Access Point Interface Configuration for Mesh Network Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication networks, especially in large houses or multistory buildings, a single router's signal coverage is inadequate, and existing solutions like Mesh technology face issues with reduced wireless performance due to contention for wireless channels and increased hop counts, leading to complex network topologies and low recovery efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An access method and apparatus for an access point (AP) that determines and configures interface configuration information based on access restriction rules, allowing or restricting the number of connections and hop counts to improve wireless performance and topology recovery efficiency by dynamically managing the number of APs connected to each AP and the maximum hop count in the mesh network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If Mesh networking is applied to extend signal coverage in large houses or multistory buildings, then coverage area is improved, but wireless performance deteriorates due to contention for wireless channels and increased hop counts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the maximum hop count limit and the maximum number of AP connections based on network conditions. The AP controller modifies these parameters to optimize the balance between coverage area and wireless performance, preventing network degradation while maintaining extensive coverage in large buildings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamics by making the AP connection limits and hop count restrictions adaptive rather than static. The AP controller continuously monitors network state and dynamically adjusts configuration parameters to maintain optimal wireless performance as the network topology changes, ensuring the system adapts to varying coverage requirements and device densities.
2Area of stationary object
If the number of accessing Mesh devices is increased to improve network coverage, then coverage area is improved, but network speed and performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes parameters by setting and adjusting maximum connection limits for APs and maximum hop count values. These parameter adjustments control the number of devices that can access the network simultaneously, preventing network saturation and maintaining adequate network speed while still allowing sufficient devices to connect for comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The AP controller implements feedback mechanisms by monitoring network performance metrics and using this information to adjust connection limits and hop count restrictions. This feedback loop ensures that as more devices connect and coverage expands, the system automatically regulates access to prevent performance degradation, maintaining network speed despite increased device density.
3Reliability
If access restrictions are imposed to improve wireless performance and network stability, then reliability is improved, but network complexity increases due to configuration management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the AP controller to automatically manage access restrictions, connection limits, and hop count configurations without requiring manual intervention. The system self-adjusts parameters based on monitored network conditions, eliminating the need for complex manual configuration while maintaining network stability and reliability through automated policy enforcement.
4Reliability
If the maximum hop count is restricted to improve wireless performance, then reliability is improved, but coverage area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamics by making the maximum hop count restriction adaptive rather than fixed. The AP controller dynamically adjusts the hop count limit based on network conditions, device density, and performance requirements. This allows the network to extend coverage to multistory buildings when performance permits while maintaining stricter limits in congested areas, optimizing the trade-off between coverage area and wireless performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters by adjusting the maximum hop count value based on network state. When network conditions are favorable, the system increases the hop count limit to extend coverage to distant or multi-floor locations. When performance degrades, the parameter is reduced to maintain reliability, dynamically optimizing the coverage area without permanently sacrificing wireless performance.
Data Source
AI summary
An access method is provided for an access point (AP). The method is applied to a first AP, and includes: responsive to determining that an access restriction rule allows a second AP to access the first AP, interface configuration information of the first AP is determined according to the access restriction rule; and an access interface of the first AP is configured according to the interface configuration information, where the access interface is configured for the second AP to access the first AP in response to determining that the access interface is configured to allow access.