Cloud Controller Bypassing Faulty Access Points for Data Collection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Access points in networks often experience issues such as bandwidth limitations, resource constraints, and high client loads, leading to slow response times when gathering statistical data, which can degrade the Quality of Experience (QoE) and hinder network device steering among access points.
Innovation Solution
A cloud controller identifies an efficient network device capable of obtaining statistical data within a predetermined time period, configures it to cache data from other devices, and maintains a connection to resolve issues with problematic devices, allowing for continued data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If an access point gathers and returns statistical data directly, then data collection is simple, but response time is slow due to bandwidth limitations, resource limitations, and high client load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cloud controller as an intermediary between the access point and the external system. The cloud controller collects statistical data from multiple access points, processes it, and returns comprehensive reports. This mediator approach allows access points to offload data collection responsibilities, improving their response time while maintaining simple device configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines statistical data collection from multiple access points into a single centralized process managed by the cloud controller. Instead of each access point independently gathering and returning data, the cloud controller consolidates these functions, improving overall system efficiency and response time while reducing individual device complexity.
2Reliability
If an access point with hardware faults or momentary issues continues to operate, then network coverage is maintained, but statistical data gathering efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the cloud controller monitors the performance and health status of access points. When an access point experiences hardware faults or momentary issues, the cloud controller receives feedback about its degraded performance and can adjust data collection strategies, such as increasing polling intervals or alternative data gathering methods, thereby maintaining network reliability while adapting to reduced productivity.
3Measurement precision
If statistical data is collected frequently from all access points, then data accuracy is improved, but network bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic data collection where the cloud controller polls access points at predetermined intervals rather than continuously. This periodic approach maintains statistical data accuracy by ensuring regular updates while significantly reducing network bandwidth consumption compared to continuous monitoring. The system can adjust polling frequencies based on network conditions and data importance.
Data Source
AI summary
A cloud controller for requesting statistical data about a network when at least one network device is unable to respond to the request. The cloud controller sends a command to network devices requesting statistical data be gathered. The cloud controller determines that a network device experiences a problem with obtaining the requested statistical data and identifies a network device as an efficient network device. The cloud controller configures the efficient network device to obtain the requested statistical data from other network devices in the network. The cloud controller determines that the problem with the network device has been resolved, and begins communicating with the network device having the problem resolved to request statistical data concerning the network.