Dynamic AP Throughput Equalization via RSSI Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Wi-Fi access systems fail to guarantee optimal user bandwidth due to over-provisioning with co-located access points, leading to non-optimum performance as they do not consider factors like connected station activity and interference levels when distributing wireless stations among access points.
Innovation Solution
A controller dynamically adjusts control parameters such as Admit and Discard Received Signal Strength Indicators for each access point to equalize average throughput across multiple access points, ensuring optimal performance by regulating the admission and discard of wireless stations based on their signal strength and load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple access points are deployed in a co-located fashion to improve reliability and capacity, then wireless capacity and reliability are improved, but cost and channel bandwidth efficiency deteriorate due to over-provisioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control parameters (Admit RSSI and Discard RSSI thresholds) that automatically adjust based on real-time throughput measurements. The system continuously monitors average throughput at each AP and modifies connectivity thresholds to equalize throughput across all APs, transforming the static over-provisioned system into a dynamic one that adapts to actual performance conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller modifies control parameters (specifically Admit RSSI and Discard RSSI thresholds) of the access points to change their connectivity behavior. By adjusting these parameters based on measured throughput values, the system optimizes the utilization of existing APs without requiring additional hardware deployment.
2Reliability
If wireless stations connect to access points with strongest RSSI, then connection reliability is improved, but average user bandwidth deteriorates due to suboptimal AP selection
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously measures average throughput at each access point and uses this information to adjust connectivity thresholds. This closed-loop feedback ensures that wireless stations are guided toward APs that actually provide optimal bandwidth performance rather than simply the strongest signal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/connection-based selection criterion (strongest RSSI signal) with a performance-based criterion (average throughput). Instead of relying on physical signal strength alone, the system substitutes this with measured data about actual bandwidth performance, enabling stations to connect to the most efficient AP.
3Ease of operation
If access points are equally divided among wireless stations, then load distribution is simplified, but performance level deteriorates due to ignoring activity and interference factors
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the Admit RSSI and Discard RSSI parameters based on measured throughput performance. This allows the load distribution mechanism to automatically account for varying conditions such as interference levels and station activity without requiring complex manual configuration or simplified equal division.
Solution Approach 2:
The access points and controller work together in a self-service manner where each AP reports its throughput performance and the controller automatically adjusts thresholds without external intervention. This self-adjusting mechanism optimizes performance based on actual conditions rather than relying on simple equal division or manual configuration.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for equalizing an average throughput of a plurality of wireless communication network access points (12) is provided. Each access point (12) having a respective average throughput value and at least one control parameter, the at least one control parameter controlling wireless connectivity at the access point (12). An average throughput value received from each of the plurality of access points (12) is determined (Block S100). A first wireless communication network access point (12) for configuration is determined based on the average throughput values received from each of the plurality of access points (12; Block S102). The at least one control parameter of the determined first wireless communication network access point (12) is set to at least one threshold value to effect equalization of the average throughput values among the wireless communication network access points (12; Block S104).