattern, RAM, PROMs and EPROMs, FLASH-EPROMs, NVRAMs, any other memory chips or cassette tapes, and their networked versions.

[0066] Non-transient media differ from transmission media, but can be used in conjunction with them. Transmission media participate in the transmission of information between non-transient media. For example, transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wires, and optical fibers, including the wires that constitute bus 502. Transmission media can also take the form of sound waves or light waves, such as those generated during radio wave and infrared data communication.

[0067] As used herein, the term “or” can be interpreted as inclusive or exclusive. Furthermore, descriptions of resources, operations, or structures in the singular form should not be construed as excluding the plural form. Conditional language, such as, among others, “may,” “can,” “able,” or “possibly,” unless specifically stated or otherwise understood in the context in which they are used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include certain features, elements, and / or steps that other embodiments do not.

[0068] Unless otherwise expressly stated, the terms and phrases used in this document, and their variations thereof, should be interpreted as open-ended, not restrictive. As an example, the term “including” should be understood as “including, but not limited to” or similar. The term “example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the items discussed, not an exhaustive or restrictive list. The terms “a” or “an” should be understood as “at least one,” “one or more,” or similar. In some cases, the appearance of expanded words and phrases such as “one or more,” “at least,” “but not limited to,” or other similar phrases should not be construed as indicating an intention to or requirement for a narrower scope where such expanded phrases might not be present.

Claims

1. A network device, comprising: processor; as well as A memory unit operatively connected to the processor, the memory unit including instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to: Get the list of channels supported by the client; The presence of regulatory updates affecting channel usage is detected in the network device; The list of channels supported by the access point (AP) is compared with the list of channels supported by the client, and it is determined which client devices associated with the AP do not support the channel usage changes resulting from the regulatory update. as well as Based on the deployed AP density and the determination of which client devices do not support the channel usage change, the allocation of channels among one or more radios of the AP in the deployed AP is controlled by the list of channels supported by the AP.

2. The network device according to claim 1, comprising either an AP or a controller.

3. The network device of claim 1, wherein the instruction causing the processor to obtain a list of channels supported by the client includes instructions that further cause the processor to determine a channel on which a probe request from the client device is received by the one or more radios of the AP in the deployment, and associate the determined channel with a channel supported by the client.

4. The network device of claim 1, wherein the instruction causing the processor to obtain the list of channels supported by the client includes instructions that further cause the processor to determine channels included in association requests sent by the client device to the one or more radios of the deployed AP, and associate the determined channels with channels supported by the client.

5. The network device of claim 1, wherein the instruction causing the processor to obtain a list of channels supported by the client includes instructions that further cause the processor to determine the channels supported by the client based on a communication-related software driver associated with the client device.

6. The network device of claim 1, wherein the instruction causing the processor to detect the existence of the regulatory update includes instructions that further cause the processor to receive or activate at least one of the permitted channel updates in accordance with regulatory requirements.

7. The network device of claim 6, further comprising instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to compare the update of the allowed channels with the currently allowed channels.

8. The network device of claim 1, wherein the instruction causing the processor to control the allocation of channels in a list of channels supported by the AP includes an instruction that further causes the processor to uniformly allocate the channels among the one or more radios of the deployed APs when the AP density falls approximately between a minimum AP density threshold and a maximum AP density threshold, wherein the AP density includes the number of APs in a given area.

9. The network device of claim 1, wherein the instruction causing the processor to control the allocation of channels in the list of channels supported by the AP includes an instruction that further causes the processor to allocate only those channels in the list of channels supported by the AP that existed prior to the regulatory update among the one or more radios of the deployed AP when the AP density is low relative to a minimum AP density threshold.

10. The network device of claim 1, wherein the instruction causing the processor to control the allocation of channels in the channel list supported by the AP includes an instruction that further causes the processor to allocate all channels in the channel list supported by the AP that are commensurate with the channel usage capabilities of the client device when the AP density is high relative to a maximum AP density threshold.

11. A method comprising: At either the access point (AP) or the controller that controls the AP, obtain the list of channels supported by the client; Compare the list of channels supported by the AP with the list of channels supported by the client; Determine which client devices associated with the AP do not support communication on one or more new channels; as well as Based on the deployed AP density and the determination of which client devices do not support communication on the one or more new channels, the allocation of channels in the list of channels supported by the APs is controlled among one or more radios of the deployed APs and additional APs.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising detecting the addition of the one or more new channels based on receiving an update on the permitted channels.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the control of the allocation of channels in the list of channels supported by the AP comprises uniformly allocating the channels among the one or more radios of the deployed AP and the additional AP when the AP density falls approximately midway between a minimum AP density threshold and a maximum AP density threshold.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the control of the allocation of channels in the channel list supported by the AP includes, when the AP density is low relative to a minimum AP density threshold, allocating only those channels in the channel list supported by the AP that existed prior to the regulatory update between the one or more radios of the AP in the deployment and the additional AP.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the control of the allocation of channels in the channel list supported by the AP includes allocating all channels in the channel list supported by the AP that are commensurate with the channel usage capabilities of the client device when the AP density is high relative to a maximum AP density threshold.

16. A method comprising: At either the access point (AP) or the controller that controls the AP, obtain the list of channels supported by the client; When the list of channels supported by the AP is updated based on changes in the use of one or more channels, the list of channels supported by the AP is compared with the list of channels supported by the client. Determine which client devices associated with the AP do not support the one or more channel usage changes; as well as Based on the deployed AP density and the determination of which client devices do not support the use of the one or more channels, the allocation of channels in the list of channels supported by the APs is controlled among one or more radios of the deployed APs and additional APs.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising determining the AP density of the deployment by measuring the path loss between the AP in the deployment and the additional AP.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the control of the allocation of channels in the list of channels supported by the AP comprises uniformly allocating the channels among the one or more radios of the deployed AP and the additional AP when the AP density falls approximately midway between a minimum AP density threshold and a maximum AP density threshold.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein the control of the allocation of channels in the channel list supported by the AP includes, when the AP density is low relative to a minimum AP density threshold, allocating only those channels in the channel list supported by the AP that existed prior to the regulatory update between the one or more radios of the AP in the deployment and the additional AP.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein the control of the allocation of channels in the channel list supported by the AP includes allocating all channels in the channel list supported by the AP that are commensurate with the channel usage capabilities of the client device when the AP density is high relative to a maximum AP density threshold.

Images