Backup Cell Controller for Wireless LAN Redundancy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless data communications networks using IEEE Standard 802.11, the failure of a cell controller can lead to communication breakdown across a large area, as multiple rf ports are serviced by a single cell controller, and there is no effective redundancy to maintain network functionality in case of access point failures.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dual-cell controller system with primary and backup interfaces, where each cell controller monitors data communications and assumes primary functions of rf ports connected to it in case of failure, using control programs to manage interface designations and reset operations to ensure continuous network connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single cell controller services multiple rf ports, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates because failure of the cell controller results in failure of communications over a large area
Solution Approach 1:
The backup cell controller is pre-configured with backup interfaces connected to rf ports before any failure occurs. The control program on the backup cell controller continuously monitors for failure conditions and is ready to immediately assume primary communications functions when needed, eliminating the need for complex real-time reconfiguration during failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The backup arrangement provides localized redundancy at each rf port interface. Each rf port has both a primary interface (connected to its primary cell controller) and a backup interface (connected to a backup cell controller), allowing failure isolation to specific cell controllers while maintaining service through alternative local paths.
2Reliability
If a cell controller fails, then network stability is compromised, but adding backup cell controllers increases device complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
Backup cell controllers are pre-configured with control programs that continuously monitor communications with rf ports. The monitoring and automatic failover capability is established in advance, so when a primary cell controller fails, the backup can immediately assume its functions without requiring complex real-time decision-making or reconfiguration protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The backup cell controller autonomously monitors communications and detects failures without requiring external intervention. Upon detecting that a primary cell controller has failed, the backup controller automatically assumes primary communications functions and can even reset the rf port to reinitialize communications, all without human intervention or complex external coordination.
3Reliability
If primary communications functions fail, then network availability is reduced, but implementing automatic backup switching increases control program complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The control program on the backup cell controller is pre-programmed with monitoring logic that continuously checks for failure conditions. The program maintains a simple decision structure: monitor communications, detect failure, and switch to backup mode. This preliminary programming eliminates the need for complex real-time analysis during failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The backup cell controller's control program autonomously performs monitoring, failure detection, and failover execution without external control. The program can even autonomously reset rf ports to reinitialize communications after detecting a failure, providing self-healing capability that simplifies overall system control architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless local area network for data communications between a computer and mobile units is provided with at least two cell controllers connected to the computer and one or more rf ports each connected to a primary interface of one cell controller and to a backup interface of another cell controller. A control program in the cell controller monitors data communications between the other cell controller and the rf port by a backup interface. The program is arranged to cause the second cell controller to assume primary communications functions for the rf port in the event primary communications functions between a first cell controller and the rf port are inoperative.