Wireless Access Point Link Test for Uplink Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users experience poor or unusable wireless network connections due to inadequate assessment of both downlink and uplink channel quality, particularly exacerbated by increasing uplink traffic and the presentation of wireless connections based solely on downlink signal strength.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a wireless link test that transmits test frames of sufficient length on the downlink channel and requires a mirror response on the uplink channel to ensure both channels can handle typical data traffic, with the access point providing network access only if the test is passed, and taking actions such as ignoring DHCP requests or initiating handover if the test fails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the access point provides network access based solely on downlink signal strength, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of the network connection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing a link test before providing network access. The access point transmits test frames and receives mirror responses to verify both downlink and uplink channel qualities in advance, ensuring that only devices with sufficient uplink capability are granted network access, thus preventing poor connection experiences while maintaining ease of operation.
2Reliability
If the access point transmits test frames and monitors mirror responses to assess uplink channel quality, then the reliability of the network connection is improved, but the loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial or excessive action by transmitting test frames with lengths that exceed typical management frame sizes. This ensures comprehensive assessment of uplink channel capability for data traffic, which requires longer frames, while the test is designed to be completed quickly to minimize time loss.
3Measurement precision
If the access point transmits test frames of greater length to assess uplink channel quality, then the measurement precision is improved, but the loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses test frames with lengths greater than management frames to accurately assess uplink channel quality for data traffic, while keeping the test duration minimal by transmitting only the necessary number of test frames and using efficient mirror response mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method of operating a wireless network access point of a wireless network, the method comprising: wirelessly exchanging management frames with a device to attach the device to the access point, thereby establishing: a wireless downlink data communication channel from the access point to the device, and a wireless uplink data communication channel from the device to the access point; responsive thereto, performing a wireless link test comprising: transmitting a test frame to the device on the downlink channel, the test frame: being of a length greater than each of the management frames, comprising a sequence of test data bits, and being configured to require a mirror response comprising said sequence of test data bits; monitoring for receipt of said mirror response on the uplink; and determining whether the test is passed, wherein the test is only passed if the mirror response is received.