Transmission power management for radios in wireless networking devices

Abstract

The invention relates to transmission power management for radios in wireless networking devices. An example method for adjusting transmission power of a radio in a wireless networked device is presented. For a wireless networking device, a network management device may determine a difference between a first free space path loss corresponding to a first wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) frequency band and a second free space path loss corresponding to a second Wi-Fi frequency band. The network management device may then set a transmission power of a first radio dedicated to the first Wi-Fi frequency band and a transmission power of a second radio dedicated to the second Wi-Fi frequency band to a first transmission power and a second transmission power, respectively, based on the difference. Thus, the wireless networking device via the first radio communication at the first transmission power and via the second radio communication at the second transmission power.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Equivalent isotropic radiated power (EIRP) represents the total power transmitted by a wireless device's radio (e.g., antenna) in all directions. In particular, EIRP is the net power transmitted by an antenna after taking into account the gain provided by the antenna and the losses in the antenna cable. The EIRP setting of a wireless device determines the maximum signal strength that the wireless device can transmit, which in turn determines the wireless communication range of the wireless device. Typically, the use of higher transmission power results in increased radio frequency (RF) interference between wireless devices, especially in dense wireless network deployments. In order to avoid such RF interference between different wireless devices, regulatory agencies typically provide guidelines and controls to limit transmission power levels at various radio frequencies. Therefore, it is useful for wireless network administrators to manage the transmission power of wireless devices by configuring corresponding EIRP settings to optimize the performance of the wireless devices while ensuring compliance with guidelines regarding transmission power management. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] One or more examples of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the following drawings. The drawings provided are for illustration purposes only and depict examples only.

[0003] Figure 1 depicts a block diagram of a networked system in which various examples presented herein may be implemented;

[0004] Figure 2 A flow chart depicting an example method for regulating the transmission power of a radio in a wireless networking device;

[0005] Figure 3A and Figure 3B A flow chart depicting another example method for regulating the transmission power of a radio in a wireless networking device; and

[0006] Figure 4 A block diagram of an example computing system is depicted.

[0007] The drawings are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] A management entity of a wireless local area network (WLAN) (e.g., a WLAN controller, a central management application (e.g., hosted on the cloud), or an administrator of the WLAN) typically determines the EIRP setting of a transmitting wireless device (e.g., an access point) based on the path loss between the transmitting device and the receiving wireless device. Path loss or path attenuation is generally defined as the reduction in power density of an electromagnetic wave (e.g., an RF signal) as it propagates through space. Path loss is affected by the surrounding environment and design constraints, including the air, buildings, and the sensitivity of the radio front-end circuitry. Known EIRP allocation techniques use path loss values ​​to determine the EIRP settings of wireless networking devices in the network.

[0009] Furthermore, in the current state of technology, wireless networking devices such as access points can operate more than one channel on different Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) bands, such as the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band, the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band, and the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band. Therefore, in the case where the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band is enabled for Wi-Fi, many Wi-Fi 6E-capable APs are typically equipped with three radios supporting the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz Wi-Fi bands.

[0010] Typically, signal communications on the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band experience higher path loss due to the higher frequency compared to other existing Wi-Fi bands. In addition, there are certain regulatory limits on power spectral density (PSD) for communications on the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band. For example, in the United States, the PSD for communications on the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band is limited to 5 decibels (dB) per megahertz (MHz). In addition, for the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band, the maximum EIRP of a given radio is defined as a function of the bandwidth and PSD of the corresponding operating channel. In an example configuration, the maximum EIRP of a given channel (C) in the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band can be determined using the example relationship of equation (1).

[0011] EIRP=PSD+10Log(BW C )+A Gain +C Loss Equation (1)

[0012] Where PSD represents the adjusted value of the power spectral density of the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band, in decibel milliwatts (dBm) per Hertz (Hz) (e.g., 5 dBm / Hz), BW C Indicates the bandwidth of the operating channel in the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band, in Hz, A Gain Indicates antenna gain in decibel isotropic (dBi), C Loss Indicates the cable loss in dB.

[0013] It should be noted that, in contrast to the EIRP constraints in the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band, EIRP planning for the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands is less complex due to the higher overall allowed PSD for the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands. Table 1 below shows example PSD values ​​and maximum allowed EIRP values ​​for various channel bandwidths in the 5 GHz and 6 GHz Wi-Fi bands. The PSD and EIRP values ​​presented in Table 1 are for operation of the wireless networking device in low power indoor (LPI) mode.

[0014]

[0015] Table 1: EIRP comparison between 5GHz and 6GHz channels

[0016] As shown in the example configuration of Table 1, channels with higher bandwidth in the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band (e.g., 160 MHz and 320 MHz channels) can still have EIRP values ​​comparable to channels with similar bandwidths in the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band. However, due to regulatory restrictions on PSD, narrower channels in the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band (e.g., 20 MHz, 40 MHz, and 80 MHz channels) may have to operate at smaller EIRP values ​​in LPI mode compared to similar channels in the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band. As understood, a radio operating at a smaller EIRP may have reduced coverage compared to a radio operating at a higher EIRP. Therefore, a radio operating on a large portion of a 6 GHz channel may have limited coverage compared to a radio operating on a channel in the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band.

[0017] Additionally, it is clear that higher frequency signals experience higher path loss compared to lower frequency signals. Therefore, due to the higher frequencies in the 6GHz Wi-Fi band, 6GHz Wi-Fi signals experience higher path loss compared to 5GHz Wi-Fi signals, resulting in further reduced coverage and reduced signal strength at any given point in the network. For example, if a 5GHz radio is operated at the same or higher EIRP value compared to a 6GHz radio, not only will the 5GHz radio have a higher range compared to the 6GHz radio, but at similar distances, the signal strength of the 5GHz radio will be better due to the higher path loss at the 6GHz frequency.

