Wireless Access Point Throughput Testing via Neighbor Coordination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Testing the reception performance of wireless access points is time-consuming and costly due to the need for physical connection with testing equipment, requiring the access point to be stopped during the testing process.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that allow neighboring access points to test throughput by switching transmission/reception modes, transmitting test packets with adjustable power and MCS levels, and comparing measured throughput with pre-defined tables to determine performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional testing equipment is used to test access point reception performance, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereception performance measurementVSAvoidtesting equipment requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The access point performs self-testing by using itself as both the device under test and the testing equipment. The AP transmits test packets to neighboring APs and measures throughput automatically, eliminating the need for external testing equipment and reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The access point is designed to perform multiple functions: normal wireless communication and self-performance testing. By integrating testing capabilities into the existing AP hardware and software, the system avoids adding separate dedicated testing equipment, thus reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If traditional physical connection testing is performed, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethroughput measurementVSAvoidtesting time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The access point continues its normal wireless communication operations while simultaneously performing throughput testing with neighboring APs. The testing is conducted during regular operational hours without requiring the AP to be taken offline, thus eliminating time loss and maintaining continuous useful action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The AP uses its own operational traffic and neighboring APs as test subjects, allowing throughput measurement during normal service provision. This self-service approach eliminates the need to stop the AP for testing, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If access point operation is stopped for testing, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereception performance testingVSAvoidAP service availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The access point maintains continuous service provision to clients while performing throughput testing with neighboring APs in the background. The testing operations do not interrupt normal wireless communication, thus preserving productivity and service availability while achieving accurate measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The access point performs testing operations during low-traffic periods or in coordination with neighboring APs without disrupting normal service. By planning tests during appropriate times and using neighboring APs as test subjects, the system achieves measurement precision without significantly impacting productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9467878B2Wireless access point apparatus and method for testing throughput
Publication Date: 2016.10.11 KT CORP
  • US9467878B2 patent drawing
  • US9467878B2 patent drawing
  • US9467878B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and an apparatus for testing a throughout of a wireless access point apparatus are provided. The apparatus includes a receiver which is configured to receive a test start request signal and a test packet transmission condition change request signal, a test signal generator which is configured to generate a test packet signal; a transmission condition adjuster configured to adjust the transmission condition of the test packet signal; a transmitter configured to transmit the test packet signal to the neighboring access point apparatus under the transmission condition, which is adjusted by the transmission condition adjuster; and a test executor configured to execute a test having a predetermined sequence so as to execute a throughput test for the neighboring access point apparatus with regards to receiving the test packet signal.