Band Steering via Differential Probe Response Timing

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Solution Overview

Problem

When too many client devices connect to a wireless access point on the 2.4 GHz band, the efficiency of communication between the access point and devices is diminished due to signal interference and shared channels, leading to reduced data transfer rates and potential denial of service.

Innovation Solution

A wireless access point can perform band steering by immediately responding to probe requests on the 5 GHz band while delaying responses on the 2.4 GHz band, encouraging dual-band capable client devices to associate with the access point on the 5 GHz band, thereby reducing network congestion and improving data transfer efficiency without requiring network controller intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If client devices connect to the 2.4 GHz band for stronger signal, then signal strength is improved, but network efficiency deteriorates due to congestion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal strengthVSAvoidnetwork efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The access point changes the response time parameter differently for different frequency bands. By setting a longer response delay for 2.4 GHz band and shorter delay for 5 GHz band, the system guides clients to prefer the 5 GHz band while maintaining connectivity options for both bands

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of allowing immediate connection on the preferred 2.4 GHz band, the system inverts the expected behavior by delaying responses on 2.4 GHz and responding immediately on 5 GHz, thereby reversing client connection preferences to achieve better network distribution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If more client devices connect to the 2.4 GHz band, then ease of connection is improved, but data transfer rate deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of connectionVSAvoiddata transfer rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system modifies the response time parameter for probe requests based on the frequency band, creating a differential connection experience that encourages clients to select the 5 GHz band for better performance while maintaining 2.4 GHz availability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the access point responds immediately to all probe requests, then ease of connection is improved, but network congestion increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of connectionVSAvoidnetwork efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The access point applies different response characteristics to different frequency bands. The 5 GHz band receives immediate responses while the 2.4 GHz band receives delayed responses, creating localized quality differences that guide client behavior without affecting overall system functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the response time parameter based on the frequency band being accessed, using parameter differentiation to achieve load balancing across bands while maintaining ease of connection on the preferred 5 GHz band

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8655278B2Band steering

Publication Date: 2014.02.18 HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEV LP

AI summary

A method for band steering includes, with a wireless access point, refraining from responding to a probe request from a client device on a first frequency band until a first period of time has elapsed if said client device is capable of communication on a second frequency band. The method further includes, with the wireless access point, responding immediately to a probe request from said client device on said second frequency band.