Client Traffic Filter Table Update for Multi-Channel Wi-Fi Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-channel communication systems, such as those utilizing Dual-Channel Wi-Fi, face limitations in load balancing and traffic management across multiple Ethernet/Wi-Fi interfaces, as existing tools like 'ebtables' provide only limited layer-3 filtering and do not support the necessary layer-4 filtering and load balancing required for efficient data delivery.
Innovation Solution
A method for multi-channel communication between a client and an access point over a wireless network, involving the reception and updating of a traffic filter table to dynamically route network traffic across primary, secondary, and tertiary channels, enabling bidirectional communication on the primary channel and unidirectional communication on the secondary channel, with optional tertiary channel transfer based on client requirements and data usage thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ebtables tools are used for traffic filtering, then layer-3 filtering capability is provided, but layer-4 filtering and load balancing functionality are missing
Solution Approach 1:
An address remapper module is introduced as an intermediary component between the network interface and the ebtables filtering system. This remapper translates high-layer (layer-4) traffic information into layer-2 MAC address transformations, enabling the existing ebtables infrastructure to handle advanced filtering and load balancing requirements without direct modification to the core filtering engine.
Solution Approach 2:
The address remapper is designed to automatically monitor application-layer traffic patterns and dynamically generate MAC address remapping rules based on observed communication patterns. This self-configuration capability eliminates the need for manual rule creation and enables automatic load distribution across multiple network interfaces based on real-time traffic analysis.
2Productivity
If multiple Ethernet/Wi-Fi interfaces are used for load balancing, then network throughput is improved, but traffic management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes MAC address parameters based on traffic characteristics, application requirements, and network conditions. By transforming the stable MAC address into a dynamic remapped address, the system can redirect traffic flows across multiple interfaces without changing the application-layer communication patterns, thereby simplifying traffic management while maintaining high throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The traffic management function is segmented into distinct components: the address remapper handles high-layer traffic analysis and MAC address transformation, while the existing ebtables filtering system handles packet filtering. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its specific function, reducing overall system complexity despite handling multiple interfaces and traffic types.
3Ease of operation
If static traffic filtering rules are implemented, then configuration simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to changing traffic patterns is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The address remapper continuously monitors outgoing traffic patterns, application behavior, and network conditions, using this feedback to dynamically adjust MAC address remapping decisions. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt to changing traffic patterns automatically while maintaining configuration simplicity, as users only need to define high-level policies rather than individual routing rules.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static MAC address assignment to dynamic MAC address remapping, where the effective MAC address used for transmission changes based on real-time traffic conditions. This dynamic behavior allows the system to automatically adapt to varying traffic patterns, application requirements, and network states without requiring reconfiguration by users.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and devices disclosed herein contemplate client updates to traffic filter tables that control delivery of network traffic from an access point to the client over a multi channel wireless network. The client may update the traffic filter table whenever: (i) an application on the client initiates the request; (ii) an application matching a secondary channel requirement in a look-up table is opened or closed; (iii) data characteristics matching the secondary channel requirement in the look-up table are detected or removed; (iv) data usage of the client meets or exceeds a predetermined threshold; (v) data usage of the client falls below a predetermined threshold; and/or (vi) a specified period of time has passed.