Wireless Access Point VLAN Assignment Protocol
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual assignment of client devices to Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) in computer networks is time-consuming and increases network management complexity, hindering efficient traffic distribution and network robustness.
Innovation Solution
Automatically assigning wireless client devices to VLANs during authentication with a wireless access point using a protocol that balances network traffic across multiple VLANs, ensuring consistent VLAN assignment even when devices transition between access points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual assignment of client devices to VLANs is performed, then network traffic can be distributed across multiple VLANs, but the time required for assignment increases and network management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling client devices to automatically select and be assigned to VLANs without manual administrator intervention. The access point autonomously determines VLAN assignment based on device characteristics or policies, eliminating the time-consuming manual assignment process while maintaining reliable traffic distribution across multiple VLANs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring VLAN assignment policies and criteria in the access point before client devices connect. The system prepares assignment rules in advance based on device types, time of day, or other parameters, so that when devices connect, VLAN assignment occurs instantly without requiring real-time manual intervention
2Reliability
If manual assignment of client devices to VLANs is performed, then traffic distribution can be controlled, but network management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces network management complexity by implementing self-service VLAN assignment where the access point automatically determines which VLAN a client device should join based on pre-defined criteria. This eliminates the need for administrators to manually configure each device's VLAN assignment while maintaining controlled and reliable traffic distribution across multiple VLANs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting VLAN assignment based on varying conditions such as time of day, device type, or network load. The access point modifies assignment parameters automatically according to current network state, simplifying management while maintaining effective traffic distribution control
3Reliability
If multiple VLANs are created in the same physical domain, then traffic can be distributed across redundant paths, but the complexity of managing packet flow increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies packet flow management complexity by implementing self-service VLAN selection where client devices automatically choose appropriate VLANs without requiring complex manual configuration. The access point handles the packet flow routing automatically based on the selected VLAN, maintaining network robustness through redundant paths while reducing management complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Managing network traffic includes associating a wireless client device with a wireless access point comprising at least one processor with said wireless access point, identifying a network to which said wireless client device is assigned; and with said wireless access point, assigning said wireless client device to one of a plurality of Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) implemented within said network according to a protocol for balancing network traffic across the plurality of VLANs.