Wireless Channel Scanning Parameter Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless network scanning methods waste time and resources due to equal scanning times across all channels, leading to missed access points on congested channels and unnecessary re-scans, as they do not account for varying congestion levels across different channels.
Innovation Solution
Optimizing scanning parameters by identifying overlapping and non-overlapping channels, assigning longer scanning times to congested channels and shorter times to less crowded ones, dynamically updating scanning times based on access point totals and congestion thresholds to ensure thorough discovery of access points while minimizing overall scanning time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If equal scanning times are used for all channels, then the scanning process is simple and consistent, but access points on congested channels are missed and re-scans are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different scanning durations to different channels based on their individual congestion levels. Channels with higher access point totals (congested channels) are scanned for longer durations, while channels with lower access point totals (less crowded channels) are scanned for shorter durations. This localized adjustment of scanning parameters ensures thorough discovery on congested channels without wasting time on already clear channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making scanning parameters adaptive rather than static. The system dynamically adjusts scanning duration for each channel based on real-time congestion assessment. After an initial scan, the system evaluates access point totals and modifies subsequent scanning parameters accordingly, allowing the scanning process to respond to changing channel conditions and optimize performance over time.
2Reliability
If longer scanning times are assigned to congested channels, then access point discovery is improved, but overall scanning time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by applying local quality - concentrating scanning resources where they are most needed. Instead of uniformly increasing scanning time across all channels, the system identifies congested channels through access point totals and extends scanning duration only for those specific channels. This targeted approach maintains high discovery completeness while minimizing the impact on overall scanning efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by dynamically modifying the scanning duration parameter based on channel-specific conditions. The system adjusts the scanning time parameter for each channel according to its congestion level, transforming a static scanning approach into a flexible, condition-based system that optimizes the balance between discovery completeness and scanning efficiency.
3Productivity
If shorter scanning times are used for less crowded channels, then overall scanning time is reduced, but the risk of missing access points increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating scanning strategies based on channel characteristics. For less crowded channels (low access point totals), the system uses shorter scanning times since the risk of missing access points is lower. For congested channels, longer scanning times are applied to ensure complete discovery. This localized approach maintains reliability where needed while improving efficiency where possible.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by performing an initial scan to assess channel congestion levels before determining optimal scanning durations. This preliminary assessment allows the system to make informed decisions about subsequent scanning parameters, reducing the risk of missing access points by identifying congested channels that require extended scanning in advance.
4Productivity
If dynamic scanning parameter adjustment is implemented, then resource optimization is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback by continuously monitoring access point totals during scanning and using this information to adjust scanning parameters for subsequent scans. The system creates a feedback loop where scanning results inform future scanning decisions, enabling automatic optimization of resource allocation without requiring complex external control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the scanning system to automatically adjust its own parameters based on observed channel conditions. The system monitors its own performance metrics (access point totals) and autonomously modifies scanning durations to optimize resource usage, reducing the need for external intervention or complex centralized control.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of optimizing scanning parameters for a plurality of channels in a wireless band includes identifying channels in the plurality of channels as overlapping channels and identifying channels in the plurality of channels as non-overlapping channels, wherein each of the non-overlapping channels transmits and receives signals at frequencies that do not overlap frequencies of other non-overlapping channels. Then scanning parameters for each channel are optimized in order to assign the scanning parameters to be normal scanning parameters or extended scanning parameters, the extended scanning parameters indicating longer scanning times used for scanning channels than that of the normal scanning parameters. Next each overlapping channel is scanned with a networked electronic device using the normal scanning parameters. The method also includes scanning each non-overlapping channel with the networked electronic device using the extended scanning parameters.