Access Point Broadcast Scheduling for Dense WLAN Airtime Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In dense wireless network environments, broadcast messages consume excessive airtime, leading to interference and reduced efficiency, especially with the rise of applications like Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), necessitating a more efficient method to manage broadcast operations by a subset of Access Points (APs).
Innovation Solution
A Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) controller selects a subset of APs to perform broadcasts, synchronizing their beacons and coordinating their Modulation Coding Scheme (MCS) to minimize broadcast interference, while client devices switch temporarily to these APs during synchronized broadcast periods and resume unicast exchanges afterward.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If all Access Points perform broadcast operations simultaneously, then broadcast coverage is maximized, but airtime consumption increases and interference occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the broadcast operation into two distinct phases: unicast phase where individual APs transmit to their associated clients, and broadcast phase where all APs transmit simultaneously. This segmentation allows the system to achieve full broadcast coverage during the broadcast phase while minimizing airtime consumption by limiting simultaneous transmissions to only when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic alternating between unicast and broadcast phases. During unicast phases, individual APs transmit data to their associated clients; during broadcast phases, all APs transmit simultaneously. This periodic switching optimizes airtime utilization by reducing the frequency of energy-intensive simultaneous broadcasts while maintaining coverage capability.
2Area of stationary object
If all Access Points perform broadcast operations simultaneously, then broadcast coverage is maximized, but network interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments broadcast operations into controlled phases where all APs transmit simultaneously only during designated broadcast phases, rather than continuously. This segmentation reduces interference by limiting the duration and frequency of simultaneous transmissions while preserving the ability to achieve full coverage when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic alternating between unicast and broadcast phases to manage interference. By scheduling simultaneous broadcasts only during specific periodic intervals rather than continuously, the system reduces overall interference levels while maintaining the capability for full coverage broadcasts when required.
3Loss of energy
If a subset of Access Points performs broadcast operations, then airtime consumption is reduced, but broadcast coverage area decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic alternating between unicast phases (reducing airtime consumption) and broadcast phases (maximizing coverage area). This periodic switching ensures that full coverage is achieved at regular intervals while minimizing overall airtime consumption by limiting simultaneous transmissions to specific periods rather than continuous operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Broadcast operations by a selected subset of Access Points (APs) may be provided. A first plurality of APs to perform broadcast may be selected from a plurality of APs. Next, a plurality of client devices may be moved from a second plurality of APs to the first plurality of APs during a broadcast period. Then, the plurality of client devices may be moved to the second plurality of APs from the first plurality of APs after the broadcast period.