Beacon Power Control for WLAN Frequency Band Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling frequency band selection in WLAN networks are unreliable and dependent on environmental circumstances, leading to reduced performance and inefficient use of radio resources, especially when multiple frequency bands are available.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that influence frequency band selection by making the unpreferred frequency band 'invisible' to mobile stations, using a transmission circuit to send beacon signals at different powers, and a control circuit to manage connection requests, allowing mobile stations to automatically switch to preferred frequency bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing methods for controlling frequency band selection are used, then mobile stations can operate in multiple frequency bands, but the selection is unreliable and dependent on environmental circumstances
Solution Approach 1:
The base station performs preliminary actions by sending beacon signals at different power levels in different frequency bands before mobile stations make their selection. This preliminary signaling guides mobile stations to preferentially select the first frequency band, making the selection process reliable and independent of environmental circumstances.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station changes the transmission power parameter of beacon signals in different frequency bands. By setting the beacon signal power to a first power level in the first frequency band and a second power level (lower than the first) in the second frequency band, the base station creates a power difference that guides mobile station selection, improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation.
2Productivity
If mobile stations are allowed to select frequency bands freely, then connection flexibility is maintained, but radio resource usage becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The base station provides feedback to mobile stations through beacon signal power levels, indicating which frequency band is preferred. Mobile stations receive this feedback and adjust their selection accordingly, achieving efficient radio resource usage while maintaining the appearance of flexible selection. The feedback mechanism ensures mobile stations prefer the first frequency band without reducing adaptability.
3Productivity
If the base station influences frequency band selection, then optimal band utilization is achieved, but the WLAN standard must be altered
Solution Approach 1:
The base station uses existing beacon signals, which are already part of the WLAN standard, and modifies their power levels rather than creating new signaling mechanisms. This approach achieves frequency band influence using standard-compliant beacon signals with adjusted parameters, avoiding the need to alter the WLAN standard while still achieving optimal band utilization.
4Reliability
If beacon signal power is reduced in the unpreferred band, then mobile stations are guided to the preferred band, but association capability is temporarily reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The base station applies partial action by reducing beacon signal power only in the second (unpreferred) frequency band while maintaining full power in the first (preferred) band. This selective power reduction guides mobile stations to the preferred band without completely disabling association capability in the second band, balancing selection reliability with maintained productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses and methods for influencing the selection of a frequency band for wireless communication with a mobile station. The apparatus includes a transmission circuit that sends a beacon signal at a first transmission power in the frequency band. The apparatus also includes a recognition circuit that recognizes a connection request from a mobile station in the frequency band. The apparatus also includes a control circuit that responds to the connection request by prompting a transmission of the beacon signal at a second transmission power, which is different than the first transmission power, if the mobile station is unknown to the apparatus. Also disclosed are corresponding methods and computer programs.