Wireless Access Point Selection Using Performance Metrics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless access point selection methods primarily rely on signal strength, which may not adequately consider performance metrics, leading to suboptimal traffic throughput and end-to-end performance.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that select wireless access points based on a combination of signal strength and historical performance metrics, including one-hop, backhaul, and end-to-end performance measurements, as well as user experience ratings, to improve network performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If wireless access point selection is based solely on signal strength, then the selection process is simple and fast, but traffic throughput and end-to-end performance are suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary evaluation of access points by collecting historical performance metrics and backhaul capacity data before the client needs to connect. This pre-computed information is stored and readily available when selection is needed, resolving the contradiction by preparing performance data in advance rather than computing it during the selection moment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (access point evaluator or server) that collects, processes, and stores performance metrics and backhaul capacity information. This intermediary handles the complex measurement and evaluation tasks, allowing the client device to make selection decisions based on pre-processed data, thus improving throughput without significantly increasing client device complexity.
2Reliability
If wireless access point selection considers multiple performance metrics, then end-to-end performance is improved, but the measurement and evaluation process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the performance evaluation into distinct components: signal strength measurement, historical performance metrics collection, and backhaul capacity evaluation. Each component is measured and processed separately by different system elements, making the overall complex measurement process manageable and modular.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary evaluator collects and processes multiple performance metrics including backhaul capacity measurements. This intermediary aggregates complex performance data and presents simplified selection criteria to clients, reducing the measurement complexity burden from individual devices while maintaining comprehensive performance assessment.
3Productivity
If the system evaluates backhaul capacity for access point selection, then traffic throughput is improved, but the evaluation process requires additional measurements and data collection
Solution Approach 1:
Backhaul capacity measurements are performed in advance and stored as historical data. When a client needs to select an access point, the pre-measured backhaul capacity information is already available, eliminating the need for time-consuming real-time measurements and enabling fast selection decisions based on pre-evaluated performance data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically collecting and storing backhaul capacity measurements without requiring active client involvement. The evaluator continuously monitors and updates performance metrics, so when clients need to make selection decisions, the evaluation work has already been completed and stored for immediate use.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method and apparatus of providing wireless access point (120-1,120- n)selection based on performance metric(s) and signal strength. In particular, a client (210) selecting between one of a number of wireless access points (120-1120-n) bases the selection decision on performance metrics as well as signal strength.