Automated Access Point Provisioning via Signal Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The time-consuming and error-prone process of configuring management systems to accurately display access points in wireless network deployments, particularly due to the need for manual input of exact locations and unique identifiers for each access point.
Innovation Solution
A device equipped with radios, sensors, and a processor that detects signals, determines access point locations, extracts unique identifiers, and matches them with established identifiers, automating the provisioning of access point locations and unique identifiers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual configuration of access point locations and identifiers is used, then accuracy of access point provisioning can be achieved, but time consumption and error rate increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical configuration processes with automated electronic systems. A portable device automatically detects access points via wireless signals, extracts their identifiers, determines locations using sensors (GPS, accelerometers, gyroscopes), and provisions them to the management system without manual intervention. This substitution of manual operations with automated detection and processing systems resolves the contradiction by maintaining accuracy while dramatically reducing time consumption.
2Measurement precision
If manual configuration of access point locations and identifiers is used, then accuracy of access point provisioning can be achieved, but error rate increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system replaces manual data entry and configuration processes with electronic detection and automatic provisioning. The portable device automatically extracts access point identifiers from wireless signals, determines precise locations using sensor fusion, and provisions them to the management system. This eliminates human errors such as typos, duplicate entries, and incorrect location mapping, thereby maintaining high accuracy while significantly improving reliability by reducing error rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service provisioning where the portable device autonomously performs detection, identification, location determination, and provisioning without requiring manual verification or correction. The automatic matching of extracted identifiers with determined locations and the self-correcting nature of automated processes reduce human-induced errors and improve the overall reliability of the configuration process.
3Productivity
If automated detection and provisioning system is implemented, then time consumption and error rate are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The portable device is designed as a multi-functional tool that combines wireless signal detection, identifier extraction, location determination using multiple sensors (GPS, accelerometers, gyroscopes), data processing, and automatic provisioning capabilities. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single universal device, the patent achieves high productivity through automation while managing device complexity through functional integration rather than multiple separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable device acts as an intermediary between the physical access points and the management system. It bridges the gap by automatically detecting access points in the field, processing their information, and provisioning them to the management system. This intermediary role simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing the complex automated processes in a dedicated portable device rather than requiring direct integration between multiple systems.
4Productivity
If automated detection and provisioning system is implemented, then productivity of network deployment is improved, but technical complexity of implementation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual processes of signal detection, identifier extraction, and location determination with automated electronic systems. The portable device automatically scans for wireless signals, extracts identifiers using signal processing algorithms, determines locations through sensor fusion (combining GPS, accelerometer, and gyroscope data), and provisions access points. This automation of technically complex tasks significantly improves deployment speed while managing implementation complexity through integrated software solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service detection and measurement where the portable device autonomously identifies access points, extracts their identifiers, determines precise locations using its sensors, and provisions them without requiring manual technical intervention. This self-service capability accelerates productivity by eliminating manual steps while the integrated software handles the technical complexity of signal processing and location determination automatically.
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
This solution significantly reduces the time and errors associated with manual configuration, enabling more accurate and efficient provisioning of access points, especially in large deployments.
Implementation Method 1
a provision system to determine a location of an access point and also extract a unique identifier for the access point
Implementation Method 2
A device equipped with radios, sensors, and a processor that detects signals, determines access point locations
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with embodiments, a device, system or method can be utilized during a validation survey of a region or premises to determine a location of an access point and to extract a unique identifier for the access point, synchronize the validation survey data, and then provision such data to a management system.