Access Point Grouping for Lower-Volume AFC Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
As network deployments grow larger and the number of access points increase, performing automatic frequency coordination (AFC) individually for each access point becomes burdensome and costly.
Innovation Solution
Grouping access points based on stored AFC reports, distances to an incumbent network, and installation heights to calculate centroids and uncertainty ranges, allowing for centralized AFC queries to be generated for each group of access points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If AFC is performed individually for each access point, then each access point can be coordinated accurately, but the number of AFC queries increases significantly making the process burdensome and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent groups multiple access points into clusters based on their spatial proximity and operational characteristics. Instead of performing AFC individually for each access point, the system performs a single AFC query per group that applies to all access points in that group. This merging approach maintains coordination accuracy while significantly reducing the total number of AFC queries required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network into distinct groups of access points based on location and operational parameters. Each group is assigned a representative access point for AFC purposes, allowing the system to manage large networks by handling smaller, manageable groups rather than individual access points. This segmentation reduces complexity and query volume while maintaining effective coordination.
2Reliability
If AFC is performed individually for each access point, then detailed coordination can be achieved, but the time required for AFC operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple access points into groups and performing a single AFC query per group rather than individually for each access point, the system significantly reduces the total time required for AFC operations. The time saved comes from eliminating redundant query cycles while maintaining coordinated operation through group-based AFC responses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary grouping of access points into clusters before initiating AFC operations. This preliminary organization allows the system to efficiently manage AFC queries by processing groups rather than individual access points, thereby reducing overall operation time while maintaining coordination precision through proper group formation.
3Reliability
If AFC is performed individually for each access point, then each access point receives dedicated coordination, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple access points into groups, reducing the number of AFC queries from individual access point level to group level. This merging significantly reduces system complexity and operational cost while maintaining effective coordination. The system manages complexity by handling groups as single units rather than tracking and managing each access point independently through separate AFC queries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal AFC query structure that can be applied to all access points within a group through a single query. This multi-functional approach allows one AFC query to serve multiple access points simultaneously, reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining dedicated coordination for each access point through the group-based framework.
Data Source
AI summary
A network controller and various methods for grouping access points for AFC are presented. A method includes assigning a plurality of access points to a plurality of groups based at least in part on stored AFC reports for the plurality of access points, determining, for each group of the plurality of groups, an uncertainty range, and generating, for each group of the plurality of groups, an AFC query using the determined uncertainty range for the corresponding group.