Weather adaptive configuration method and apparatus for wireless networking devices

Abstract

Weather adaptive configuration of wireless networking devices is disclosed herein. An example method for communicating radio frequency (RF) settings to a wireless networking device to adaptively configure the wireless networking device in the event of weather changes is presented. A network device can receive a weather indicator corresponding to a wireless networking device and identify a target RF setting for the wireless networking device corresponding to the weather indicator. Further, the network device can transmit the target RF setting to the wireless networking device to cause the wireless networking device to operate with the target RF setting, thereby enhancing performance of the wireless networking device.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] A Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) includes wireless networking devices, such as access points and / or routers, housed in several locations within a facility to provide wireless connectivity to client devices. Client devices, such as laptops, personal computers, and smartphones, can connect to these wireless networking devices in the WLAN to exchange data with other wirelessly-enabled devices. In some cases, such as in large-scale WLAN implementations, the WLAN deployment can extend along multiple buildings. In such WLAN deployments, some wireless networking devices can be configured to communicate with other wirelessly-enabled devices (e.g., client devices or other wireless networking devices) deployed outside the buildings. In some cases, some of the wireless networking devices may also be installed outside the building to extend the wireless connection. As will be understood, the performance of such wireless networking devices may be affected by external weather conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0002] One or more examples of this disclosure are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings are for illustrative purposes only and depict only examples.

[0003] Figure 1 Networked systems are described, in which various examples presented in this paper can be implemented.

[0004] Figure 2 An example network device is depicted, including processing resources and machine-readable storage media.

[0005] Figure 3 A flowchart depicts an example method for configuring a wireless networking device.

[0006] Figure 4 A flowchart depicts an example method for configuring a wireless networking device.

[0007] Figure 5 A block diagram of the example computing system is depicted.

[0008] The accompanying drawings are not exhaustive and do not limit this disclosure to the precise form disclosed. Detailed Implementation

[0009] Wireless networking devices can be deployed in a WLAN to provide Wi-Fi connectivity to wireless-enabled devices (also known as client devices). Specifically, wireless networking devices enable client devices to communicate with other client devices or other wireless networking devices using wireless communication technologies (such as those specified in several Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standards).

[0010] In some WLAN deployments, wireless networking devices are configured to provide Wi-Fi connectivity to client devices located outside buildings where such wireless networking devices are installed. Specifically, such wireless networking devices that communicate with other wireless networking devices or client devices via Wi-Fi connections extending outside buildings or across open spaces are referred to as outdoor wireless communication devices (e.g., outdoor access points or outdoor routers). Such open spaces can be streets, roads, open areas, the ground, stadiums, gardens, or campuses. Outdoor wireless networking devices can be deployed inside or outside buildings (e.g., on exterior walls, towers, poles, or any mounting posts that may be exposed to weather conditions such as wind, rain, humidity, lightning, snow, etc.).

[0011] It is evident that weather conditions can affect the performance of wireless networking devices. In particular, weather conditions such as wind, rain, humidity, lightning, and snow can negatively impact the performance of outdoor wireless networking devices (e.g., outdoor access points or outdoor routers). For example, in some implementations, outdoor access points are typically mounted on poles (or towers) to provide long-range coverage. Due to strong winds, the poles may be affected (e.g., swaying, continuously or at random intervals, or moving the pole housing the outdoor access point). This effect of wind on the pole can interfere with the wireless signal path of the outdoor access point, thereby affecting its beamforming. Due to poor beamforming, any data communication performed by such an affected outdoor access point may consume significant call time, resulting in reduced call efficiency for the outdoor access point.

[0012] Furthermore, weather conditions involving high water vapor or high humidity can also affect the performance of outdoor APs. In particular, water molecules are polar and absorb microwave and thermal energy. For example, in dense fog or rain, this energy absorption by water molecules can cause wireless signals (e.g., Wi-Fi signals) to attenuate rapidly in dense fog and rain. As a result, the wireless signal may become weak and may not be able to travel the set distance.

[0013] Furthermore, weather conditions such as lightning can affect Wi-Fi signals. In particular, lightning can cause direct electromagnetic interference to Wi-Fi signals. Typically, lightning flashes are random and energy-intensive, which can severely damage Wi-Fi signals, leading to data / packet loss. Additionally, weather conditions such as snow may contain snowflakes, which are often composed of frozen water containing acidic minerals. Such snowflakes can reflect microwaves. Snowflakes floating in the air create complex multipath propagation for Wi-Fi signals, further deteriorating communication via outdoor wireless devices.

[0014] Problems caused by any of these weather conditions are typically resolved by manually investigating the problem to identify the root cause, locate the affected wireless networking devices, and / or reconfigure such affected devices. This process of resolving these problems is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and expensive.

