Priority-Based Access Point Steering for Changing Mesh Conditions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile electronic devices face challenges in maintaining optimal network connections due to changes in the number of connected clients or client positions, leading to fluctuating connection quality in mesh networks.
Innovation Solution
An access point steering method and system that includes a priority list generation, signal strength measurement, and connection determination to steer clients to the most suitable access point based on predetermined conditions, such as signal strength and channel utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the client connects to a specific access point in the mesh network, then the connection is established initially, but the connection quality deteriorates when the number of connected clients changes or the client position changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic access point selection by continuously monitoring signal strength between the client and multiple access points, and automatically steering the client to the access point with the strongest signal. This dynamic adjustment ensures optimal connection quality adapts to changing client positions and network conditions, resolving the contradiction between initial connection stability and adaptability to changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously receives signal strength information from the client and access points, processes this information, and generates steering decisions to redirect clients to optimal access points. This closed-loop feedback system maintains connection quality by responding to real-time changes in network conditions and client position.
2Reliability
If the controller monitors and steers all clients to optimal access points, then connection quality is improved, but the system complexity and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing priority-based client categorization, where priority clients receive comprehensive steering optimization while non-priority clients use simpler connection management. This differentiated approach improves overall network quality by focusing controller resources on clients that benefit most from active steering, reducing unnecessary processing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by adjusting the level of steering intervention based on client priority status. Priority clients trigger active signal strength monitoring and steering operations, while non-priority clients operate with minimal intervention. This parameter adjustment optimizes the balance between connection quality improvement and controller processing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An access point steering method includes performing a priority list generating step, a measuring requesting step, a determining step and a steering step. The priority list generating step includes selecting priority client from a plurality of clients. The measuring requesting step includes sending a measuring request to one of a plurality of access points, which is signally connected to the at least one priority client, and configuring the priority client to measure a signal strength value between an adjacent access point of the access points and the client. The determining step includes determining whether a connection determining condition of the adjacent access point is corresponding to a predetermined condition. The steering step includes steering the priority client to establish a connection with the adjacent access point when the connection determining condition is corresponding to the predetermined condition.