ANCP-Based WLAN Resource Management in Access Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing access network systems face challenges in managing WLAN resources efficiently, particularly in scaling and meeting flexible user requirements, as they lack a unified mechanism for WLAN creation, release, and quality of service management.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an access node control protocol (ANCP) between a network gateway and an access control device allows for unified management of WLAN resources, enabling efficient configuration and control of wireless access nodes to meet user demands through ANCP-based messages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a unified mechanism for WLAN management is implemented through ANCP protocol, then WLAN resource management efficiency and user requirement satisfaction are improved, but system complexity and implementation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a unified WLAN management mechanism by extending the ANCP protocol to support multiple WLAN management functions (creation, deletion, configuration) through a single standardized interface between BNG and AC devices. This universal approach consolidates previously scattered management operations into one protocol framework, improving efficiency while managing complexity through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The BNG device serves as an intermediary that receives WLAN management requests from various sources (AAA server, policy server) and translates them into standardized ANCP messages for the AC device. This intermediary role simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing the translation and coordination logic in the BNG, reducing the complexity burden on other components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If centralized WLAN architecture is deployed with multiple ACs, then network coverage and service capability are improved, but coordination overhead and management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the management of multiple AC devices under a unified ANCP protocol framework controlled by the BNG. Instead of each AC operating independently with separate management interfaces, they are combined into a coordinated system where the BNG sends standardized ANCP messages to appropriate ACs based on user location and service requirements, reducing coordination overhead through centralization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible WLAN configuration is implemented to meet user requirements, then user satisfaction and service quality are improved, but configuration complexity and management burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the system automatically performs WLAN configuration adjustments based on user authentication results and service policies. When a user authenticates through the AAA server, the system automatically triggers appropriate ANCP messages to configure WLAN parameters (SSID, security settings, QoS) without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining flexibility while reducing management burden.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a method for wireless local area network (WLAN) resource management in an access network system, the access network system including a network gateway, an access control device, and a wireless access node controlled by the access control device, wherein the network gateway receives a WLAN resource configuration request; and it transmits an access node control protocol ANCP-based WLAN resource configuration message to the access control device in accordance with the received WLAN resource configuration request; the access control device controls a corresponding wireless access node to perform configuration management of WLAN in accordance with the WLAN resource configuration message. The technical solutions in the present invention enable operators to manage and control a centralized WLAN in the access network system through a unified ANCP protocol, to create/delete a WLAN that satisfies a particular requirement on the corresponding WTP, and control and manage WLAN access of users.