Auto-Channel Selection in Wireless Access Points

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless access points (APs) operating according to the IEEE 802.11 Wi-Fi standard face performance losses due to interference from other APs or devices, leading to bandwidth loss and increased power consumption, as existing channel selection algorithms are not dynamically triggered and may result in unnecessary disruptions when network performance is not degraded.

Innovation Solution

An auto-channel selector module in the AP that continuously monitors signal parameters with associated devices, calculates performance indices, and automatically triggers channel selection when these indices exceed predefined thresholds, allowing for dynamic adaptation without manual rebooting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the channel selection algorithm is triggered only after booting up or after a fixed time period, then the device complexity is reduced, but the network performance deteriorates due to inability to adapt to dynamically changing interference conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork throughputVSAvoidchannel selection control complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors network performance metrics (throughput, interference levels) and automatically triggers the channel selection algorithm when performance degradation is detected. This closes the control loop, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions without manual intervention while maintaining optimal performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-diagnosis and self-optimization by automatically detecting performance degradation and triggering channel reselection without requiring manual reboot or intervention. The AP monitors its own performance metrics and autonomously decides when to execute the channel selection algorithm, reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If the channel selection algorithm is continuously triggered to adapt to changing conditions, then the network performance is optimized, but the device complexity and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork throughputVSAvoidAP power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous triggering, the system employs periodic monitoring of performance metrics and triggers the channel selection algorithm only when specific conditions are met (performance degradation thresholds). This periodic, event-driven approach reduces unnecessary executions and associated power consumption while maintaining network optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes its operational parameters dynamically by adjusting the trigger conditions based on monitored performance metrics. When throughput or interference levels cross predefined thresholds, the system transitions from idle state to active channel selection, optimizing the balance between performance and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Extent of automation

If manual reboot is required to trigger channel selection, then the automation level is reduced, but the reliability of triggering is improved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic channel selectionVSAvoidmanual reboot requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically monitors its own performance metrics and autonomously triggers the channel selection algorithm when degradation is detected, eliminating the need for manual reboot. This self-service capability enhances automation while maintaining reliable triggering based on actual performance conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Extent of automation

If fixed time period triggering is used, then the automation level is increased, but false triggering occurs when network performance is not degraded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic channel selectionVSAvoidtrigger accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses real-time feedback from performance metric monitoring to determine when triggering is appropriate. By continuously measuring throughput and interference levels and comparing them against thresholds, the system ensures that channel selection is triggered only when actually needed, eliminating false positives associated with fixed time-period triggering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The trigger conditions are defined by dynamic parameter thresholds rather than fixed time intervals. The system adjusts its behavior based on actual performance parameters, triggering channel selection only when measured metrics indicate genuine degradation, thereby improving trigger accuracy and reducing false activations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11202340B2Auto-channel selection of a wireless access point

Publication Date: 2021.12.14 ALCATEL LUCENT SA

AI summary

According to an embodiment, a wireless access point (AP) includes an auto-channel selector, a monitoring module, a performance index calculation module and a trigger module is disclosed. The auto-channel selector is configured to select a best performing channel of the AP; and the monitoring module is configured to obtain parameters exchanged with other APs; and the performance index calculation module is configured to derive one or more performance indices based on the parameters; and the trigger module is configured to trigger the auto-channel selector when one or more performance indices exceeds a threshold.