Access Point Client-View Network Topology
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining network topology in wireless local area networks (WLANs) from the perspective of access points do not accurately reflect communication boundaries from the user's perspective, leading to suboptimal communication performance due to obstacles and signal strength variations.
Innovation Solution
An access point that receives probe requests from electronic devices, determines signal strength, and exchanges probe-request information with other access points to accurately determine communication boundaries, recommending channel or access point transitions based on client perspective.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If network topology is determined from access point perspective using access point-to-access point communication, then communication boundaries can be determined, but the boundaries do not accurately reflect the effective communication boundary from user perspective due to walls and obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by having access points determine network topology from the client perspective rather than from the access point perspective. Access points collect probe request information from multiple clients, exchange this information with neighboring access points, and collaboratively determine communication boundaries that reflect actual user experience rather than theoretical access point coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces probe request information from electronic devices as an intermediary element. Instead of access points directly determining boundaries through mutual communication, they use client probe requests as mediators to indirectly measure and establish accurate communication boundaries that account for obstacles and signal variations.
2Area of stationary object
If access points are mounted above hanging ceiling while electronic devices are used by users below, then access point coverage can be maximized, but communication boundaries determined do not reflect actual user experience due to signal obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where access points continuously collect probe request information from clients and exchange this data with neighboring access points. This feedback loop enables dynamic adjustment and accurate determination of communication boundaries based on actual signal conditions experienced by users, ensuring reliable communication performance despite physical mounting constraints.
3Ease of manufacture
If communication boundaries are determined midway between access points, then simple boundary calculation is achieved, but suboptimal communication performance results due to not accounting for obstacles and signal strength variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the network system to self-diagnose and self-adjust by having access points autonomously collect probe request data from clients, exchange this information with neighbors, and automatically determine accurate communication boundaries. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual boundary configuration while achieving optimal communication performance that accounts for actual signal conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
An access point that determines communication boundaries is described. During operation, the access point may receive one or more probe requests associated with the one or more electronic devices, where a given probe request may include an identifier of a given electronic device. Moreover, when the access point receives the given probe request, the access point may determine a signal strength associated with the given probe request and timestamps when the given probe request was received. Then, the access point may exchange probe-request information with one or more additional access points, where the probe-request information corresponds to received probe requests. Next, the access point may compare the probe-request information to determine the communication boundaries. For example, the communication boundaries may be determined by comparing the probe-request information for pairs of access points. Furthermore, the access point may identify neighboring access points based at least in part on the probe-request information.