Access Point Wireless Resource Management via Virtual Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless local area networks (WLANs), existing methods fail to efficiently manage wireless resources, leading to resource shortages and reduced service quality due to overlapping access points and uneven station distributions, resulting in inefficient channel utilization and quality degradation.
Innovation Solution
A method and access point (AP) with a monitoring unit to track channel utilization and a control unit to adjust channels or redistribute stations to nearby APs based on resource utilization states, preventing excessive occupation and optimizing resource distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If adjacent APs use the same operation channel to provide WLAN service, then service coverage is expanded, but wireless resource contention increases and resource management efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the channel parameter dynamically by introducing a virtual channel concept. Multiple physical channels are mapped to a unified virtual channel namespace, allowing APs to provide services on different physical channels while appearing to use the same logical channel. This resolves the contradiction by enabling service coverage expansion without direct channel contention.
2Reliability
If a certain AP occupies too much wireless resource, then service quality for its connected STAs is improved, but other APs experience resource shortage and service quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where APs report their resource usage and STA distribution to a central controller. The controller analyzes this feedback and dynamically adjusts virtual channel assignments to balance resource distribution. This ensures service quality for connected STAs while preventing any single AP from monopolizing resources, maintaining overall network productivity.
3Productivity
If STAs are concentrated on a specific AP, then processing rate for that AP is maximized, but nearby APs with fewer STAs suffer from resource underutilization and service quality degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic virtual channel allocation that adapts to changing STA distribution patterns. When STAs concentrate on one AP, the system dynamically reassigns virtual channels to redirect some STAs to nearby APs, balancing the load. This maintains high processing rates for busy APs while ensuring nearby APs achieve sufficient utilization for reliable service quality.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for managing wireless resources, and an access point (AP) using the same. The method for managing wireless resources, according to one embodiment of the present invention, can comprise: a monitoring step of monitoring the use state of an operation channel being used, so as to determine the use state of the wireless resources for the operation channel; and a control step of changing, by the AP, the frequency of the operation channel or handing a terminal connected to the AP over to a neighboring AP according to the determined use state of the wireless resources.