[0015] Based on examples consistent with this disclosure, a technique for improving the performance of wireless networking devices under changing weather conditions is proposed. The wireless networking device can be indoor or outdoor. An indoor wireless networking device (also referred to as an indoor wireless networking device) can facilitate communication between client devices and other client devices or other wireless networking devices using wireless communication technology in an indoor setting (e.g., inside a building). Similarly, an outdoor wireless networking device can enable client devices to communicate with other client devices or other wireless networking devices using wireless communication technology via a Wi-Fi connection extended outside a building or across open spaces. An outdoor wireless networking device can also be referred to as an outdoor wireless networking device.

[0016] Based on the examples presented herein, a centralized entity, such as a network device, can communicatively couple to a wireless networking device. The network device can be configured to monitor weather conditions around the wireless networking device and to configure the wireless networking device to minimize any negative impact of weather changes on the performance of the wireless networking device. Specifically, the network device can be configured to receive weather indicators corresponding to the wireless networking device. Weather indicators can indicate weather conditions (e.g., wind, temperature, humidity, lightning, snow, rain, or combinations thereof) in a predefined area including the wireless networking device. For example, a weather indicator could be wind speed expressed in kilometers per hour (kmph) or humidity expressed in grams of water vapor per cubic meter of air. The network device can determine or obtain the weather indicator using weather reports downloaded from a pre-defined weather repository or using weather measurements obtained via sensors installed with the wireless networking device.

[0017] Furthermore, network devices can identify target radio frequency (RF) settings for wireless networking devices corresponding to weather indicators. Target RF settings may include network settings that, if implemented, enable the wireless networking device to operate with improved performance. Examples of target RF settings may include values ​​and / or status indicators for parameters such as transmit power, beamforming status, segment threshold, aggregated media access control protocol data unit (AMPDU) size, guard interval (GI), or combinations thereof. For example, target RF settings can define a configuration for a wireless networking device under which, for a given weather indicator, the wireless networking device's throughput may be increased, and / or its channel utilization may be reduced. Once the target RF settings are identified, the network device can transmit these settings to the wireless networking device, enabling it to operate with the target RF settings and thereby enhancing its performance.

[0018] Network devices can select a target RF setting for a wireless network device from several performance-oriented RF settings stored in an RF setting knowledge base. Specifically, network devices can be configured to learn performance-oriented RF settings for several weather conditions during a training or data collection phase. During the data collection phase, for a given weather metric, the network device can test several RF settings on the wireless network device and receive performance measurements, such as channel utilization and throughput for each of the several RF settings. The network device can then determine the performance metric (e.g., the ratio of throughput to channel utilization) based on the received performance measurements and select the RF setting based on the performance metric. For example, the network device can select an RF setting as the performance-oriented RF setting with the maximum performance metric. Furthermore, the network device can store weather metrics and selected RF settings in the RF setting knowledge base. Similarly, the network device can develop an RF setting knowledge base that includes a mapping between predefined weather metrics and corresponding performance-oriented RF settings. This mapping can be referenced by the network device to identify the target RF setting for the wireless network device.

[0019] The following detailed description is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be clearly understood that the drawings are for illustrative and descriptive purposes only. While several examples are described in this document, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. Therefore, the following detailed description does not limit the disclosed examples. Rather, the appropriate scope of the disclosed examples can be defined by the appended claims.

[0020] Before describing in detail examples of the disclosed systems and methods, it is useful to describe an example network installation that can be used to implement these systems and methods in various applications. Figure 1The illustration depicts a networking system 100 (hereinafter referred to as System 100), in which various examples presented herein can be implemented. System 100 may include a wireless networking device 102, a network device 104, and a weather repository 106. In some examples, System 100 may be a distributed system in which the wireless networking device 102, network device 104, and weather repository 106 may be located in physically different locations (e.g., on different racks, on different enclosures, in different buildings, in different cities, in different countries, etc.) while being communicatively coupled to each other via network 108. The term "communicatively coupled" can refer to a connection between two entities that enables data communication between them. Such a connection between the two entities can be a wired, wireless, or optical communication connection.

[0021] Wireless networking device 102 can be a communication device that enables client devices (not shown) to communicate with other client devices or other wireless networking devices using wireless communication technology. The wireless communication technology can be, for example, a technology specified in one or more IEEE 802.11 standard specifications. In some examples, wireless networking device 102 may include devices such as access points (APs), wireless local area network (WLAN) controllers, network switches, gateway devices, routers, client devices, etc. Examples of client devices may include desktop computers, laptop computers, servers, network servers, authentication servers, Authentication, Authorization and 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, netbooks, televisions and similar displays (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.

