Client Driven Wi-Fi Steering via HNC Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Wi-Fi client steering methods often result in service interruptions during the transition from one access point to another, disrupting ongoing tasks such as video streaming or online transactions, as clients are not informed of the steering time and must disconnect and reconnect, leading to data streaming interruptions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method where the Home Network Controller (HNC) and client devices collaborate to determine optimal steering opportunities based on client activity, such as buffered content playback time or advertisement breaks, allowing smooth transitions between access points without service interruptions. The client device informs the HNC of suitable steering times, ensuring uninterrupted service by using the steering opportunity information to coordinate the transition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional Wi-Fi client steering methods are used to enable transitions between access points, then network load balancing and connectivity optimization are improved, but service interruptions and task disruptions occur during the transition process
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having the HNC send steering requests to the client device before the actual steering occurs. The client device then determines and communicates steering opportunity information (such as buffered content duration, advertisement breaks, or task completion status) back to the HNC, allowing the network to prepare for steering at an optimal time that minimizes service disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements a feedback mechanism where the client device monitors its own state (buffered content, ongoing tasks, advertisement breaks) and provides steering opportunity information back to the HNC. This feedback loop enables the HNC to make informed steering decisions that align with the client's current activity state, thereby maintaining service continuity while achieving network optimization goals.
2Adaptability or versatility
If client devices are steered between access points without notifying clients of steering time, then network management flexibility is improved, but data streaming interruptions and task disruptions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having the HNC send steering requests to the client device before the actual steering occurs. The client device then determines and communicates steering opportunity information (such as buffered content duration, advertisement breaks, or task completion status) back to the HNC, allowing the network to prepare for steering at an optimal time that minimizes service disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements a feedback mechanism where the client device monitors its own state (buffered content, ongoing tasks, advertisement breaks) and provides steering opportunity information back to the HNC. This feedback loop enables the HNC to make informed steering decisions that align with the client's current activity state, thereby maintaining service continuity while achieving network optimization goals.
3Adaptability or versatility
If clients disconnect and reconnect during steering transitions, then access point switching capability is improved, but service interruptions and user experience degradation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having the HNC send steering requests to the client device before the actual steering occurs. The client device then determines and communicates steering opportunity information (such as buffered content duration, advertisement breaks, or task completion status) back to the HNC, allowing the network to prepare for steering at an optimal time that minimizes service disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements a feedback mechanism where the client device monitors its own state (buffered content, ongoing tasks, advertisement breaks) and provides steering opportunity information back to the HNC. This feedback loop enables the HNC to make informed steering decisions that align with the client's current activity state, thereby maintaining service continuity while achieving network optimization goals.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure are drawn to a client device for use with a first APD and a HNC. The first APD and HNC provide a wireless local area network for the client device and access to an external network to the client device. The client device includes a memory and a processor, which is configured to execute instructions stored on the memory. These instructions allow client device to: access the external network via the WLAN by way of the first access point device to perform a function; determine a steering opportunity for steering said client device based on the performance of the function; transmit a steering opportunity signal, based on the determined steering opportunity, to the home network controller; receive a steering request to steer said client device at a steering time based on the steering opportunity; and transmit a steering response honoring the received steering request.