Access Point Interface Setup for Wireless Network Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional WLAN systems face delays and high processing requirements due to the need for large-scale information exchange between access points, which hinders efficient information exchange and resource management.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for setting up a direct communications interface between access points, where a first access point receives measurement information from stations, determines candidate access points, and sends requests via an access controller to establish an IP address for a communications interface, allowing for direct AP-to-AP communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If information is forwarded between APs by using the AC, then centralized control is achieved, but transmission delay increases and processing burden on AC becomes very high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized control function by establishing direct AP-AC interfaces for specific control purposes while maintaining AC as the central coordinator. This allows time-sensitive information to be exchanged directly between APs without passing through the AC, reducing transmission delay while preserving centralized control for non-time-critical operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a direct communication interface between APs as an intermediary path for time-sensitive information exchange. This bypasses the AC for specific traffic types, reducing transmission delay while the AC continues to provide centralized control for overall system management and non-time-critical operations.
2Reliability
If one AC manages multiple APs, then centralized management is achieved, but processing capability requirement for AC becomes very high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the processing load by establishing direct communication interfaces between APs for specific functions. This distributes the processing burden from the centralized AC to individual APs, reducing the AC's processing requirements while maintaining centralized management capabilities for overall system coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables APs to autonomously exchange information and perform certain management functions directly through established interfaces, reducing their dependency on the AC for every operation. This self-service capability decreases the processing burden on the AC while maintaining centralized management oversight.
3Productivity
If direct interface is established between APs, then information exchange efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a standardized direct communication interface as an intermediary mechanism between APs. This interface provides a structured protocol and format for information exchange, improving efficiency while the standardization aspect prevents excessive system complexity by providing clear rules for interaction.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and an apparatus for setting up an interface between access points, where a first AP receives measurement information reported by at least one station associated with the first AP, to learn an AP identifier of a second AP having a capability of supporting an AP2AP interface, determines an AP identifier of a candidate AP according to interface information in the measurement information, and sends, to the candidate AP by using an AC, a first request message requesting an IP address used for setting up a communications interface between APs, the candidate AP sends, by using the AC, a response message to the first AP according to the first request message, and the first AP determines, according to the response message, whether to set up an AP2AP communications interface with the candidate AP that sends the response message.