Universal Access Point Role Selection via DHCP Discovery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network access points require multiple types to join different network management systems, leading to increased costs and complexity in setup and management.

Innovation Solution

A universal access point that can select its role based on the management system it discovers, using DHCP, DNS, or local broadcast services to connect to either centralized or distributed local area networks, eliminating the need for multiple access point types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple types of access points are used to join different network management systems, then compatibility with various network configurations is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with various network configurationsVSAvoidmultiple access point types

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The access point is designed as a universal device capable of joining both centralized and distributed network management systems. It includes role selection logic that determines whether to operate as a centralized AP or distributed AP based on the management system type, allowing a single device to perform multiple functions that previously required different specialized access points

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The access point dynamically selects its role based on the type of management system it discovers. The role selection is not fixed but changes according to the network environment, allowing the device to adapt its behavior and configuration to match the specific management system it is joining

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple types of access points are used to join different network management systems, then compatibility with various network configurations is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with various network configurationsVSAvoidnumber of access point units

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the functionality of multiple specialized access points (centralized and distributed) into a single universal access point. This merging eliminates the need to purchase and deploy separate device types for different network configurations, reducing overall quantity and cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple types of access points are used to join different network management systems, then compatibility with various network configurations is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with various network configurationsVSAvoidsetup and management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The access point automatically performs role selection based on the management system type it discovers. The device independently determines whether to operate as a centralized or distributed AP without requiring manual configuration or user intervention, simplifying deployment and reducing operational complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The access point includes pre-configured role selection logic that automatically determines the appropriate role before joining the management system. This preliminary automatic role assignment eliminates the need for users to manually configure the device for different network types, streamlining the setup process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11849339B2Selecting a role for an access point

Publication Date: 2023.12.19 HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEV LP

AI summary

An example access point may comprise a processing resource; and a memory resource storing machine-readable instructions to cause the processing resource to: perform a management system search using a dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP); determine, in view of the management system search, whether a management system discovered is a controller; and select one of a first role within a centralized local area network and a second role within a distributed local area network based on determining whether the management system is the controller, wherein the first role within the centralized local area network is selected when the management system is the controller.