Wireless Access Point Network Redundancy via Alternate Uplinks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shared network operations, such as web meetings, are disrupted when the network connection is lost or the access point fails, requiring users to restart the session and switch to alternative connections, leading to noticeable interruptions and impaired user experience.
Innovation Solution
Implementing network redundancy by identifying and utilizing alternate network uplinks, such as cellular or wired connections, to automatically switch and continue network applications without user intervention, and revert back when the original connection is restored.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network redundancy with alternate uplinks is implemented, then service continuity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by discovering and registering alternate uplink devices before network failures occur. The access point proactively identifies devices with redundant network links and prepares them for failover, so when the primary uplink fails, the switch to alternate connections is immediate and seamless, maintaining service continuity without requiring complex real-time decision-making during failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The access point serves as an intermediary that manages the complexity of network redundancy. It discovers alternate uplink devices, maintains registration information, and orchestrates the failover process. This centralizes the complexity management at the access point level rather than requiring each end device to independently manage multiple uplinks, thus improving reliability while controlling overall system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If automatic failover to alternate connections is implemented, then user experience is improved, but automation extent increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by enabling automatic detection and failover to alternate uplinks without requiring user intervention. When the primary network connection fails, the access point automatically identifies registered alternate uplink devices and switches traffic flow, allowing the network to service itself during failures. This eliminates the need for users to manually restart sessions or switch connections, significantly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where the access point continuously monitors network connection status and automatically triggers failover when failures are detected. The monitoring and automatic response create a closed-loop system that improves user experience by eliminating manual intervention requirements, while the automation is managed through structured feedback rather than uncontrolled complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple alternate uplink devices are registered, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the complexity of managing multiple alternate uplinks by maintaining separate registration information for each alternate uplink device independently. The access point discovers and registers each alternate device as a distinct entity with its own network capabilities, allowing for organized management of multiple options without creating monolithic complexity. This segmentation enables flexible adaptation while keeping device list management structured and manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are directed to network redundancy using alternate network uplinks. An embodiment of a wireless access point includes one or more processors; a wireless transmitter and receiver; and a connection for a network uplink, the wireless access point to: transmit a request to multiple devices connected to the wireless access point regarding redundant network links; identify one or more devices that include redundant network links and are capable and willing to provide alternate network uplinks, including a first device including a first redundant network link; provide a network operation for one or more devices using the network uplink; upon detecting a loss of the network uplink, transmit a request to at least the first device to enable a first alternate network uplink using the first redundant network link; and transmit and receive data for the network operation through the first device for the first alternate network uplink.