[0018] Due to the lower signal strength and smaller coverage range, client devices may prefer to associate with the 5 GHz radio rather than the 6 GHz radio. In some cases, even 6 GHz capable client devices may associate with the AP via the 5 GHz radio due to the reduced received signal strength from the 6 GHz radio. As a result, these 6 GHz capable client devices may not benefit from the potential and advanced communication capabilities provided on the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band. Additionally, in some cases, lower Wi-Fi bands such as 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz may be overpopulated, while the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band may remain underutilized, regardless of the better communication characteristics provided by the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band.

[0019] To address this issue, in examples consistent with the teachings of the present disclosure, the network management device implements EIRP balancing techniques to reduce imbalances in client device associations between different radios and / or to ensure that 6 GHz capable client devices associate with the 6 GHz radio and benefit from enhanced communications provided by the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band. In some examples, the network management device is configured to adjust the EIRP of the 5 GHz and 6 GHz radios so that client devices can receive signals from the 5 GHz and 6 GHz radios with similar signal strengths, thereby creating an equal opportunity for the client device to associate with either the 5 GHz radio or the 6 GHz radio.

[0020] To achieve transmission power balancing, in an example consistent with the teachings of the present disclosure, a network management device calculates a first free space path loss for signal communication on a first operating channel (e.g., any 5 GHz channel) in a first wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) frequency band (e.g., a 5 GHz Wi-Fi frequency band) on a wireless networking device (e.g., an AP). The network management device also calculates a second free space path loss for signal communication on a second operating channel (e.g., any 6 GHz channel) in a second Wi-Fi frequency band (e.g., a 6 GHz Wi-Fi frequency band) on the wireless networking device. The network management device then determines a difference between the first free space path loss and the second free space path loss (hereinafter referred to as a free space path loss difference).

[0021] Since 6 GHz Wi-Fi band communication generates a higher path loss than 5 GHz Wi-Fi band communication, the network management device can dynamically adjust the transmission power (i.e., EIRP) of one or both of a first radio (e.g., 5 GHz radio) dedicated to a first Wi-Fi band (e.g., 5 GHz Wi-Fi band) and a second radio (e.g., 6 GHz radio) dedicated to a second Wi-Fi band (e.g., 6 GHz Wi-Fi band) of the wireless networking device based on the free space path loss difference, so that at a predefined location, the difference in signal strength on the first Wi-Fi band and the second Wi-Fi band is maintained within a predefined range. In particular, in some examples, the network management device sets the transmission power of the first radio and the second radio to the first transmission power and the second transmission power, respectively, based on the free space path loss difference, so that there is almost no difference in strength observed by a client device present at the predefined location on the first Wi-Fi band and the second Wi-Fi band. In some examples, the network management device sets the transmission power so that at a predefined location, a second signal strength on a second Wi-Fi band (e.g., a 6 GHz Wi-Fi band) is greater than or equal to a first signal strength on a first Wi-Fi band (e.g., a 5 GHz Wi-Fi band). Because the client device can see similar or greater signal strength from the 6 GHz radio, the client device (if 6 GHz capable) can attempt to connect with the wireless networking device first over the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band, rather than connecting to and overfilling the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band. In addition, the client device can benefit from advanced communication features on the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band.

[0022] In some examples, to improve utilization of the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band, the network management device may even set the transmission power on the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band to be higher than the transmission power on the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band by at least the free space path loss difference plus the power margin. This may result in a stronger signal strength on the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band compared to the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band. In some examples, the first transmission power and the second transmission power may be set so that at a predefined location, the signal strength of the 6 GHz signal is higher than the signal strength of the 5 GHz signal, thereby increasing the chance that a client device with 6 GHz capability is associated with the 6 GHz radio.

[0023] Once the transmission power is adjusted, the wireless networking device may transmit wireless signals via the first radio and the second radio at the adjusted transmission power.

[0024] In addition, in some examples, if the network management device detects an imbalance in client device associations across different radios, the network management device can actively direct client devices from one radio to another radio. When the difference in the number of client device associations between a first radio (e.g., a 5 GHz radio) and a second radio (e.g., a 6 GHz radio) exceeds a predetermined amount (which can be a customizable value), the client device associations across the two radios are considered to be unbalanced. To this end, the network management device maintains a knowledge base of 6 GHz-capable client devices based on client device data reported from wireless networking devices. In addition, the network management device can periodically or on demand obtain client device association data specifying client devices associated with each of the first radio and the second radio from the wireless networking device. If the network management device determines that the difference in the distribution of client devices between the first Wi-Fi band and the second Wi-Fi band exceeds a predetermined amount, the network management device can direct one or more of the 6 GHz-capable client devices from the first radio to the second radio. In some other examples, to avoid overpopulating the 5 GHz or 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi bands, the network management device may also prevent new 6 GHz capable client devices from associating on the 5 GHz or 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi bands, thereby causing new 6 GHz capable client devices to connect on the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band.

[0025] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. It should be clearly understood that the drawings are for illustration and description purposes only. Although several examples are described in this document, modifications, adaptations and other implementations are also possible. Therefore, the following detailed description does not limit the disclosed examples. On the contrary, the proper scope of the disclosed examples can be defined by the appended claims.

[0026] Before describing in detail examples of the disclosed systems and methods, it is useful to describe an example network installation with which the systems and methods may be implemented in various applications. Figure 1 A networked system 100 (hereinafter referred to as system 100) is shown in which various examples presented herein may be implemented. System 100 may be implemented for use in any setting, for example, in a home setting or in an organization such as a business, educational institution, government entity, medical institution, or other organization. System 100 may include IT infrastructure 102, or both IT infrastructure 102 and network management device 104. Figure 1 Although network management device 104 is shown as being external to IT infrastructure 102 in FIG. 1 , in some examples, network management device 104 may be part of IT infrastructure 102 .

[0027] The IT infrastructure 102 may be a small device network or a large device network. For example, a small device network may be a home network that hosts a relatively small number of network management devices. For example, a large device network may be an organization, a university, a public facility space (e.g., a shopping mall, an airport, a train station, a bus station, a stadium, etc.), or an office network that hosts a large number of network management devices. The IT infrastructure 102 may span more than one site, such as a room, a floor of a building, a building, or any other space that may house network management devices. The IT infrastructure 102 may be a private network, such as a network that may include security and access controls to limit access to authorized users of the private network.

