Beamsteering AP Radio Reassignment for Co-Channel Interference
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless networks face interference issues due to multiple radios being assigned to the same channel, particularly in dense dynamic environments where devices are constantly changing locations, leading to inefficient coverage and channel assignment adjustments.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that uses steerable antennas to control beamwidth and steering angles for discovery frames, allowing for flexible radio assignment by identifying redundant radios and reassigned them to secondary roles, thereby optimizing coverage patterns and reducing interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple radios are assigned to the same channel to increase network capacity, then network throughput is improved, but co-channel interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the omnidirectional coverage area into multiple directional sectors using beamsteering technology. Each radio is assigned to a specific sector with a defined beamwidth, creating spatial separation between co-channel radios. This segmentation allows multiple radios to operate on the same channel without excessive interference by confining their coverage to distinct angular regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional omnidirectional coverage (covering all angles equally) to three-dimensional spatial control by introducing beamwidth and steering angle as additional control dimensions. This allows precise positioning of coverage areas in angular space, enabling better packing of co-channel radios by controlling the spatial extent and orientation of each radio's coverage sector.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If beamwidth is reduced to decrease interference between radios, then co-channel interference is reduced, but coverage area is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple narrow beamwidth sectors from different radios to collectively cover the entire omnidirectional area. While each individual radio has a reduced beamwidth that limits its own coverage area, the coordinated arrangement of multiple radios with steerable beams ensures that their combined coverage areas sum to provide complete 360-degree coverage, thus compensating for the individual area reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes each radio multi-functional by enabling it to serve multiple roles: providing coverage for its primary sector, assisting in coverage for adjacent sectors through beamsteering, and dynamically adapting its beam pattern based on traffic demands. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain comprehensive coverage even with reduced individual beamwidths.
3Device complexity
If radio roles are fixed to simplify network management, then device complexity is reduced, but network adaptability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic radio role assignment where radios can transition between different functional roles (e.g., from client-serving to monitor/sniffer roles) based on real-time network conditions, interference levels, and traffic demands. This dynamic adaptability is achieved through automated algorithms that evaluate network state and reassign radio functions without requiring complex manual reconfiguration, thus maintaining manageable complexity while significantly improving adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Flexible radio assignment with beamsteering antennas is provided by controlling a plurality of Access Points (APs) including steerable antennas to each transmit a first plurality of discovery frames at a first beamwidth; controlling the plurality of APs to steer the steerable antennas at a second beamwidth, less than the first beamwidth, to a plurality of steering angles; controlling the plurality of APs to each transmit a second plurality of discovery frames at each steering angle of the plurality of steering angles; determining an overlap in radio coverage among the plurality of APs based on the first plurality and the second plurality of discovery frames; and identifying redundant radios based on the overlap in radio coverage; and reassigning the redundant radios from use for client transmissions to a secondary role.