Access Point Virtual Client for WLAN Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for testing wireless local area networks (WLANs) require physical movement of client devices or conversion of access points into client devices, which disrupts service to associated clients.

Innovation Solution

An access point equipped with both an access point module and a virtual client module allows external wireless clients to be associated, enabling the access point to operate a virtual client without disconnecting existing clients, allowing for WLAN testing through a virtual client module that forwards test traffic from a server.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a client device is physically moved to test a WLAN, then WLAN functionality can be tested, but service continuity is disrupted and manual intervention is required

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveWLAN testing capabilityVSAvoidManual device movement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual client that replicates the functionality of a physical client device. This virtual client runs on the access point itself, allowing WLAN testing without physically moving or reconnecting actual client devices, thereby maintaining service continuity while enabling comprehensive WLAN functionality tests

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The access point performs self-testing by hosting a virtual client module that can initiate and participate in WLAN communications with itself or other access points. This eliminates the need for external testing devices and manual intervention, as the system tests itself autonomously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If an access point is converted into a client device for testing, then WLAN can be tested, but service to associated clients is disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveWLAN testing capabilityVSAvoidService continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The access point is segmented into distinct functional modules: a traditional access point module that continues serving wireless clients, and a virtual client module that performs testing functions. Both modules operate simultaneously and independently, allowing the access point to maintain client services while conducting WLAN tests through the virtual client

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The access point is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both an access point serving wireless clients and as a client device for WLAN testing. This multi-functionality is achieved through the dual-module architecture, enabling the single device to fulfill both service and testing roles without compromise

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If testing functions are implemented directly on the access point, then testing can be performed, but processor burden increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveWLAN testing capabilityVSAvoidProcessor burden

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

A server acts as an intermediary between the virtual client module and the testing infrastructure. The server handles computationally intensive testing operations and coordinate with the virtual client, offloading processing demands from the access point's processor while enabling comprehensive WLAN testing functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11706644B2Access points with virtual clients

Publication Date: 2023.07.18 HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEV LP

AI summary

According to one example of the present disclosure, an access point (AP) comprises a wired interface and a wireless interface. External wireless client devices may associate with the AP and the AP may forward traffic received from the wireless clients. The AP includes a virtual client which is to simulate a wireless client device.