[0028] The IT infrastructure 102 may include several wireless networking devices that communicate with each other and / or with any external devices or systems outside the IT infrastructure 102. The term wireless networking device as used herein may refer to a device capable of establishing a wireless network through which client devices (not shown) may communicate with each other or with any external devices or systems outside the IT infrastructure 102. Examples of wireless networking devices may include access points, routers, WLAN controllers, etc. For purposes of illustration, Figure 1 The IT infrastructure 102 is shown to include a wireless networking device 108, which may be an access point (AP), for example. In addition, in some examples, the IT infrastructure 102 may optionally include a local control device, such as a controller 112 that is communicatively coupled to the wireless networking device 108 and the network 106. It should be noted that the examples presented herein are not subject to Figure 1 The details of the devices shown (e.g., type and count) are limited.

[0029] In some examples, the wireless networking device 108 and the controller 112 can be configured to communicate with other devices using wireless communication technologies specified in one or more 802.11 standard specifications published by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). In addition, examples of client devices that can be connected to the wireless networking device 108 can include desktop computers, laptop computers, servers, network 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 displays (e.g., smart TVs), content receivers, set-top boxes, personal digital assistants (PDAs), mobile phones, smart phones, virtual terminals, video game consoles, virtual assistants, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, etc.

[0030] In some examples, the wireless networking device 108 can act as an access point to a corresponding local wireless network established for client devices in the IT infrastructure 102. The wireless networking device 108 can be a combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware configured to provide a wireless network connection to the client device. The wireless networking device 108 can communicate with the client device according to one or more IEEE 802.11 standard specifications. The wireless networking device 108 radio communication circuit (such as the first radio 114 and the second radio 116) (hereinafter collectively referred to as radios 114, 116) can include a transmitter and / or a receiver to assist in data communication.

[0031] The radios 114, 116 may include electronic devices (e.g., signal processing circuits, such as but not limited to amplifiers, modulators, demodulators, phase shifters, signal comparators, signal conditioning circuits, etc.) for processing signals received and / or transmitted by the wireless networking device 108. In some examples, each of the radios 114, 116 may operate in one or more frequency bands that comply with one or more IEEE standards (e.g., 802.11ax). In some examples, the first radio 114 may operate in one or more channels in a first frequency band (e.g., a 5 GHz Wi-Fi band). For example, the first radio 114 may operate in one or more channels across U-NII-1, U-NII-2, U-NII-3, and U-NII-4 subbands. In addition, in some examples, the second radio 116 may operate in one or more channels in a second frequency band (e.g., a 6 GHz Wi-Fi band). For example, the second radio 116 may operate in one or more channels across U-NII-5, U-NII-6, U-NII-7, and U-NII-8 subbands. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that radios 114, 116 may operate in any suitable frequency band and conform to any suitable type(s) of wireless communication standards now known and later developed. In an example implementation, where radio 114 operates in the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band and radio 116 operates in the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band, radio 114 and radio 116 may also be referred to as 5 GHz radio 114 and 6 GHz radio 116, respectively. Figure 1 The wireless networking device 108 is shown as including two radios, but those skilled in the art will appreciate that the wireless networking device 108a may include any suitable number of radios.

[0032] In addition, although not shown, the wireless networking device 108 may include multiple antennas, for example, antennas connected to each of the radios 114, 116. In some examples, such antennas can transmit and / or receive directional signals, omnidirectional signals, or a combination thereof. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the antennas may include any suitable (multiple) types of antennas now known and later developed. The net power radiated via the antenna associated with a given radio is hereinafter referred to as the transmit power or EIRP associated with the given radio of the wireless networking device 108.

[0033] The wireless networking device 108 can communicate with the controller 112 via a connection 110, which can include a wired and / or wireless interface. The controller 112 can provide the IT infrastructure 102 with communication with the network 106, although it may not be the only point of communication between the IT infrastructure 102 and the network 106. In some examples, the controller 112 can communicate with the network 106 through a router (not shown). In other implementations, the controller 112 can provide router functions to devices in the IT infrastructure 102. In some examples, the controller 112 can be a wireless local area network (WLAN) controller. The controller 112 can be operable to configure and manage wireless networking devices, such as at the IT infrastructure 102, and can also manage wireless networking devices at other remote sites (if any) within the IT infrastructure 102. The controller 112 can be operable to configure and / or manage switches, routers, access points, and / or client devices connected to the network. In some examples, the controller 112 itself can be an AP, or provide the functions of an AP.

[0034] The network 106 may be a public or private network, such as the Internet, or another communications network that allows connectivity between the IT infrastructure 102 and the network management device 104. The network 106 may include third-party telecommunication lines, such as telephone lines, broadcast coaxial cables, fiber optic cables, satellite communications, cellular communications, etc. In some examples, the network 106 may include any number of intermediate network management devices, such as switches, routers, gateways, servers, and / or controllers, that are not directly part of the IT infrastructure 102 but that facilitate communications between various parts of the IT infrastructure 102 and between the IT infrastructure 102 and any other network-connected entities.

[0035] The network management device 104 may be hosted on a network external to the IT infrastructure 102, for example, on a cloud platform hosted on a public, private, or hybrid cloud external to the IT infrastructure 102. In some examples, the network management device 104 may be implemented as one or more computing systems, such as computers, controllers, servers, or storage systems. In some examples, the network management device 104 may be an electronic device with hardware processing resources 118, such as one or more central processing units (CPUs), semiconductor-based microprocessors, and / or other hardware devices suitable for retrieval and execution of instructions 122 stored in a machine-readable storage medium 120 (described later). In some other examples, the network management device 104 may be implemented as a software resource, such as a software application, a virtual machine (VM), a container, a containerized application, or a pod. In some examples, the network management device 104 may be implemented as a service running on a "cloud computing" environment, or as "software as a service" (SaaS). The network management device 104 may be provided as a standalone product or packaged solution that can be used on a one-time full product / solution purchase or a pay-per-use basis.

