Wireless Access Point Controller for Network Congestion Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication networks experience congestion due to the unnecessary broadcasting of network identifiers by overlapping wireless access points, which wastes energy and reduces airtime availability for data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A system and method where a controller inhibits or permits the broadcasting of network identifiers based on whether another access point is already broadcasting the same identifier on a given channel, minimizing congestion and energy usage while ensuring adequate signal coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple wireless access points broadcast the same network identifier on overlapping channels, then network identifier availability is improved, but communication network congestion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the broadcasting functions of multiple access points into a coordinated system where only one access point broadcasts a given network identifier at a time. The controller monitors which access points are broadcasting which identifiers and suppresses duplicate broadcasts, merging the efforts into an efficient unified system that avoids redundancy while maintaining coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors the broadcasting status of network identifiers across multiple access points. Based on this feedback information, the controller dynamically adjusts which access points should broadcast which identifiers, preventing congestion caused by simultaneous duplicate broadcasts while ensuring continuous availability.
2Reliability
If multiple wireless access points broadcast the same network identifier simultaneously, then network identifier visibility is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the broadcasting responsibilities for each network identifier among multiple access points. Instead of each access point independently broadcasting all identifiers, the system coordinates so that broadcasting duties are shared, reducing total energy consumption while maintaining identifier visibility across the network coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables access points to automatically adjust their broadcasting behavior based on system-wide information provided by the controller. Each access point serves itself by broadcasting only when assigned, eliminating wasteful energy consumption from duplicate broadcasts while ensuring identifiers remain visible where needed.
3Reliability
If wireless access points broadcast network identifiers on all channels, then network identifier discoverability is improved, but airtime availability for data transmission decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by having different access points broadcast different network identifiers based on their local conditions and assignments. The controller ensures that each identifier is broadcast by an access point in the appropriate location, providing localized discoverability without requiring all access points to broadcast all identifiers, thus preserving airtime for data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements partial action by having access points broadcast only the specific network identifiers assigned to them rather than all identifiers. This partial broadcasting approach is sufficient for maintain identifier discoverability while significantly reducing the time consumed by broadcasting activities, leaving more airtime available for actual data transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for reducing communication network congestion includes (1) obtaining, from a first communication device, a scan of a first communication channel for presence of a first network identifier, (2) determining, from the scan of the first communication channel, that the first network identifier is being broadcasted on the first communication channel by a communication device other than the first communication device, and (3) in response to determining that the first network identifier is being broadcasted on the first communication channel, inhibiting broadcasting of the first network identifier on the first communication channel by the first communication device.