Access Point Interference Classification for Stable Channel Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless networks face challenges in accurately distinguishing between in-network and foreign interference, leading to inaccurate channel selection and potential thrashing due to unaccounted in-network interference when switching channels.
Innovation Solution
Implementing techniques for access points to determine and distinguish between in-network and foreign interference, allowing controllers to make more informed decisions on channel selection by accounting for in-network interference when evaluating channel changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If access points determine total interference without distinguishing in-network interference, then interference measurement is simple, but channel selection accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments total interference into two distinct components: in-network interference (from non-associated client devices) and foreign interference (from external sources). By separating these interference sources, the system achieves more accurate interference measurement for channel selection while maintaining manageable complexity through targeted detection strategies for each interference type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary classification mechanism that identifies whether received signals originate from non-associated client devices (in-network) or external sources (foreign). This intermediary step enables precise interference categorization, allowing the system to make informed channel selection decisions based on the specific type of interference detected.
2Reliability
If controllers switch channels based on total interference without accounting for in-network interference, then channel switching response is fast, but network performance deteriorates due to thrashing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary classification of interference sources before channel switching decisions are made. By pre-identifying and categorizing in-network versus foreign interference, the system prepares accurate interference information in advance, enabling reliable channel selection without unnecessary switching and avoiding the performance degradation caused by thrashing.
3Measurement precision
If access points monitor all received signals as interference, then interference detection coverage is complete, but false interference identification increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and excludes signals from non-associated client devices from the interference calculation. By taking out these in-network signals that are not actually harmful interference, the system achieves complete monitoring coverage while eliminating false interference identification, thereby improving both measurement precision and reducing harmful effects on network operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An access point for interference detection includes memory configured to store information identifying one or more non-associated client devices that are not configured to communicate with the access point, and one or more processors, implemented in circuitry, coupled to the memory and configured to: determine that communication signals outputted from a non-associated client device to another access point or from the other access point to the non-associated client device are being received by the access point based on the stored information, determine an amount of in-network interference being generated by the communication signals based at least in part on the determination that the communication signals from the non-associated client device or from the other access point are being received by the access point, and output interference information based on the determined amount of in-network interference.