[0036] exist Figure 1 In some examples not shown in FIG. 1 , the network management device 104 can be deployed within the IT infrastructure 102. In such an implementation, the network management device 104 can be connected to the controller 112, or any of the wireless networking devices 108. In some other examples, the network management device 104 can be implemented as an AP. In an alternative implementation, the controller 112 can be configured to operate as the network management device 104.

[0037] The machine-readable storage medium 120 may be non-transitory, and is alternatively referred to as a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium, not covering transient propagation signals. The machine-readable storage medium 120 may be any electronic, magnetic, optical, or other type of storage device that can store data and / or executable instructions. Examples of the machine-readable storage medium 120 may include random access memory (RAM), non-volatile RAM (NVRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a storage drive (e.g., a solid-state drive (SSD) or a hard disk drive (HDD)), flash memory, etc. The machine-readable storage medium 120 may be encoded with instructions 122 to adjust the transmission power of the radios 114 and 116 in the wireless networking device 108. Although not shown, in some examples, the machine-readable storage medium 120 may be encoded with certain additional executable instructions to perform any other operations performed by the network management device 104 without limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0038] The processing resource 118 may be a physical device, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), other hardware devices capable of retrieving and executing instructions stored in the machine-readable storage medium 120, or a combination thereof. The processing resource 118 may retrieve, decode, and execute instructions 122 stored in the machine-readable storage medium 120 to manage the transmission power of one or more wireless networking devices. In particular, by executing the instructions 122, the processing resource 118 may set the transmission power of the radios 114 and 114 based on the free space path loss difference between communications on the Wi-Fi bands (e.g., the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band and the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band).

[0039] As an alternative or in addition to executing instructions 122, processing resources 118 may include at least one integrated circuit (IC), control logic, electronic circuitry, or a combination thereof that includes several electronic components for performing the functions intended to be performed by network management device 104. In some examples, when network management device 104 is implemented as a virtual resource (e.g., a VM, container, or software application), processing resources 118 and machine-readable storage medium 120 may represent processing resources and machine-readable storage media, respectively, of a host system hosting network management device 104 as virtual resources.

[0040] According to some examples, the network management device 104 may implement a method of adjusting the transmission power of a radio (e.g., radios 114 and 116) in the wireless networking device 108 by means of the processing resource 118 executing the instructions 122. The processing resource 118 may execute one or more of the instructions 122 to perform a combination of Figure 2 , Figure 3A and Figure 3B (described later) described method steps.

[0041] In an example consistent with the teachings of the present disclosure, processing resources 118 may execute instructions 122 to implement EIRP balancing techniques to reduce imbalances in client device associations between radios 114 and 116. This may ensure that 6 GHz capable client devices associate with 6 GHz radio 116 and benefit from enhanced communications provided by the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band. In some examples, network management device 104 is configured to adjust the EIRP of radios 114 and 116 so that client devices can receive signals from 5 GHz and 6 GHz radios with similar signal strengths, thereby creating an equal opportunity for client devices to associate with either the 5 GHz radio or the 6 GHz radio.

[0042] In an example consistent with the teachings of the present disclosure, network management device 104 determines a difference between free space path losses of signals on the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band and the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band. Since 6 GHz Wi-Fi band communications produce higher path losses than 5 GHz Wi-Fi band communications, network management device 104 can dynamically adjust the transmission power (i.e., EIRP) of one or both of radios 114 and 116 based on the free space path loss difference, such that a second signal strength on the second Wi-Fi band (e.g., the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band) is greater than or equal to a first signal strength on the first Wi-Fi band (e.g., the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band).

[0043] In some examples, when a client device can receive similar signal strengths on both the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band and the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band, the client device (if 6 GHz capable) can try to connect to the wireless networking device 108 on the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band first, rather than connecting to and overfilling the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band. In this way, the client device can benefit from the advanced communication features on the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band. In some examples, in order to improve the utilization of the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band, the network management device 104 can even set the transmission power via the 6 GHz radio 116 to a higher value by adding a certain power margin. This may result in a stronger signal strength in the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band compared to the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band. In some examples, the transmission power of the radios 114 and 116 can be set so that at a predefined location, the signal strength of the 6 GHz signal is higher than the signal strength of the 5 GHz signal, thereby increasing the chance that the client device with 6 GHz capability is associated with the 6 GHz radio 116. Once the transmission power is set, the wireless networking device can transmit wireless signals via the first radio and the second radio at the set transmission power.

[0044] Additionally, in some examples, network management device 104 can actively manage the association of client devices across radios 114 and 116. For example, network management device 104 can direct client devices from one radio to another (e.g., from radio 114 to radio 116, or vice versa) if an association imbalance is detected. In some other examples, network management device 104 can also prevent new 6 GHz capable client devices from associating on the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band, thereby causing new 6 GHz capable client devices to connect on the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band, in order to avoid overpopulating the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band. Figure 2 , Figure 3A and Figure 3B The method described in describes additional details of dynamically adjusting the transmit power (ie, EIRP) of one or both of the radios 114 and 116 and managing the association of client devices.

[0045] Furthermore, it should be understood that the path loss difference between two channels depends on the spacing between the two operating channels. In particular, the closer the operating channels are; the smaller the path loss difference will be, and vice versa. For example, the path difference between a channel at the beginning of the UNII-5 band (which is within the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band) and a channel at the end of the UNII-4 band (which is within the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band) may be less than 2 dB. Therefore, in some examples, in order to reduce the path loss difference between signals on the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band and the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band, the network management device may instruct the wireless networking device 108 to operate the radios 114 and 116 at closer operating channels, whenever such channels are available.