[0022] In some examples, the wireless networking device 102 can be an indoor or outdoor wireless networking device. For the purposes of this description, the wireless networking device 102 will be described as an outdoor access point (AP) that provides wireless connectivity to appropriate client devices according to supported Wi-Fi standards (e.g., various IEEE 802.11 standards). As will be understood, wireless networking devices, more specifically outdoor wireless networking devices, may be subject to physical and / or electromagnetic influences caused by weather conditions. Furthermore, weather conditions vary due to several factors, including the time of year, seasons, climate change, natural disasters, etc.

[0023] Weather repository 106 may refer to a source of weather-related data, such as current weather conditions and / or weather forecasts. Network devices may access weather repository 106 via network 108. Examples of sources that may be used as weather repository 106 may include weather sources such as Accuweather, Weather Bureau, Google, and / or Yahoo. It should be noted that this disclosure is not limited to referencing any particular source of weather-related data.

[0024] Furthermore, examples of network 108 may include, but are not limited to, Internet Protocol (IP) or non-IP-based local area networks (LANs), WLANs, metropolitan area networks (MANs), wide area networks (WANs), storage area networks (SANs), personal area networks (PANs), cellular communication networks, public switched telephone networks (PSTNs), and the Internet. In some examples, network 108 may include one or more network switches, routers, or network gateways to facilitate data communication. Communication on network 108 may be performed according to various communication protocols, such as, but not limited to, Transmission Control Protocol and Internet Protocol (TCP / IP), User Datagram Protocol (UDP), IEEE 802.11, and / or cellular communication protocols. Communication on network 108 may be via wired (e.g., copper, optical communication, etc.) or wireless (e.g., Communication technologies such as cellular communication, satellite communication, and Bluetooth can be used to enable the network. In some examples, network 108 can be enabled via a dedicated communication link, which includes, but is not limited to, a communication link established via Bluetooth, cellular communication, optical communication, RF communication, wired (e.g., copper), etc. In some examples, the dedicated communication link can be a direct communication link between wireless networking device 102, network device 104, and weather repository 106.

[0025] To minimize the adverse effects of weather changes on the performance of wireless networking device 102, system 100 includes network device 104. In some examples, network device 104 may be another wireless networking device. In some examples, network device 104 may be implemented as a WLAN controller that can communicatively couple to wireless networking device 102. In some other examples, network device 104 may be implemented as a physical computing system (e.g., desktop computer, laptop computer, server, etc.) with data processing and / or data storage capabilities. In some examples, network device 104 may be implemented as a virtual computing system, such as a virtual machine, container, pod, or a combination thereof. In some examples, network device 104 may be implemented on a cloud platform as a service enabled via a physical computing system and / or a virtual computing system. As a service, network device 104 may be consumed on a subscription basis, e.g., on a pay-per-use basis. Figure 2The block diagram describes additional details about the example network device.

[0026] Based on the examples presented herein, network device 104 can be configured to improve the performance of wireless networking device 102 under changing weather conditions, which would otherwise affect it. Specifically, during a learning phase, network device 104 can be configured to monitor weather conditions and learn performance-oriented RF settings for wireless networking device 102 for given weather conditions. For example, during the learning phase, over a period of time, network device 104 can learn performance-oriented RF settings for several weather conditions and build an RF setting knowledge base. During the real-time operation of wireless networking device 102, network device 104 can continue to monitor weather conditions and select a target RF setting from the performance-oriented RF settings based on the weather conditions. Network device 104 can then transmit the target RF setting to wireless networking device 102. Therefore, wireless networking device 102 can implement the target RF setting and operate with better performance. Figure 3 and Figure 4 Describe an example method for configuring a wireless networking device (e.g., wireless networking device 102).

[0027] Now for reference Figure 2 A block diagram of an example network device 200 is presented. Figure 2 Network device 200 can represent Figure 1 Examples of network devices 104 include network device 104, which is operable to dynamically configure wireless networking devices (e.g., wireless networking device 102) under changing weather conditions to minimize the negative impact of weather changes on the performance of the wireless networking devices. In some examples, network device 200 may include processing resources 202 and / or machine-readable storage medium 204 for network device 200 to perform several operations, as will be described in more detail below.

[0028] Machine-readable storage medium 204 may be non-transitory, and alternatively referred to as a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium that does not contain transient propagation signals. Machine-readable storage medium 204 may be any electronic, magnetic, optical, or other type of storage device capable of storing data and / or executing instructions. Examples of machine-readable storage medium 204 may include random access memory (RAM), non-volatile RAM (NVRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), storage drives (e.g., solid-state drives (SSDs) or hard disk drives (HDDs)), flash memory, etc. Machine-readable storage medium 204 may be encoded using instructions 206 (in... Figure 2(Depicted using dashed boxes) for dynamically configuring wireless networking devices based on weather conditions. Although not shown, in some examples, the machine-readable storage medium 204 may be encoded with certain additional executable instructions to perform any other operations performed by the network device 200, without limiting the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, in some examples, the machine-readable storage medium 204 may be encoded with weather data 208, performance measurement data 210, RF setup knowledge base 212, and performance indicator data 214 (in... Figure 2 (Use dashed boxes to depict it).

