Bandwidth Estimation Based on Location in Wireless Mesh Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Predicting network performance at specific locations in wireless mesh networks is challenging due to factors like distance, interference, and foliage, making it difficult for ISPs to determine the quality of service and attract subscribers.
Innovation Solution
A performance determination apparatus that includes a signal receiver module, location module, and signal analysis module to estimate bandwidth and latency, and a placement module to recommend optimal CPE placement and hardware upgrades, while also identifying interference sources and pricing strategies to compete with other ISPs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wireless signal analysis is performed to predict network performance at specific locations, then network performance prediction accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases due to multiple measurement parameters and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the network coverage area into multiple geographic locations and performs separate signal analysis for each location. The performance determination apparatus divides the overall network into manageable segments (different locations) and analyzes signal characteristics independently for each segment, making the complex measurement process more tractable and systematic
Solution Approach 2:
The performance determination apparatus is designed as a universal multi-functional system that can perform multiple functions: signal reception, location determination, signal analysis, bandwidth estimation, and performance prediction. This single apparatus handles diverse measurement tasks (RSSI collection, bandwidth estimation, interference detection) that would otherwise require separate systems, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision
2Reliability
If signal analysis collects multiple parameters (RSSI, bandwidth, latency) at each location, then network performance assessment quality is improved, but data processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary signal analysis by collecting RSSI values and signal characteristics before actual data transmission occurs. The performance determination apparatus pre-assesses signal quality, bandwidth availability, and potential interference conditions at each location beforehand, allowing for proactive network planning and subscriber acquisition decisions without requiring extensive real-time processing
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with signal processing-based estimation techniques. Instead of using elaborate physical measurement setups, the apparatus uses software-based signal analysis to estimate bandwidth, latency, and network performance from received signal characteristics, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining assessment quality
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices are described that are directed to estimating the bandwidth at a particular location in a wireless mesh network. In some embodiments, a performance determination apparatus includes a signal receiver module, a location module, a signal analysis module, a report module, and a placement module. In some embodiments, the signal analysis module collects received signal strength indicator (RSSI) on one or more receive chains of the receiver and analyzes various aspects of signal quality. In some embodiments, the signal analysis module estimates the bandwidth available at the location, estimates the latency at the location, or both. In some embodiments, the report module represents the quality of the signal graphically by overlaying a representation of the signal quality on a map of the area. In some embodiments, the placement module recommends where to place customer premises equipment (CPE) in order to maximize signal quality.