[0046] In the following description, with the help of Figure 2 , Figure 3A and Figure 3B The flowcharts shown in the flowcharts are used to describe several operations performed by a network management device (e.g., network management device 104). In some examples, the operations described in these flowcharts can be performed by a processing resource (e.g., processing resource 118) by executing instructions (e.g., instructions 122) stored in a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., machine-readable storage medium 120). As an alternative or in addition to retrieving and executing instructions, the operations described in these flowcharts can be performed by implementing one or more electronic circuits including electronic components, such as FPGAs, ASICs, or other electronic circuits.

[0047] Reference now Figure 2 , depicts a flow chart of an example method 200 for dynamically adjusting the transmission power of a radio in a wireless networking device. To illustrate Figure 2 For purposes of the examples in the examples, a wireless networking device (e.g., Figure 1 The wireless networking device 108 is configured to operate a first radio (e.g., 5 GHz radio 114) in one of the available 5 GHz channels (hereinafter referred to as the first operating channel) and to operate a second radio (e.g., 6 GHz radio 116) in one of the available 6 GHz channels (hereinafter referred to as the second operating channel).

[0048] At step 202, the network management device determines a first free space path loss at a predefined location. For a first frequency (f1) corresponding to a first operating channel in a first Wi-Fi frequency band (e.g., a 5 GHz Wi-Fi frequency band), the first free space path loss is determined. The network management device calculates the first free space path loss based on at least a distance (d) between the wireless networking device and the predefined location and the first frequency (f1). The first frequency (f1) can be a center frequency of the first operating channel. Equation (2) shown below shows an example calculation of the first free space path loss in dB.

[0049]

[0050] Where c represents the speed of light.

[0051] In addition, at step 204, for a second operating channel in a second Wi-Fi frequency band (e.g., a 6 GHz Wi-Fi frequency band), the network management device determines a second free space path loss at the predefined location. The network management device calculates the second free space path loss (FPL2) based on at least a distance (d) between the wireless networking device and the predefined location and a second frequency (f2) of a transmission signal from the wireless networking device. d ). The second frequency (f2) may be a center frequency of the second operating channel. Equation (3) shown below shows an example calculation of the second free space path loss in dB.

[0052]

[0053] In addition, at step 206, the network management device determines a first free space path loss (FPL1 d ) and the second free space path loss (FPL2 d ) PL ) (hereinafter also referred to as the free space path loss difference). Equation (4) shown below shows the first free space path loss (FPL1 d ) and the second free space path loss (FPL2 d ) PL ) is an example calculation.

[0054] DIFF PL =|FPL1 d -FPL2 d | Equation (4)

[0055] At step 208, the network management device sets the transmission power (ie, EIRP) of the first radio to a first transmission power (TX set1) and sets the transmission power (ie, EIRP) of the second radio to the second transmission power (TX set2 ), such that at a predefined location, a second signal strength (RSS2, described later) on the second Wi-Fi frequency band is greater than or equal to a first signal strength (RSS1, described later) on the first Wi-Fi frequency band. The first signal strength (RSS1) and the second signal strength (RSS2) are also referred to as 5 GHz signal strength and 5 GHz signal strength, respectively. Setting the transmission power of the radio may include calculating a first transmission power and a second transmission power, and instructing the wireless networking device to adjust the transmission power of the first radio and the second radio to the first transmission power and the second transmission power, respectively.

[0056] If a 6 GHz capable client device observes similar signal strengths for both the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band and the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band, or observes higher signal strength on the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band than on the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band, the chance of a 6 GHz capable client device at distance (d) associating on the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band may be increased. In one example, in order for a client device to observe similar signal strengths for both the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band and the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band, the network management device sets the transmission power TX set1 and TX set2 , so that any additional free space path loss caused by the 6 GHz signal can be offset by increasing the TX set2 Specifically, the network management device can compensate for the free space path loss difference (DIFF PL ) and the first transmission power (TX set1 ) is added to calculate the second transmission power (TX set2 ), as shown in example equation (5).

[0057] TX set2 =TX set1 +DIFF PL Equation (5)

[0058] By using the second transmission power (TX set2 ) operating a 6 GHz radio, a 6 GHz capable client device may observe similar signal strengths for both the 5 GHz signal and the 6 GHz signal. For example, a first signal strength or 5 GHz signal strength (RSS1) of a signal transmitted on a first operating channel may be determined as a first transmit power (e.g., TX set1 ) and the first free space path loss (FPL1 d ) is represented by the example relationship of equation (6).

[0059] RSS1=TX set1 -FPL1 d Equation (6)

[0060] Similarly, the network management device may calculate the second signal strength (RSS2) of the signal transmitted through the second operating channel or the 6 GHz signal strength as the second transmission power (eg, TX set2 ) and the second free space path loss (FPL2 d ) is represented by the example relationship of equation (7).

[0061] RSS2=TX set2 -FPL2 d Equation (7)

[0062] The signal strengths RSS1 and RSS2 calculated above may be theoretical values ​​without accounting for receiver sensitivity, antenna gain, and cable loss in consideration of the fact that a given receiving device (e.g., a client device) located at a predefined location may exhibit and / or experience similar receiver sensitivity, antenna gain, and cable loss on both the 5 GHz and 6 GHz Wi-Fi bands. In some examples, the network management device may also consider the receiver sensitivity of a given receiving device (e.g., a client device) when determining the signal strength. In some examples, the value of the signal strength may also be reported by the receiving device to the network management device.

[0063] In some examples, the network management device selects a first transmission power (TX set1 ) and a second transmission power (TX set2 ), so that the second signal strength (RSS2) is equal to or greater than the first signal strength (RSS1). In one example, when the second transmission power (TX set2 ) is set to the first transmission power (TX set1 ) plus the free space path loss difference (DIFF PL ), the signal strengths on the 5 GHz and 6 GHz Wi-Fi bands may be similar (e.g., RSS2=RSS1). Since similar signal strengths are observed for both the 5 GHz and 6 GHz signals, the 6 GHz client device may attempt to connect with the wireless networking device on the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band instead of connecting to and overfilling the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band.

