Access Point Load Redistribution to Reduce Wireless Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication networks, the terminal-centered association strategy leads to uneven load distribution and increased interference between adjacent access points due to overlapping signal ranges, reducing the network's bandwidth capacity.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that redistribute communication loads by calculating the load on each access point and initiating a hand-over process, where terminals associated with heavily loaded access points are transferred to less loaded access points within communication range, thereby reducing interference and increasing bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If terminals associate with access points based on received signal strength, then terminals can easily select the strongest signal, but load distribution becomes uneven and interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional terminal-centered association strategy by implementing an access point-centered load balancing mechanism. Access points actively monitor their own load and redistribute terminals to less loaded adjacent access points, rather than passively relying on terminal signal strength preferences. This inversion resolves the contradiction by giving access points control over association decisions to prevent interference while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where access points continuously monitor their load levels and use this information to make redistribution decisions. When an access point detects high load, it identifies suitable terminals and redistributes them to less loaded adjacent access points. This feedback loop enables dynamic load balancing that prevents interference while maintaining simple terminal operation.
2Device complexity
If terminals associate with access points based on received signal strength, then association decision is simple for terminals, but network bandwidth is reduced due to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback from access points about their load status to dynamically adjust terminal associations. Access points monitor their own traffic load and use this feedback to redistribute terminals, thereby preventing interference that would reduce network bandwidth. This maintains simple terminal decision-making while improving overall network productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by making access points the active decision-makers rather than terminals. Access points use their load information to determine optimal associations, which prevents interference and maximizes network bandwidth while keeping terminal complexity low.
3Area of stationary object
If access points operate in overlapping signal ranges, then coverage is extended, but interference occurs between adjacent access points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional terminal-centered approach by implementing access point-centered load balancing. Access points actively monitor their load and redistribute terminals to less loaded adjacent access points, thereby reducing interference in overlapping coverage areas while maintaining extended signal coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the association parameter from terminal signal strength preference to access point load status. By using load information as the driving parameter for redistribution decisions, the system optimizes interference management in overlapping coverage areas while maintaining comprehensive signal coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless network in which wireless terminals associate with particular access points maintains information about the positions and associations of the terminals and calculates loads on access points. To provide increased bandwidth at a heavily loaded access point, terminals associated with adjacent access points are handed over to more distant access points, so that the adjacent access points become less active and generate less interference. The hand-over is initiated and carried out by the access points concerned, rather than by the terminal that is handed off. Loads can accordingly be balanced promptly and interference can be reduced.