[0029] Weather data 208 can represent data storage representing weather conditions. For example, processing resource 202 can store weather indicators in weather data 208. Furthermore, performance measurement data 210 represents the storage of performance parameter measurements received from wireless networking devices. Specifically, performance parameter measurements (e.g., channel utilization, throughput, etc.) corresponding to several RF settings can be stored in performance measurement data 210. RF setting knowledge base 212 can represent the storage of data representing performance indicators of wireless networking devices. Specifically, processing resource 202 can be configured to calculate performance indicators for several weather indicators based on the corresponding performance parameter measurements and store the calculated performance indicators in performance indicator data 214.

[0030] Processing resource 202 may be a physical device, such as a central processing unit (CPU), microprocessor, graphics processing unit (GPU), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), other hardware device capable of retrieving and executing instructions stored in machine-readable storage medium 204, or a combination thereof. Processing resource 202 may acquire, decode, and execute instructions 206 stored in machine-readable storage medium 204 to dynamically configure the wireless networking device according to weather conditions. As an alternative to executing instructions 206, or otherwise, processing resource 202 may include at least one integrated circuit (IC), control logic, electronic circuitry, or a combination thereof, comprising multiple electronic components for performing functions intended to be performed by network device 200. In embodiments, processing resource 202 and machine-readable storage medium 204 may represent the processing resources and machine-readable storage medium of a host computing system that hosts network device 200 as a service, application, or virtual resource (e.g., a virtual machine or container).

[0031] According to an example consistent with this disclosure, network device 200 implements a method for dynamically configuring wireless networking devices based on weather conditions by executing instructions 206 through processing resource 202. Specifically, in some examples, processing resource 202 may execute one or more instructions in instructions 206 to perform a combination of... Figure 3 and Figure 4The described methods and steps.

[0032] Now for reference Figure 3 It describes a method for dynamically configuring wireless networking devices based on weather conditions (e.g., Figure 1 A flowchart of an example method 300 for a wireless networking device 102. In some examples, Figure 3 The steps shown can be performed by any suitable device, such as a network device (e.g., network device 104, 200). In some examples, a suitable device may include hardware processing resources such as one or more central processing units (CPUs), semiconductor-based microprocessors, and / or other devices suitable for retrieving and executing instructions stored in a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., Figure 2 The hardware device depicted in the diagram (instructions 206) can acquire, decode, and execute instructions to configure the wireless networking device. Alternatively or otherwise, the processing resource may include one or more electronic circuits comprising electronic components, such as FPGAs, ASICs, or other electronic circuits, for performing the functions of executing the one or more instructions. The processing resource and machine-readable storage medium may be examples of processing resource 202 and machine-readable storage 204 representing the network device 200.

[0033] In step 302, the network device can be configured to receive a weather index corresponding to the wirelessly networked device. The weather index can be a measure of weather conditions (e.g., wind, temperature, humidity, lightning, snow, rain, or a combination thereof) in a predefined area of ​​the wirelessly networked device. For example, a weather index could be wind speed in kilometers per hour (km / h), humidity in grams of water vapor per cubic meter of air, rainfall in millimeters (mm), snowfall in tenths of an inch, lightning in lumens, etc. As previously indicated, the network device can determine or obtain the weather index using weather reports downloaded from a subscribed weather repository (e.g., weather repository 106) or using weather measurements obtained via weather condition sensors installed with the wirelessly networked device. Examples of weather condition sensors can include temperature sensors, pressure sensors, wind speed sensors, lightning sensors, humidity sensors, rainfall sensors, snowfall sensors, or combinations thereof. To obtain the weather index, the network device can periodically or at random intervals poll the weather repository and / or the weather condition sensors. In some examples, weather repositories and / or weather condition sensors may periodically or upon request from network devices send weather reports and / or weather indicators to the network devices. Upon receiving or determining weather indicators, the network devices may store the weather indicators in the weather data stored in the network devices (e.g., weather data 208).

[0034] Furthermore, in step 304, the network device may identify a target RF setting for the wireless network device corresponding to the weather index. The target RF setting may include network settings that, if implemented, would enable the wireless network device to operate with better performance. Examples of network settings may include values ​​and / or status indicators for parameters such as transmit power, beamforming settings, segment thresholds, AMPDU size, GI, or combinations thereof. The target RF setting may define a configuration for the wireless network device under which, for a given weather index, the wireless network device may increase throughput and / or decrease channel utilization.

