Wireless Access Point Locationing via Multi-Channel Signal Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless network locationing methods are limited in identifying and locating unauthorized devices and interference sources due to the requirement of all access points using the same RF channel, which restricts effective monitoring and management of rogue APs and interfering devices.
Innovation Solution
A method where access points receive and process an entire frequency band using chipsets capable of simultaneous reception, applying signal processing techniques like FFT to identify energy levels and signal signatures across multiple channels, allowing for the location of both authorized and unauthorized devices within the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If all access points use the same RF channel for locationing, then triangulation can be performed, but the ability to identify and locate unauthorized devices and interference sources is significantly limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frequency band into multiple RF channels, allowing access points to simultaneously monitor multiple channels rather than being restricted to a single channel. This segmentation enables the system to detect signals from unauthorized devices on different channels while maintaining locationing capability on the operational channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The access points are designed with multi-functionality to perform both locationing of authorized devices and detection of unauthorized devices simultaneously. By incorporating multiple RF channel monitoring capabilities, the same access point infrastructure serves dual purposes: maintaining network locationing and securing the network against unauthorized access.
2Adaptability or versatility
If access points monitor multiple RF channels simultaneously, then unauthorized devices can be identified and located, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the signal processing function into a separate locationing server that receives data from multiple access points. This extraction reduces the processing burden on individual access points, allowing them to focus on signal reception while the centralized server handles the complex triangulation and unauthorized device detection algorithms across multiple channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The locationing server acts as an intermediary between the access points and the locationing computation. It aggregates signals from multiple access points monitoring different channels, performs the complex signal processing and triangulation, and returns location information. This intermediary approach simplifies the architecture by centralizing complexity rather than distributing it across multiple access points.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables effective identification and location of both authorized and unauthorized devices, reducing interference and enhancing network security by allowing continuous monitoring across multiple channels without causing congestion or interference.
Implementation Method 1
A wireless access point receives a signal corresponding to activity of a plurality of wireless devices on a predetermined bandwidth
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a method for locationing in a communications network. A wireless access point receives a signal corresponding to activity of a plurality of wireless devices on a predetermined bandwidth. The signal is processed to generate a plurality of subsignals using a predetermined signal processing procedure. An energy level of a particular subsignal of the plurality of subsignals is determined. A location of a corresponding wireless device is determined as a function of the energy level and a predetermined locationing procedure.