Access Point Handoff Protocol for Wireless Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face delays and inefficiencies during handoff operations between access points, particularly due to the time-consuming process of discovering and authenticating with new access points, which can lead to prolonged connection disruptions and increased overhead in protocols for authentication and disassociation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a protocol that utilizes neighbor reports and predictive failure indicators to proactively facilitate handoffs by providing client devices with lists of viable target access points, reducing the need for extensive scanning and enabling seamless transitions between access points, including those operating under different standards like WiFi and LTE.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional handoff protocols are used where the client device scans and discovers new access points, then the client device can establish connections with new APs, but the handoff process becomes time-consuming and increases connection disruption delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having the current access point identify and recommend target access points to the client device before the handoff is actually needed. The AP provides a list of suitable target APs with their capabilities, allowing the client to prepare for handoff in advance, thus reducing the time required during the actual connection transition.
Solution Approach 2:
The current access point acts as an intermediary that facilitates the handoff process by providing recommendations and information about target access points. Instead of the client device independently scanning and discovering APs, the current AP mediates the process by supplying pre-evaluated target AP information, streamlining the handoff sequence.
2Reliability
If comprehensive scanning and discovery protocols are implemented to find suitable target access points, then connection reliability can be maintained, but protocol overhead and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the complex scanning and evaluation functions from the client device and concentrates them in the access point. The current AP performs the heavy lifting of identifying suitable target APs and evaluating their capabilities, then provides a simplified recommendation list to the client device, reducing the protocol complexity that the client must handle.
Solution Approach 2:
The access point serves itself by autonomously identifying and evaluating target access points without requiring extensive client device involvement. The AP uses its own network knowledge and capabilities to generate recommendations, reducing the need for complex client-side discovery and evaluation protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods use a protocol for handoff operations. A first device using the protocol includes a circuit configured to provide at least one frame across a connection to a second device in response to a pending failure. The frame includes data indicating at least one target access point for the second device.