Access Point Positioning With User-Guided Network Planning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless network planning tools struggle to efficiently place access points, requiring manual intervention for optimal performance, which is time-consuming and prone to errors.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid network planning approach that combines automated tools with user input, allowing users to interactively update access point positions, using tools like Voronoi decomposition or brute force methods, to generate and refine network plans.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automated network planning tools are used to place access points, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork planning speedVSAvoidaccess point placement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system displays the generated network plan to the user and accepts user input to update the plan. This feedback loop allows automated tools to provide initial placements while users can refine positions based on practical considerations, combining speed with precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The automated network planning tool generates access point placements independently based on algorithmic criteria (Voronoi decomposition or brute force methods), providing self-service capability that improves productivity without requiring constant manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If manual access point placement is performed by skilled personnel, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess point placement accuracyVSAvoidnetwork planning speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated network planning tool performs preliminary access point placement based on algorithmic optimization before user review. This preliminary action provides a solid foundation that users can then refine, combining automated efficiency with manual precision where needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system acts as an intermediary between automated planning algorithms and user expertise. It presents algorithm-generated placements to users for review and modification, allowing both automated speed and manual precision to contribute to the final result.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If automated network planning tools are used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork planning simplicityVSAvoidposition optimization accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The network plan is dynamic and can be updated based on user input. The system transitions from a static automated generation to a dynamic refinement process, allowing users to adjust positions while maintaining the ease of automated initial planning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250344075A1User assisted access point positioning

Publication Date: 2025.11.06 EKAHAU OY

AI summary

A hybrid solution for network planning is disclosed. In the hybrid solution, a computer generated network plan is displayed with at least indications of best positions for access points to be inserted. When a user input causing a change to the planning information is detected, the planning information is updated, updated indications of best positions for access points to be inserted are determined automatically, and the network plan with at least the updated indications of best positions for access points to be inserted is displayed.