Auto-Configuring Wireless Network Extender via Access Point
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual configuration of network extenders with wireless network parameters is cumbersome and requires repeated updates, making it inefficient for expanding wireless network range and maintaining network integrity.
Innovation Solution
An access point automatically configures network extenders by identifying them, determining their capability for auto-configuration, establishing a secure connection, and sending configuration messages with network parameters, which are applied by the extenders, and periodically updates these parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual configuration of network extenders is used, then network extenders can be deployed to expand wireless network range, but the configuration process is cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The access point performs preliminary actions by automatically discovering network extenders and pre-configuring them with necessary network parameters before they are fully deployed. The system proactively pushes configuration data to extenders, eliminating the need for manual setup and reducing configuration time significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
Network extenders are designed to self-configure by receiving automated configuration messages from the access point. The extenders automatically apply received network parameters without requiring manual intervention, enabling them to service themselves and reducing overall configuration effort.
2Reliability
If manual configuration updates are performed at each extender, then network parameter changes can be applied, but repeated manual updates are required across multiple extenders
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the configuration management function into a centralized access point that can push updates to multiple extenders simultaneously. Instead of managing each extender separately, the system combines update distribution into a single automated process that maintains consistency across the entire network.
Solution Approach 2:
The access point is designed with multi-functionality to serve both as a network gateway and as a centralized configuration server. It can universally manage multiple network extenders, pushing configuration updates to any or all extenders as needed, rather than requiring separate management systems for each device.
3Reliability
If security measures are implemented to protect wireless network, then network security is improved, but configuration becomes more difficult due to password and encryption requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service authentication where the access point automatically authenticates with network extenders using pre-configured security credentials. The extenders automatically receive and apply encryption keys and security parameters without requiring manual password entry, maintaining security while simplifying configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The access point acts as an intermediary that handles secure authentication and key distribution between the network and extenders. It mediates the security handshake process, automatically managing passwords and encryption keys, thereby maintaining strong security measures while eliminating the need for manual security configuration at each extender.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer readable media may be operable to facilitate the automatic configuration of a network extender with network parameters. An access point may identify a network extender and may determine whether the identified network extender is configured for an automatic configuration of network parameters based upon device description information retrieved during the identification of the network extender. The access point may output a configuration message to the identified network extender, the configuration message including one or more parameters associated with a network provided by the access point, and the network extender may apply the one or more parameters. The access point may periodically or conditionally provide the network extender with updates to the network parameters.