[0064] In addition, in some examples, in order to improve the utilization of the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band, the network management device can even set the transmission power TX set1 and TX set2, so that at a given location, the 6 GHz signal strength is higher than the 5 GHz signal strength (ie, RSS2>RSS1). In particular, in this configuration, the network management device may increase the second transmission power (TX set2 ) is set to be higher than the first transmission power (TX set1 ) High free space path loss difference (DIFF PL ) plus the power margin (P MARGIN ) as shown in the example relationship of equation (8).

[0065] TX set2 =TX set1 +DIFF PL +P MARGIN Equation (8)

[0066] Power headroom (P MARGIN ) can be a customizable value. MARGIN ) is set to a value greater than zero so that the 6 GHz Wi-Fi signal has a stronger signal strength than the 5 GHz Wi-Fi signal at the distance (d). set2 ) is set to the value calculated using equation (8), the signal strength on the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band may be higher than the signal strength on the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band by at least the power margin (e.g., RSS2 = RSS1 + P MARGIN ). In particular, with such increased power headroom, a 6 GHz capable client device may observe higher signal strength on the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band compared to the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band. This may increase the chances of a 6 GHz capable client device being associated with the 6 GHz radio.

[0067] The transmission power of the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band is limited by a PSD limit (e.g., 5 dB per MHz in the United States). Therefore, in some examples, in order to increase the second transmission power (TX set2 ) is within the specified PSD limit, the network management device can be configured to reduce the first transmission power (TX set1 ).

[0068] Once the transmission power TX set1 TX set2 is calculated, the network management device transmits a power management instruction to the wireless networking device to cause the wireless networking device to transmit power TX set1 and TX set2 The first radio and the second radio are operated. In particular, the power management instruction may include an EIRP setting indicating a transmission power TX set1 TXset2 When receiving the power management instruction, the wireless networking device can adjust the transmission power of the first radio and the second radio respectively to match the transmission power TX set1 TX set2 In some other examples, the power management instructions may include commands to increase or decrease the transmission power of the first radio and the second radio. Once the transmission power is adjusted, the wireless networking device may respectively transmit the signal at the adjusted transmission power TX. set1 TX set2 A wireless signal is transmitted via the first radio and the second radio.

[0069] Reference now Figure 3A and Figure 3B , depicts a flow chart of an example method 300 for dynamically adjusting the transmission power of a radio in a wireless networking device. For the sake of brevity, certain details of the operations described in any of the previous figures (e.g., the operations described in steps 302-308) are not repeated herein.

[0070] At step 302, the network management device determines a first free space path loss at a predefined location. For a first frequency corresponding to a first operating channel in a first Wi-Fi frequency band (e.g., a 5 GHz Wi-Fi frequency band), the first free space path loss is determined based on a distance (d) between the wireless networking device and the predefined location and a first frequency (f1) of the first operating channel. In addition, at step 304, for a second operating channel in a second Wi-Fi frequency band (e.g., a 6 GHz Wi-Fi frequency band), the network management device determines a second free space path loss at the predefined location. The network management device calculates the second free space path loss based at least on the distance (d) between the wireless networking device and the predefined location and a second frequency (f2) of the second operating channel.

[0071] Furthermore, at step 306, the network management device determines a difference between the first free space path loss and the second free space path loss (hereinafter also referred to as a free space path loss difference). Furthermore, at step 308, the network management device sets the transmission power (i.e., EIRP) of the first radio to the first transmission power and sets the transmission power (i.e., EIRP) of the second radio to the second transmission power based on the free space path loss difference, such that the second signal strength on the second Wi-Fi band (e.g., the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band) is greater than or equal to the first signal strength on the first Wi-Fi band (e.g., the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band). In particular, in one example, since a client device at a predefined location can see the same signal strength from both the 5 GHz radio and the 6 GHz radio, the client device (if 6 GHz capable) can attempt to connect with the wireless networking device on the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band first, rather than connecting to and overfilling the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band. In some examples, to improve utilization of the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band, the network management device may even set the second transmission power to be higher than the transmission power by at least the free space path loss difference, thereby resulting in a stronger signal strength in the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band compared to the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band. This may increase the chances of a 6 GHz capable client device connecting to the wireless networking device via the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band compared to connecting via the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band.

[0072] Once the transmission power is adjusted, the wireless networking device may communicate with the client device via the first radio and the second radio, respectively, at the adjusted transmission power.

[0073] In addition, during operation of the network management device, at step 310, the network management device maintains (e.g., creates and / or updates) a knowledge base of 6 GHz capable client devices based on client device data reported from the wireless networking device. The wireless networking device may be configured to periodically or upon request of the network management device send information about 6 GHz capable client devices that have been associated with the wireless networking device (e.g., device type, device identifier (e.g., media access control address), etc.). The knowledge base may store such information reported by the wireless networking device. The network management device may also update the knowledge base periodically or upon receiving client device data from the wireless networking device.

[0074] Additionally, the network management device may obtain client device association data from the wireless networking device at step 312. The client device association data may include information about client devices associated with each of a first radio (e.g., a 5 GHz radio) operating on a first Wi-Fi frequency band (e.g., a 5 GHz Wi-Fi frequency band) and a second radio (e.g., a 6 GHz radio) operating on a second Wi-Fi frequency band (e.g., a 5 GHz Wi-Fi frequency band). With the receipt of the client device association data, the network management device may determine how many devices are being served by each radio.

[0075] In step 314, the network management device may perform a check to determine whether there is an imbalance in client device associations between the first radio and the second radio based on the client device association data. When the difference in the number of client device associations between the first radio (e.g., 5 GHz radio) and the second radio (e.g., 6 GHz radio) exceeds a predetermined amount (which may be a customizable value), the client device associations across the two radios are considered to be unbalanced. In step 314, if it is determined that there is no imbalance in the distribution of client devices between the 5 GHz radio and the 5 GHz radio, then in step 310, the network management device may continue to monitor the wireless networking device to obtain any updates about client devices with 6 GHz capabilities and maintain a knowledge base of client devices with 6 GHz capabilities. However, in step 314, if the network management device determines that the difference in the distribution of client devices between the 5 GHz radio and the 5 GHz radio exceeds a predetermined amount, then in box 316, the network management device may direct one or more of the client devices with 6 GHz capabilities from the 5 GHz radio to the 6 GHz radio. In some examples, the directing includes associating the client device with 6 GHz capabilities with the second radio according to the band steering technology specified in the IEEE 802.11v specification.

