Access Point Clustering Using AFC Reports to Cut Query Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
As network deployments grow larger and the number of access points increase, performing automatic frequency coordination (AFC) individually for each access point becomes burdensome and costly.
Innovation Solution
Grouping access points based on stored AFC reports, calculating centroids and uncertainty ranges, and generating AFC queries for each group to reduce the number of individual AFC queries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If AFC is performed individually for each access point, then each access point can be optimized independently, but the number of AFC queries increases significantly making the process burdensome and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent groups multiple access points into clusters based on their spatial proximity and operational characteristics. Instead of performing AFC individually for each access point, the system combines them into groups and performs a single AFC query per group. This merging approach maintains optimization accuracy while significantly reducing the total number of AFC queries required, thereby improving processing efficiency and reducing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network into distinct groups of access points that can be treated independently for AFC purposes. Each group is formed based on specific criteria such as geographic location, signal strength, and interference patterns. This segmentation allows the system to manage large networks by dividing them into smaller, manageable units that can be processed more efficiently through reduced AFC query volume.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of access points increases, then network coverage and capacity improve, but the complexity of managing individual AFC queries increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the complexity management issue by merging multiple access points into groups. As network coverage expands and more access points are deployed, the system automatically groups them together and processes them as single units for AFC purposes. This approach allows the network to scale up in capacity and coverage while the AFC management complexity remains controlled through the reduced number of individual queries required.
3Manufacturing precision
If AFC queries are performed for each access point individually, then detailed frequency coordination is achieved, but the cost and time required for AFC operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains frequency coordination precision by grouping access points that have similar operational characteristics and spatial relationships. The AFC query is performed once per group rather than for each individual access point, which significantly reduces the time required for AFC operations. The grouping methodology ensures that coordinated frequency decisions remain precise and applicable to all members of the group.
Data Source
AI summary
A network controller and various methods for grouping access points for AFC are presented. A method includes assigning a plurality of access points to a plurality of groups based at least in part on stored AFC reports for the plurality of access points, determining, for each group of the plurality of groups, a centroid and an uncertainty range, and generating, for each group of the plurality of groups, an AFC query using the determined centroid and uncertainty range for the corresponding group.