Access Point Primary Channel Coordination for OBSS Interference Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Overlapping Basic Service Sets (OBSS) in wireless local area networks (WLANs) lead to reduced network performance due to interference between access points operating on the same Wi-Fi channel, particularly exacerbated by higher bandwidths and increased competition in IEEE 802.11ac networks.
Innovation Solution
A control method for access points that dynamically changes their primary channel to ensure it differs from that of neighboring access points, using a bonded channel comprising multiple Wi-Fi channels, and facilitates negotiation of bandwidth usage by exchanging channel information and adjusting the primary channel accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If access points use the same Wi-Fi channel for operation, then channel utilization is simplified, but interference and collisions increase reducing network performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic primary channel selection where access points can switch between multiple candidate channels based on real-time interference conditions. The system transitions from static channel assignment to dynamic adaptation, allowing APs to adjust their primary channels according to OBSS detection results and interference levels, thereby resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and network performance reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the channel parameter from a fixed single-channel operation to a multi-channel dynamic selection. By introducing a set of candidate channels and selecting the optimal primary channel based on interference conditions, the system transforms the channel parameter into a variable that adapts to network conditions, improving both operational flexibility and performance reliability
2Productivity
If access points use higher bandwidth channels (40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz), then data transmission capacity increases, but overlapping BSS interference becomes more frequent and severe
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wide bandwidth channel into multiple narrower candidate channels within the bonded channel range. Instead of using a single wide channel that causes frequent OBSS interference, the system divides the bandwidth and selects optimal narrower channels for primary operation, reducing interference while maintaining acceptable data transmission capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces OBSS detection as an intermediary mechanism between data transmission and channel selection. By detecting overlapping basic service sets and using this information to adjust primary channel selection, the system mediates between the desire for high bandwidth and the need to avoid interference, dynamically choosing channels that minimize OBSS impact
3Reliability
If access points dynamically change primary channels to avoid interference, then network performance improves, but channel negotiation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service channel selection where each access point autonomously detects OBSS conditions and independently determines optimal primary channels without requiring complex centralized coordination. Each AP uses its own OBSS detection results to make channel selection decisions, simplifying the overall negotiation process while maintaining high network performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where OBSS detection results are used to adjust primary channel selection. By continuously monitoring interference conditions and using this feedback to refine channel choices, the system achieves high network performance through adaptive feedback loops rather than complex predetermined negotiation protocols
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a control method of an AP, wherein the control method includes the steps of: establishing a link with at least one station, wherein the link uses a bonded channel including a plurality of Wi-Fi channels, and one of the plurality of Wi-Fi channels serve as a primary channel of the AP; obtaining channel information of another AP, wherein the channel information of the another AP indicates a primary channel of the another AP; and determining if changing the primary channel of the AP according to the primary channel of the another AP, to make the primary channels of the AP and the another AP correspond to different Wi-Fi channels.