[0076] Alternatively or additionally, in some examples, the network management device may prevent any new 6 GHz capable client devices from associating on the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band in response to detecting an imbalance in client device associations between the first radio and the second radio based on the client device association data, at block 318. This may result in new 6 GHz capable client devices connecting on the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band, thereby avoiding overpopulation of the 5 GHz or 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi bands.

[0077] Figure 4 A block diagram of an example computing system 400 is depicted in which various examples described herein may be implemented. In some examples, computing system 400 may be configured to function as a network management device such as Figure 1The computing system 400 may be configured to operate as a network management device (such as a network management device 104) and may perform various operations described in conjunction with one or more of the previous figures. Figure 1 The computing system 400 may be operated by a network management device 104 of the present invention and may perform various operations described in one or more of the previous figures. Examples of devices and / or systems that may be implemented as the computing system 400 may include desktop computers, laptop computers, servers, network servers, authentication servers, AAA servers, DNS servers, DHCP servers, IP servers, 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, PDAs, mobile phones, smart phones, intelligent terminals, dumb terminals, virtual terminals, video game consoles, virtual assistants, IoT devices, etc.

[0078] The computing system 400 may include a bus 402 or other communication mechanism for communicating information, a hardware processor (also referred to as a processing resource 404), and a machine-readable storage medium 405 coupled to the bus 402 for processing information. In some examples, the processing resource 404 may include one or more CPUs, semiconductor-based microprocessors, and / or other hardware devices suitable for retrieving and executing instructions stored in the machine-readable storage medium 405. The processing resource 404 may retrieve, decode, and execute instructions to manage the transmission power of the wireless networking device. As an alternative or in addition to retrieving and executing instructions, the processing resource 404 may include one or more electronic circuits including electronic components such as FPGAs, ASICs, or other electronic circuits for performing the functions of one or more instructions.

[0079] In some examples, the machine-readable storage medium 405 may include a main memory 406, such as a RAM, cache, and / or other dynamic storage device, coupled to the bus 402 for storing information and instructions to be executed by the processing resource 404. The main memory 406 may also be used to store temporary variables or other intermediate information during the execution of instructions to be executed by the processing resource 404. When stored in a storage medium accessible to the processing resource 404, such instructions render the computing system 400 as a special-purpose machine customized to perform the operations specified in the instructions. The machine-readable storage medium 405 may also include a read-only memory (ROM) 408 or other static storage device, which is coupled to the bus 402 for storing static information and instructions for the processing resource 404. In addition, in the machine-readable storage medium 405, a storage device 410 (such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, or USB thumb drive (flash drive) or the like) may be provided and coupled to the bus 402 for storing information and instructions.

[0080] In some examples, computing system 400 may be coupled to display 412, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) (or touch-sensitive screen), via bus 402 for displaying information to a computer user. In some examples, input device 414, including alphanumeric and other keys (physical or software generated and displayed on a touch-sensitive screen), may be coupled to bus 402 for communicating information and command selections to processing resource 404. Additionally, in some examples, another type of user input device, such as cursor control 416, may be connected to bus 402. Cursor control 416 may be a mouse, trackball, or cursor direction keys. Cursor control 416 may communicate direction information and command selections to processing resource 404 for controlling cursor movement on display 412. In some other examples, the same direction information and command selections as a cursor control may be implemented by receiving touches on a touch screen without a cursor.

[0081] In some examples, computing system 400 may include a user interface module for implementing a GUI, which may be stored in a mass storage device as executable software code executed by (multiple) computing devices. For example, this module and other modules may include components, such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components, processes, functions, properties, procedures, subroutines, program code segments, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuit systems, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables.

[0082] The computing system 400 also includes a network interface 418 coupled to the bus 402. The network interface 418 provides a two-way data communication coupled to one or more network links connected to one or more local networks. For example, the network interface 418 can be an integrated services digital network (ISDN) card, a cable modem, a satellite modem, or a modem for providing a data communication connection to a corresponding type of telephone line. As another example, the network interface 418 can be a local area network (LAN) card or a wireless communication unit (e.g., a Wi-Fi chip / module).

[0083] In some examples, machine-readable storage medium 405 (e.g., one or more of main memory 406, ROM 408, or storage device 410) stores instructions 407, which when executed by processing resource 404 may cause processing resource 404 to perform one or more of the methods / operations described above. Instructions 407 may be stored on any of main memory 406, ROM 408, or storage device 410. In some examples, instructions 407 may be distributed across one or more of main memory 406, ROM 408, or storage device 410. In some examples, instructions 407 may include instructions that when executed by processing resource 404 may cause processing resource 404 to perform Figure 2 , Figure 3A and Figure 3B Instructions of one or more of the methods described in.

[0084] Unless otherwise expressly stated, the terms and phrases used in this document and their variations should be interpreted as open-ended, rather than restrictive. As an example of the foregoing, the term "including" should be understood as "including but not limited to" and other meanings. The term "example" is used to provide an illustrative example of the project under discussion, rather than its exhaustive or restrictive list. The term "a" or "an" should be understood as "at least one", "one or more" and other meanings. In some cases, the appearance of broadening words and phrases such as "one or more", "at least", "but not limited to" or other similar phrases should not be understood as intending or needing to use narrower situations in the absence of such broadening phrases. In addition, the term "and / or" used in this article refers to and covers any and all possible combinations of related listed items. It should also be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc. can be used to describe various elements in this article, these elements should not be limited by these terms, because unless otherwise specified or the context indicates otherwise, these terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element.