[0035] For example, if a weather index value indicates snowfall in the area where the wireless network is installed, the network device can identify a target RF setting for the wireless network device corresponding to the weather index value from an RF settings knowledge base. In the case of detected snowfall, the network device can select a target RF setting with a longer GI than the current value of the GI configured for the wireless network device. Furthermore, in some examples, in the case of snowfall detection, the target RF can include a setting to disable beamforming for the wireless network device. Below is an example syntax (e.g., syntax-1) for a target RF setting in the case where the weather index indicates snowfall at the site of the wireless network device.

[0036] "he-guard-interval 3200ns"

[0037] short-guard-interval-disable

[0038] vht-txbf-explicit-disable

[0039] he-txbf-disable

[0040] he-mu-ofdma-disable

[0041] he-mu-mimo-disable

[0042] vht-mu-txbf-disable“

[0043] Syntax-1: Example Target RF Settings

[0044] For some wireless networking devices, such as access points (APs), a GI of 3200 nanoseconds (ns) is the maximum value. Additionally, syntax -1 indicates several features, such as short GI (indicated by "short-guard-interval-disable"), explicit transmission beamforming for extremely high throughput (indicated by "vht-txbf-explicit-disable"), transmission beamforming for high efficiency (indicated by "vht-txbf-explicit-disable"), efficient multi-user orthogonal frequency division multiple access (indicated by "he-mu-ofdma-disable"), efficient multiple-input multiple-output (indicated by "he-mu-mimo-disable"), and extremely high throughput multi-user beamforming (indicated by "vht-mu-txbf-disable").

[0045] Furthermore, when weather indicators suggest strong winds at the site of the wireless networking device, the network device can select a target RF setting that causes beamforming to be disabled (e.g., such a target setting could include vht-txbf-explicit-disable, he-txbf-disable, and / or vht-mu-txbf-disable). Additionally, when weather indicators suggest high moisture / humidity at the site of the wireless networking device, the network device can select a target RF setting that causes the wireless networking device's transmission power to increase. Furthermore, when weather indicators suggest lightning at the site of the wireless networking device, the network device can select a target RF setting that applies a smaller fragment threshold or AMPDU size, which reduces the call time cost of packet retries during lightning strikes.

[0046] Once the target RF setting is identified, in step 306, the network device can transmit the target RF setting to the wireless networking device so that the wireless networking device can operate with the target RF setting, thereby enhancing the performance of the wireless networking device.

[0047] Now go to Figure 4 It describes a method for dynamically configuring wireless networking devices based on weather conditions (e.g., Figure 1 A flowchart of an example method 400 for a wireless networking device 102. Figure 4 Method 400 can represent Figure 3 Examples of method 300. Method 400 includes certain steps similar to those described in conjunction with method 300; for the sake of brevity, some descriptions of these steps are not repeated herein. In some examples, Figure 4 The steps shown can be executed by any suitable device, such as a network device (e.g., network device 104, 200), by executing instructions via processing resources (e.g., Figure 2The instructions 206 described in the diagram are executed. Specifically, method 400 includes several steps in sequence; however, Figure 4 The order of the steps shown should not be interpreted as the only possible order. Steps can be performed at any time in any order. Furthermore, steps can be repeated or omitted as needed.

[0048] Based on the examples presented herein, a network device can be configured to learn performance-oriented RF settings for several weather conditions during a training or data collection phase. During the data collection phase, the network device can test several RF settings for a given weather indicator on a wireless networking device to learn the performance-oriented RF settings. Performance-oriented RF settings can refer to RF settings implemented by the wireless networking device with improved performance. Details of the data collection phase are described with the aid of steps 402 through 414. At the end of the data collection phase, the network device can develop an RF settings knowledge base, which includes a mapping between predefined weather indicators and corresponding performance-oriented RF settings. The RF settings knowledge base can be referenced by the network device to identify target RF settings for the wireless networking device during real-time operation (e.g., as described in steps 416 through 422).

[0049] Specifically, during the data collection phase, in step 402, the network device can receive weather indicators corresponding to the wireless network device. As previously mentioned, the weather indicators can be measurements of weather conditions in a predefined area including the wireless network device (e.g., wind speed, humidity / water vapor in the air, rainfall, snowfall, lightning, etc.).

[0050] Furthermore, in step 404, the network device may perform a check to determine whether a weather indicator has changed by a predetermined amount (i.e., increased or decreased). For example, a check may be performed to determine whether wind speed has increased by a predetermined amount, such as 10 km / h. If, in step 404, it is determined that the weather indicator has not changed by the predetermined amount, the network device may continue to receive and monitor the weather indicator. However, if, in step 404, it is determined that the weather indicator has changed by the predetermined amount, the network device may transmit multiple predetermined RF settings to the wireless networking device in step 406. In some examples, the multiple predetermined RF settings may include, depending on the weather indicator, multiple combinations of one or more of the following: transmission power, beamforming settings, segment threshold, AMPDU size, GI, or combinations thereof. The network device may send multiple predetermined RF settings together in a single transmission or send them one by one in separate transmissions.

