Unified CAPWAP Protocol for Wired and Wireless Node Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing enterprise networks use separate control protocols for managing wireless and wired devices, leading to increased computational resources and lower efficiency due to the need for packet translation between protocols.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a common control protocol, such as the Control And Provisioning of Wireless Access Points (CAPWAP) protocol, to manage both wireless IEEE 802.11 and wired IEEE 802.3 devices, allowing for unified node and session management across both networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate control protocols are used for managing wireless and wired devices, then protocol-specific management functions can be optimized, but computational resources increase and network efficiency decreases due to packet translation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges wireless and wired device management under a single control protocol (CAPWAP), eliminating the need for separate protocol stacks and packet translation mechanisms. The control module handles both wireless access points and wired access network nodes using the same protocol framework, reducing computational overhead while maintaining management capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The control protocol is designed with universal functionality to manage diverse network devices (wireless and wired) through a unified interface. The control module can process control packets from both wireless access points and wired access network nodes using the same protocol bindings, enabling multi-functional management without requiring protocol-specific processing paths.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate control protocols are used for wireless and wired devices, then each protocol can be tailored for its specific device type, but device complexity increases due to multiple protocol implementations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines wireless and wired device management into a single protocol implementation. Instead of maintaining separate protocol stacks for wireless and wired devices, the system uses a unified control protocol that handles both device types through the same control module, reducing implementation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control protocol incorporates device-type-specific handling at the appropriate layers while maintaining a unified overall structure. The protocol bindings are configured to adapt to different device types (wireless or wired) based on local requirements, allowing tailored management functions without requiring separate protocol implementations.
3Reliability
If packet translation between protocols is performed, then protocol-specific management can be maintained, but computational overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates packet translation by merging wireless and wired device management under a single control protocol. The control module processes control packets from both device types using the same protocol, removing the computational burden of translation while preserving protocol-specific management capabilities through unified protocol bindings.
Data Source
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AI summary
System for supporting wired and wireless compute devices and method therein, comprising the steps of: sending (250), from an access network node to a Control And Provisioning of Wireless Access Points, CAPWAP, controller, a CAPWAP protocol discovery request message, and receiving (252), from the CAPWAP controller and in response to the CAPWAP protocol discovery request message, a CAPWAP discovery response message wherein the CAPWAP discovery response message is configured to advertise services and capabilities of the CAPWAP controller; and establishing (254) a control channel with the CAPWAP controller and a data tunnel between the access network node and the CAPWAP controller, the data tunnel configured based at least on a frame tunneling mode indicated in the CAPWAP protocol discovery request message