Claims

1. A method comprising: determining, by a network management device, a difference between a first free space path loss corresponding to a first Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) frequency band and a second free space path loss corresponding to a second Wi-Fi frequency band for a wireless networking device, wherein the wireless networking device includes a first radio for communicating on the first Wi-Fi frequency band and a second radio for communicating on the second Wi-Fi frequency band; as well as The network management device sets the transmission power of the first radio and the second radio to a first transmission power and a second transmission power, respectively, based on the difference, so that at a predefined location, a second signal strength on the second Wi-Fi frequency band is greater than or equal to the first signal strength on the first Wi-Fi frequency band, wherein the wireless networking device communicates via the first radio at the first transmission power and via the second radio at the second transmission power.

2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising determining, by the network management device, the first free space path loss for a first operating channel in the first Wi-Fi frequency band and the second free space path loss for a second operating channel in the second Wi-Fi frequency band. 3 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising selecting, by the network management device, the second transmission power that is higher than the first transmission power by at least the difference.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first Wi-Fi frequency band is a 5 GHz Wi-Fi frequency band and the second Wi-Fi frequency band is a 6 GHz Wi-Fi frequency band, the 5 GHz Wi-Fi frequency band and the 6 GHz Wi-Fi frequency band being defined in one or more of Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 specifications. 5 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising generating, by the network management device, a knowledge base of 6 GHz capable client devices based on client device data reported from the wireless networking device.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising obtaining, by the network management device, client device association data from the wireless networking device, wherein the client device association data includes information of client devices associated with each of the first radio of the first Wi-Fi frequency band and the second radio of the second Wi-Fi frequency band.

7. The method of claim 6 further includes directing, by the network management device, one or more of the 6 GHz capable client devices from the first radio to the second radio in response to detecting an imbalance in client device associations between the first radio and the second radio based on the client device association data.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the directing comprises associating the 6 GHz capable client device with the second radio in accordance with band steering techniques specified in the IEEE 802.11v specification.

9. The method of claim 6 further comprises preventing, by the network management device, new 6 GHz capable client devices from associating on the first Wi-Fi frequency band in response to detecting an imbalance in client device associations between the first radio and the second radio based on the client device association data.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the first Wi-Fi frequency band is a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi frequency band and the second Wi-Fi frequency band is a 6 GHz Wi-Fi frequency band.

11. A network management device, comprising: a machine-readable storage medium storing program instructions; as well as processing resources to execute the program instructions stored in the machine-readable storage medium to: determining, for a wireless networking device, a difference between a first free-space path loss corresponding to a 5 GHz Wi-Fi frequency band and a second free-space path loss corresponding to a 6 GHz Wi-Fi frequency band, wherein the wireless networking device includes a 5 GHz radio for communicating on the 5 GHz Wi-Fi frequency band and a 6 GHz radio for communicating on the 6 GHz Wi-Fi frequency band; as well as Based on the difference, the transmission powers of the 5 GHz radio and the 6 GHz radio are set to a first transmission power and a second transmission power, respectively, so that at a predefined location, the 6 GHz signal strength is greater than or equal to the 5 GHz signal strength, wherein the wireless networking device communicates via the 5 GHz radio at the first transmission power and via the 6 GHz radio at the second transmission power.

12. The network management device of claim 11, wherein the processing resource is configured to execute one or more of the program instructions to set the second transmission power higher than the first transmission power by at least the difference.

13. The network management device of claim 11, wherein the processing resource is further configured to execute one or more of the program instructions to maintain the PSD for the 6 GHz Wi-Fi frequency band within predefined regulatory limits specified for the 6 GHz Wi-Fi frequency band.

14. The network management device of claim 11, wherein the processing resource is further configured to execute one or more of the program instructions to generate a knowledge base of 6 GHz capable client devices based on client device data reported from the wireless networking device.

15. The network management device of claim 14, wherein the processing resource is further configured to execute one or more of the program instructions to obtain, from the wireless networking device, client device association data specifying client devices associated with each of the 5 GHz radio of the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band and the 6 GHz radio of the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band.

16. A network management device according to claim 15, wherein the processing resource is further configured to execute one or more of the program instructions to direct one or more of the 6 GHz capable client devices from the 5 GHz radio to the 6 GHz radio in response to detecting an imbalance in client device associations between the 5 GHz radio and the 6 GHz radio based on the client device association data.

17. The network management device of claim 16, wherein the processing resource is further configured to execute one or more of the program instructions to prevent new 6 GHz capable client devices from associating on the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band in response to detecting an imbalance in client device associations between the 5 GHz radio and the 6 GHz radio based on the client device association data.

18. A networked system comprising: A wireless networking device including a 5 GHz radio for communicating on the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band and a 6 GHz radio for communicating on the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band; as well as a network management device communicatively coupled to the wireless networking device, wherein the network management device is configured to: determining, for the wireless networking device, a difference between a first free-space path loss corresponding to the 5 GHz Wi-Fi frequency band and a second free-space path loss corresponding to the 6 GHz Wi-Fi frequency band; as well as The transmission power of the 6 GHz radio is set to be higher than the transmission power of the 5 GHz radio by at least the difference, such that at a predefined location, the 6 GHz signal strength is greater than or equal to the 5 GHz signal strength.

19. The networked system according to claim 18, wherein the network management device is further configured to: generating a knowledge base of 6 GHz capable client devices based on client device data reported from the wireless networking device; and Client device association data specifying a client device associated with each of the 5 GHz radio of the 5 GHz Wi-Fi frequency band and the 6 GHz radio of the 6 GHz Wi-Fi frequency band is obtained from the wireless networking device.

20. The networked system according to claim 19, wherein the network management device is further configured to: In response to detecting an imbalance in client device associations between the 5 GHz radio and the 6 GHz radio based on the client device association data: directing one or more of the 6 GHz capable client devices from the 5 GHz radio to the 6 GHz radio; or New 6 GHz capable client devices are prevented from associating on the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band or the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band.

Images