Wireless Access Point Upgrade Without RF Holes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for upgrading access points (APs) in computing networks often result in downtime and the creation of radio frequency (RF) holes, requiring client devices to roam to another AP, which disrupts network connectivity and causes interruptions.
Innovation Solution
The method involves selecting a neighbor AP, splitting its radio into multiple logical radios to create a backup virtual AP, synchronizing its state with the active AP, and seamlessly transitioning to the backup AP during the upgrade, allowing continuous network connectivity without client device re-association.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If AP is taken offline for upgrade, then upgrade can be performed, but network connectivity is interrupted and RF hole is created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the AP's radio resources by creating a backup virtual AP on a second radio while the first radio is being upgraded. This segmentation allows the upgrade process to occur on one radio without taking the entire AP offline, thus maintaining network connectivity and eliminating RF holes during the upgrade process.
Solution Approach 2:
The backup virtual AP is created and configured in advance before the actual upgrade begins. The backup AP is pre-configured with the same SSID and radio parameters as the active AP, so when the upgrade starts, the backup is already ready to take over immediately, ensuring continuous connectivity without interruption.
2Ease of manufacture
If AP is taken offline for upgrade, then upgrade can be performed, but client devices must roam to another AP
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a copy of the active AP as a backup virtual AP with identical configuration parameters including SSID, radio frequencies, and client associations. This copy allows client devices to continue connecting to the backup AP with the same experience as the active AP, eliminating the need for clients to roam or re-associate during the upgrade process.
3Reliability
If backup VAP is created on second radio, then upgrade can proceed without downtime, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the multi-functionality of modern AP radios that can operate in multiple modes (e.g., 802.11ax compliant radios supporting both single-radio and multi-radio operations). The same radio hardware is used for both the active AP operation and the backup VAP creation, so no additional hardware is required. This universality reduces the actual complexity increase despite the enhanced functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for upgrading wireless network devices, such as access points (APs). When a first AP needs an upgrade, a network controller of the first AP may identify and select a neighbor AP. The radio(s) of the neighbor AP can be split into multiple logical radios, at least one of which includes a backup virtual AP (VAP). The backup VAP can support client devices originally supported by the first AP, allowing those client devices to roam to the neighbor AP while the first AP is upgrading, and without needing to re-associate with the neighbor AP. From the client device perspective, it appears as though they are still being supported by the first AP. Upon upgrading the first AP, the client devices can roam back to the first AP (without needing to re-associate with the first AP). No downtime is experienced, and no RF holes are generated.