[0051] Upon receiving a predetermined RF setting, the wireless network device can implement the predetermined RF setting and generate performance parameter measurements for the implemented predetermined RF setting. Similarly, the wireless network device can implement each of a plurality of predetermined RF settings and generate performance parameter measurements for each of the plurality of predetermined RF settings. In one example, the performance parameter measurements may include the channel utilization and throughput of the wireless networking device. For a given wireless networking device, the term "channel utilization" may refer to the fraction or percentage of time the given wireless networking device uses a communication channel to communicate with other devices (e.g., client devices). Furthermore, the term "throughput" for a given wireless networking device may refer to the amount of data successfully transmitted / received by the wireless networking device through a communication channel. In some examples, for each predetermined RF setting implemented by the wireless networking device, the wireless networking device may send multiple measurements of channel utilization and throughput to the network device.

[0052] Therefore, in step 408, the network device can receive performance parameter measurements (e.g., channel utilization and throughput) from the wireless networking device corresponding to each of the plurality of predetermined RF settings. The network device can store the performance parameter measurements received from the wireless networking device in performance measurement data (e.g., Figure 2 Performance measurement data 210).

[0053] Furthermore, in step 410, the network device can determine the performance metrics of the wireless networking device based on performance parameter measurements. The performance metrics can be values ​​representing the performance of the wireless networking device.

[0054] In one example, network devices can use the relationship in Equation 1 to determine performance metrics.

[0055]

[0056] It should be noted that calculating performance metrics via the ratio of throughput to channel utilization expressed by equation (1) is merely one example method for calculating performance metrics. Within the scope of this disclosure, it is also contemplated that any other formula may be used to determine performance metrics based on these or any other performance parameter measurements.

[0057] Similarly, network devices can calculate performance metrics for each predetermined RF setting in a predetermined RF configuration and store the calculated performance metrics in performance metric data (e.g., Figure 2 The performance metrics data shown are 214).

[0058] Furthermore, in step 412, the network device can select one of the predetermined RF settings as the performance-oriented RF setting for a weather indicator (e.g., the weather indicator for which the network device has sent predetermined RF settings to the wireless network device in step 406). In one example, the network device can select a predetermined RF setting for which the value of the performance indicator is determined to be the highest / maximum, as the performance-oriented RF setting. It should be understood that, within the scope of this disclosure, it is also contemplated to use any other criteria to select the performance-oriented RF setting.

[0059] Then, in step 414, the network device can store the weather indicators and the selected RF settings (i.e., performance-oriented RF settings) in the RF settings knowledge base (e.g., Figure 2 The RF settings knowledge base (212) shown is used in this example. Similarly, network devices can develop RF settings knowledge bases that include mappings between predefined weather indicators and corresponding performance-oriented RF settings.

[0060] During the real-time operation of the wireless networked device, in step 416, the network device may receive a weather indicator corresponding to the wireless networked device. Furthermore, the network device may identify (steps 418 and 420) a target RF setting for the wireless networked device corresponding to the weather indicator. The target RF setting may include network settings that, if implemented, would enable the wireless networked device to operate with better performance. In some examples, to identify the target RF setting, in step 418, the network device may perform a lookup in an RF setting knowledge base. Specifically, the network device may search the RF setting knowledge base for performance-oriented RF settings that match the weather indicator received in step 416.

[0061] Furthermore, in step 420, the network device can select a performance-oriented RF setting as the target RF setting based on a match between weather indicators and multiple predefined weather indicators. Once the target RF setting is identified, in step 422, the network device can transmit the target RF setting to the wireless network device. The wireless network device can update its configuration based on the target RF setting, which will result in an enhancement of the wireless network device's performance.

[0062] Figure 5 A block diagram of an example computing system 500 is depicted, in which various examples described herein can be implemented. In some examples, computing system 500 can be configured as... Figure 1The network device 104 operates and can perform various operations described in one or more of the earlier figures. In some other examples, the computing system 500 may be a WLAN controller. Examples of devices and / or systems that can be implemented as the computing system 500 may include desktop computers, laptop computers, servers, network servers, mainframes, tablet computers, e-readers, netbooks, PDAs, mobile phones, smartphones, smart terminals, dumb terminals, virtual terminals, etc.

[0063] The computing system 500 may include a bus 502 or other communication mechanism for conveying information, a hardware processor (also referred to as a processing resource) 504, and a machine-readable storage medium 505 coupled to the bus 502 for processing information. In some examples, the processing resource 504 may include one or more CPUs, a semiconductor-based microprocessor, and / or other hardware devices adapted to retrieve and execute instructions stored in the machine-readable storage medium 505. The processing resource 504 may acquire, decode, and execute instructions to configure a wireless networking device. Alternatively or in addition to retrieving and executing instructions, the processing resource 504 may include one or more electronic circuits that include electronic components for the function of executing one or more instructions, such as FPGAs, ASICs, or other electronic circuits.

