Access Point Fit Scan-ACL Policies for Probe Response Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless networks with multiple access points, devices face delays in connecting due to receiving and sorting through numerous probe responses, which can lead to selecting an access point with a low-quality connection, causing interruptions and degrading network performance.
Innovation Solution
Implementing 'access point fit' by using scan-ACL policies to categorize access points and control their visibility, determining a subset of suitable access points to respond to scan requests, thereby reducing unnecessary probe responses and improving network performance by preemptively identifying the best fit access points for devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple access points send probe responses to facilitate device connections, then connection availability is improved, but connection time increases due to device having to sort through multiple responses
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having access points proactively send unsolicited probe responses containing their capabilities and suitability information before devices actually request connections. This allows devices to pre-evaluate and rank access points, so when connection is needed, the device can immediately connect to the pre-selected best access point without sorting through multiple responses in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where access points send unsolicited probe responses that act as intermediate information carriers, providing devices with detailed suitability metrics (load, bandwidth, location) before formal connection requests. This intermediary information layer enables devices to make informed decisions without having to process and sort all access point responses during the actual connection phase.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all access points respond to scan requests, then device choice is improved, but network performance degrades due to excessive probe responses cluttering channels
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by enabling each access point to independently assess its own suitability for serving specific devices based on local conditions (current load, available bandwidth, geographic location). Access points with favorable local conditions actively send unsolicited probe responses, while those with poor local conditions remain silent, allowing devices to choose from a curated set of locally-optimal access points rather than all access points uniformly.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of all access points responding equally to every scan request (excessive action), the system uses partial action where only a subset of access points that meet certain suitability criteria send unsolicited probe responses. This partial participation reduces overall channel clutter while still providing devices with sufficient choices from the responsive subset.
3Speed
If devices select access points based on available information, then connection speed is improved, but connection quality deteriorates when devices cannot determine best fit before connecting
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary evaluation by having access points include detailed suitability information (current device count, available bandwidth, signal strength metrics) in their unsolicited probe responses. Devices use this pre-provided information to evaluate and select the best-fitting access point before initiating formal connection, ensuring both speed (immediate connection to pre-selected AP) and quality (informed selection based on current AP conditions).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where access points continuously monitor their own status (load, bandwidth availability) and incorporate this feedback into their unsolicited probe responses. This feedback loop ensures that devices receive up-to-date information about access point quality, enabling them to make informed selection decisions that balance connection speed with connection quality.
Data Source
AI summary
Example systems relate to access point fit. A system may include a processing resource and a memory resource. The memory resource may store machine readable instructions to cause the processing resource to determine a fit for a first client device using a plurality of metrics in response to a scan request from the first client device. The memory resource may further include instructions to cause the processing resource to determine that the fit for the first client device is above a threshold fit. The memory resource may further include instructions to cause the proceeding resource to respond to the scan request from the first client device with a probe response in response to the determination that the fit for the first client device is above the threshold fit.