Access Point Channel Allocation for Overlapping Service Areas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing channel allocation methods in wireless networks do not optimize channel assignments based on client device perspectives, leading to potential network inefficiencies and improper operation.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines an overlap measure for each access point's service area with other service areas and sorts access points based on these measures, allocating channels to minimize contention among client devices by considering overlapping service areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If channels are allocated based on distance between access points and/or estimated radio interferences, then the channel allocation process is simple, but the wireless network may not operate properly for client devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by calculating overlap measures between service areas of access points before channel allocation. This pre-computation of spatial relationships allows the allocation algorithm to make informed decisions about channel assignments, ensuring that client devices in overlapping areas receive appropriate channels to minimize contention. The overlap measures are determined in advance based on service area geometries, enabling optimized channel allocation without complex real-time calculations.
2Productivity
If traditional channel allocation methods are used, then the allocation process is fast, but client devices experience contention in overlapping service areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating channel allocation strategies based on local service area overlap conditions. Access points are sorted according to their overlap measures, which reflect the local contention environment. This allows the allocation process to prioritize access points with higher overlap (and thus higher potential for client device contention) and assign them channels that minimize interference with neighboring access points, while access points with lower overlap can use more straightforward allocation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If overlap measures are calculated and access points are sorted for channel allocation, then client device contention is reduced, but the allocation process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex iterative optimization mechanisms with a more straightforward sorting-based approach. Instead of using complex algorithms to continuously adjust channel assignments, the system calculates overlap measures once, sorts access points based on these measures, and assigns channels in that sorted order. This substitution of a simple sorting mechanism for a complex optimization process reduces computational complexity while still effectively minimizing client device contention in overlapping service areas.
Data Source
AI summary
A channel allocation solution taking into account how much service areas of access points overlap is discussed. In the solution, using obtained radio spectrum information, an overlap measure per an access point is determined, the overlap measure indicating how much service area of the access point overlaps with service areas of other access points. The access points are then sorted to an order by the overlap measure, and channels are allocated to the access points according to the order.