[0064] In some examples, machine-readable storage medium 505 may include main memory 506, such as RAM, cache, and / or other dynamic storage devices, coupled to bus 502, for storing information and instructions to be executed by processing resource 504. Main memory 506 may also be used to store temporary variables or other intermediate information during the execution of instructions to be executed by processing resource 504. When stored in a storage medium accessible to processing resource 504, such instructions make computing system 500 a dedicated machine customized to perform the operations specified in the instructions. Machine-readable storage medium 505 may also include read-only memory (ROM) 508 or other static storage devices coupled to bus 502 for storing static information and instructions for processing resource 504. Furthermore, storage devices 510, such as disks, optical discs, or USB thumb drives (flash drives), may be provided in machine-readable storage medium 505 and coupled to bus 502 for storing information and instructions.

[0065] In some examples, computing system 500 may be coupled to display 512, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) (or touchscreen), via bus 502 for displaying information to a computer user. In some examples, input device 514, including alphanumeric and other keys (physically or software-generated and displayed on the touchscreen), may be coupled to bus 502 for transmitting information and command selections to processing resource 504. Furthermore, in some examples, another type of user input device may be a cursor control 516, such as a mouse, trackball, or arrow keys, which may be connected to bus 502. The cursor control 516 can transmit directional information and command selections to processing resource 504 for controlling cursor movement on display 512. In some other examples, the same directional information and command selections as with a cursor control may be implemented by receiving touches on a touchscreen without a cursor.

[0066] In some examples, computing system 500 may include a user interface module to implement a GUI, which may be stored as executable software code executed by computing devices(s). This module and other modules may include, for example, components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components and task components, procedures, functions, properties, programs, subroutines, program code segments, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuit systems, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables.

[0067] The computing system 500 also includes a network interface 518 coupled to the bus 502. The network interface 518 provides bidirectional data communication and is coupled to one or more network links connected to one or more local networks. For example, the network interface 518 may be an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) card, a cable modem, a satellite modem, or a modem to provide data communication connectivity to a corresponding type of telephone line. As another example, the network interface 518 may be a Local Area Network (LAN) card or a wireless communication unit (e.g., a Wi-Fi chip / module).

[0068] In some examples, machine-readable storage medium 505 (e.g., one or more of main memory 506, ROM 508, or storage device 510) stores instructions 507 that, when executed by processing resource 504, can cause processing resource 505 to perform one or more of the methods / operations described above. Instructions 507 may be stored on any of main memory 506, ROM 508, or storage device 510. In some examples, instructions 507 may be distributed across one or more of main memory 506, ROM 508, or storage device 510. In some examples, when computing system 500 is configured to operate as network device 104, instructions 507 may include instructions that, when executed by processing resource 504, can cause processing resource 504 to perform... Figure 3 and Figure 4 Instructions for one or more of the methods described herein. In some examples, when executed by processing resource 504, one or more of the instructions in instructions 507 may cause processing resource 505 to receive a weather indicator corresponding to a wireless networking device (e.g., an outdoor AP), identify the target RF settings of the wireless networking device corresponding to the weather indicator, and transmit the target RF settings to the wireless networking device so that the wireless networking device operates with the target RF settings, thereby enhancing the performance of the wireless networking device.

[0069] Unless otherwise expressly stated, the terms and phrases and their variations used in this document should be interpreted as open-ended, not restrictive. As an example above, the term “including” should be understood to mean “including, but not limited to,” etc. The term “example” is used to provide exemplary instances of items in the discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof. The terms “a” or “an” should be understood to mean “at least one,” “one or more,” etc. In some cases, the presence of broadening 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 or need for a narrower scope where such broadening phrases might not be present. Furthermore, the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and includes any and all possible combinations of the associated listed items. It will also be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms, as they are used only to distinguish one element from another unless otherwise stated or indicated by the context.

