6 GHz Access Point AFC Relay for Fast Band Activation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The deployment of standard power access points (APs) in the 6 GHz frequency band is hindered by a lengthy authorization process involving GPS location collection and AFC spectrum requests, which can take up to 20 minutes, and issues with dynamic frequency selection channels causing delays in establishing a 6 GHz frequency band connection.
Innovation Solution
Configuring the AP in a 6 GHz station mode, performing passive scanning to connect with a target AP, setting power levels 6 dB lower than the target, and sending GPS information via the target AP to an AFC server for instant authorization, allowing direct 6 GHz band operation without delay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the AP follows the standard authorization process involving GPS location collection and AFC spectrum requests, then AFC protocol compliance is ensured, but the activation time delays up to 20 minutes
Solution Approach 1:
The AP performs passive scanning and connects to a target AP in advance, establishing a communication path before AFC authorization is complete. This preliminary action allows the AP to prepare for immediate operation while the authorization process continues in the background, eliminating the 20-minute delay without compromising AFC compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a target AP as an intermediary device that relays communications between the AP and the AFC server. By connecting to the target AP first, the system establishes a communication bridge that enables faster authorization while maintaining protocol compliance, resolving the contradiction between speed and reliability.
2Ease of operation
If the AP uses dynamic frequency selection channels on 5 GHz band, then connection establishment is possible, but delays occur due to radar signal detections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the AP to operate in multiple frequency bands (5 GHz and 6 GHz) simultaneously. When DFS channels on 5 GHz are blocked by radar detections, the AP can switch to 6 GHz band operations, providing a universal solution that maintains connectivity without delay. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by offering alternative pathways for connection establishment.
3Productivity
If the AP is configured only on 6 GHz frequency band, then optimal performance is achieved, but the AP cannot establish initial connection for AFC requests
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection process into two distinct phases: initial connection phase using 5 GHz band, and optimal operation phase using 6 GHz band. This segmentation allows the AP to use different frequency bands for different purposes, achieving both connection capability and optimal performance without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The AP performs preliminary connection establishment on 5 GHz band before transitioning to 6 GHz band for optimal performance. This preliminary action on an alternative frequency enables the AP to gain initial connectivity and AFC authorization, then switch to the preferred 6 GHz band for high-performance operations.
Data Source
AI summary
In implementations of the present disclosure, there is provided an approach for an application of access point in the 6 GHz frequency band. A method comprises configuring a mode of the AP as a 6 GHz station mode in a case that the AP is enabled on a 6 GHz frequency band. Then, a list of target APs around the AP working on the 6 GHz frequency band is obtained. Next, the AP selects a target AP from the list of target APs and connects to the selected target AP by setting a power of the AP to be lower than a power of the target AP by a predetermined value. After the AP connects to the target AP, the AP sends a request including global positioning system (GPS) information to an automated frequency coordination (AFC) server via the target AP to obtain a response including allowed power information.