Wireless Access Point Client Dissociation Policy
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless networking systems, the independent operation of access point components leads to inconsistent network resource availability when a backbone network experiences degraded performance, causing frustration for users and increased help center costs due to inconsistent client access to network resources.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a predetermined client dissociation policy that selectively dissociates clients based on criteria such as priority, bandwidth utilization, and elapsed time since last transfer, forcing them to associate with alternative access points experiencing better backbone connectivity, and reducing or eliminating new associations on the degraded access point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If access point components operate independently, then device flexibility and ease of operation are improved, but network resource availability consistency deteriorates when backbone network performance degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the monitoring and control functions into a unified system where the access point monitors backbone network performance and automatically controls client associations. This integration ensures that when backbone performance degrades, the access point can coordinate with alternative access points to maintain consistent network resource availability across the wireless network, resolving the inconsistency caused by independent component operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where access points continuously monitor backbone network performance and use this information to make real-time decisions about client associations. When performance degradation is detected, the system feeds this information back to dissociate clients from affected access points and associate them with alternative access points, ensuring consistent network resource availability while maintaining operational flexibility.
2Stability of the object's composition
If clients remain associated with degraded access points, then connection stability is maintained, but network resource accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic client association management where the system continuously monitors backbone network performance and adjusts client associations in real-time. When performance degradation is detected, clients are automatically dissociated from affected access points and associated with alternative access points with better connectivity. This dynamic approach maintains both connection stability and network resource accessibility by adapting to changing network conditions.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If manual management of network outages is implemented, then problem detection capability is improved, but system complexity and operational overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service automation where access points autonomously monitor backbone network performance, detect degradation, and execute client dissociation/association decisions without manual intervention. The system automatically identifies when backbone performance degrades and manages client reassociation with alternative access points, eliminating the need for manual network management while maintaining simple operational procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless network access point is described which provides the resources of a backbone network to wireless clients. The access point is able to detect a degraded condition on the backbone network. Upon detecting the degraded condition, the access point selectively dissociates clients on the wireless network. In order to select which clients are dissociated first, a predetermined client dissociation policy is established. The policy can include account priority, bandwidth utilization, elapsed time since last transfer, and, amongst other criteria, whether the client is currently transferring in peer-to-peer mode on the wireless network. Upon detecting the degraded condition, either immediately or after a predetermined delay to ensure that the degraded condition is not temporary, clients on the wireless network are dissociated according to the preestablished policy.