Claims

1. A method for wireless communication, comprising: The network equipment receives weather indicators corresponding to the wireless network devices. During the training phase, the network device develops an RF settings knowledge base, which includes mappings between multiple predefined weather indicators and multiple performance-oriented RF settings. Developing the RF settings knowledge base includes: The network device receives the weather index corresponding to the wireless network device. In response to determining that the weather indicator has changed by a predetermined amount, the network device transmits multiple predetermined RF settings to the wireless network device; Receive performance parameter measurements corresponding to each of the plurality of predetermined RF settings from the wireless networking device; Performance indicators are determined based on the measurement of the aforementioned performance parameters; Select a predetermined RF setting from the plurality of predetermined RF settings based on the performance metrics; as well as The weather indicators and the predetermined RF settings are stored in the RF settings knowledge base; The network device identifier is used to set the target radio frequency (RF) for the wireless network device corresponding to the weather index; as well as The target RF settings are transmitted from the network device to the wireless network device so that the wireless network device can operate with the target RF settings, thereby enhancing the performance of the wireless network device.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein identifying the target RF setting comprises: The network device performs a lookup in the RF settings knowledge base; as well as The network device selects a performance-oriented RF setting from among the multiple performance-oriented RF settings as the target RF setting based on the matching between the weather index and the multiple predefined weather indices.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the performance parameter measurement includes one or more of channel utilization or throughput.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein determining the performance metric includes calculating the ratio of the throughput to the channel utilization.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving the weather index includes downloading a weather report from a weather repository.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving the weather indicator comprises obtaining weather measurements via a sensor installed together with the wireless networking device.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the wireless networking device is an indoor wireless networking device or an outdoor wireless networking device.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the weather indicator indicates weather conditions in a predefined area of ​​the wireless networking device.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the target RF settings include configurations corresponding to one or more of the following: transmission power, beamforming state, segment threshold, aggregation media access control protocol data unit (AMPDU) size, or guard interval (GI).

10. A network device, comprising: Machine-readable storage medium for storing instructions; as well as Processing resources coupled to the machine-readable storage medium, wherein the processing resources are configured to execute one or more of the instructions to: Receive weather indicators corresponding to the outdoor access point (AP); During the training phase, an RF settings knowledge base is developed, comprising mappings between multiple predefined weather indicators and multiple performance-oriented RF settings. The development of this RF settings knowledge base includes: Receive the weather indicators corresponding to the outdoor AP; In response to determining that the weather indicator has changed by a predetermined amount, multiple predetermined RF settings are transmitted to the outdoor AP; Receive performance parameter measurements corresponding to each of the plurality of predetermined RF settings from the outdoor AP; Performance indicators are determined based on the measurement of the aforementioned performance parameters; Select a predetermined RF setting from the plurality of predetermined RF settings based on the performance metrics; as well as The weather indicators and the predetermined RF settings are stored in the RF settings knowledge base; Identify the target RF settings for the outdoor AP corresponding to the weather index; as well as The target RF settings are transmitted to the outdoor AP so that the outdoor AP can operate with the target RF settings, thereby enhancing the performance of the outdoor AP.

11. The network device of claim 10, wherein the outdoor AP communicates with the wireless device via a communication link extending to the exterior of the building housing the outdoor AP.

12. The network device of claim 10, wherein the machine-readable storage medium stores the RF setting knowledge base, and wherein, in order to identify the target RF setting, the processing resource is configured to execute one or more of the instructions to: Perform a search in the RF settings knowledge base; and Based on the matching between the weather index and the plurality of predefined weather indices, the performance-oriented RF setting among the plurality of performance-oriented RF settings is selected as the target RF setting.

13. The network device of claim 10, wherein the performance parameter measurement includes one or more of the channel utilization or throughput of the outdoor AP.

14. The network device of claim 13, wherein, in order to determine performance metrics, the processing resources are configured to execute one or more of the instructions to calculate the ratio of the throughput to the channel utilization.

15. A networked system, comprising: Outdoor access point (AP); A network device communicatively coupled to the outdoor AP, wherein the network device is configured to: Receive weather indicators corresponding to the outdoor AP; During the training phase, an RF settings knowledge base is developed, comprising mappings between multiple predefined weather indicators and multiple performance-oriented RF settings. The development of this RF settings knowledge base includes: Receive the weather indicators corresponding to the outdoor AP; In response to determining that the weather indicator has changed by a predetermined amount, multiple predetermined RF settings are transmitted to the outdoor AP; Receive performance parameter measurements corresponding to each of the plurality of predetermined RF settings from the outdoor AP; Performance indicators are determined based on the measurement of the aforementioned performance parameters; Select a predetermined RF setting from the plurality of predetermined RF settings based on the performance metrics; as well as The weather indicators and the predetermined RF settings are stored in the RF settings knowledge base; Identify the target RF settings for the outdoor AP corresponding to the weather index; as well as The target RF settings are transmitted to the outdoor AP so that the outdoor AP can operate with the target RF settings, thereby enhancing the performance of the outdoor AP.

16. The networking system of claim 15, wherein the network device stores the RF setting knowledge base, and wherein, in order to identify the target RF setting, the network device is configured to: Perform a search in the RF settings knowledge base; and Based on the matching between the weather index and the plurality of predefined weather indices, the performance-oriented RF setting among the plurality of performance-oriented RF settings is selected as the target RF setting.

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