Cloud Wi-Fi Manager for Multi-Vendor AP Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional Wi-Fi network management systems require APs and network controllers from the same vendor, and the controller must be deployed on-premise behind a NAT firewall, limiting flexibility and scalability.
Innovation Solution
A cloud-based Wi-Fi service manager allows remote activation, configuration, and monitoring of APs using a mobile application, enabling management of third-party APs without on-premise infrastructure, utilizing a cloud-based AP agent with a device-specific abstraction layer and firewall-friendly communication protocol.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional on-premise Wi-Fi network controller is deployed behind a NAT firewall, then local management of APs is achieved, but vendor lock-in and deployment complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cloud-based Wi-Fi service manager as an intermediary between APs and users. The manager includes a cloud-based AP agent that communicates with APs through firewall-friendly protocols, enabling remote management without requiring on-premise controllers or vendor-specific infrastructure. This mediator architecture allows any vendor's APs to be managed through a standardized cloud interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions management from a local two-dimensional architecture (on-premise controller behind NAT firewall) to a cloud-based architecture that adds a remote access dimension. Users can manage APs through mobile devices and web browsers over the public Internet, eliminating the need for physical presence or complex local network configuration.
2Ease of operation
If an on-premise Wi-Fi network controller is used, then local management is enabled, but remote accessibility and scalability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cloud-based AP agent automatically discovers and registers APs with the Wi-Fi service manager without requiring manual configuration or on-premise infrastructure. The system self-configures communication channels through firewall-friendly protocols, and users can immediately access management functions through mobile applications without complex setup procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the network controller functionality from the on-premise environment and relocates it to a cloud-based service. This extraction eliminates the need for local hardware controllers, NAT firewall configurations, and on-premise infrastructure, allowing users to manage Wi-Fi networks remotely through standard Internet connections.
3Reliability
If vendor-specific APs and controllers are used, then compatibility is ensured, but flexibility and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cloud-based Wi-Fi service manager provides a universal management platform that can control APs from any vendor through standardized protocols. The cloud-based AP agent implements a common interface that works with diverse AP hardware, eliminating vendor lock-in while maintaining reliable management functions across different device types and manufacturers.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of activating and configuring an access point (AP) located at a location of a customer of an entity is disclosed. A first communication from the AP is received by a cloud-based Wi-Fi service manager, wherein the first communication includes a first unique identifier for the AP. A second communication from an administrator of the entity is received by the cloud-based Wi-Fi service manager, wherein the second communication includes a second unique identifier for the AP and an identifier for the customer of the entity. The AP is associated with the customer by the cloud-based Wi-Fi service manager. Configuration information for the customer is retrieved by the cloud-based Wi-Fi service manager. The configuration information is sent to the AP by the cloud-based Wi-Fi service manager, wherein the configuration information is used by the AP for configuration.