Cognitive Wireless Distribution Units for Multi-Band Load Balancing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless networks within aircraft or vehicles, multiple wireless access points (WAPs) across multiple bands lead to congestion, resource imbalances, and uncontrolled interference, resulting in performance degradation and limiting clients' ability to utilize available WAPs effectively.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising wireless distribution units (WDUs) with cognitive engines that collect and manage information from client devices and WAPs to implement load balancing and band steering, using optimization algorithms to balance load and manage WAPs across multiple bands, thereby optimizing network performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If multiple wireless access points are deployed across multiple bands, then network coverage is improved, but congestion and interference increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork coverage areaVSAvoidcongestion and interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors radio conditions, client distributions, and interference levels across all WAPs and bands. This feedback mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of WAP configurations, power levels, and band allocations to optimize coverage while minimizing congestion and interference in real-time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes operational parameters including transmission power levels, band selections, and WAP activation states based on real-time network conditions. By adjusting these parameters, the system maintains comprehensive coverage while adapting to varying congestion and interference conditions across different bands and locations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If multiple wireless access points are deployed, then network capacity is increased, but resource imbalance occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork capacityVSAvoidresource balance
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic load balancing that continuously monitors and redistributes network loads across WAPs and bands. Client associations are dynamically adjusted based on current resource availability, ensuring balanced utilization of network capacity while preventing any single WAP or band from becoming overloaded or underutilized

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If multiple wireless access points are deployed, then signal availability is improved, but uncontrolled interference proliferation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal availabilityVSAvoidinterference
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs interference monitoring and feedback mechanisms that detect interference patterns across the network. When interference is detected, the system automatically adjusts WAP configurations, modifies band allocations, or redistributes clients to minimize interference while preserving signal availability for all users

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system acts as an intermediary that coordinates communications and resource allocations between multiple WAPs. By centralizing control and mediation functions, the system prevents uncontrolled interference proliferation while maintaining comprehensive signal availability across the network

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3892024B1Methods and apparatus for radio transmitters management and resource optimization in multi-band wireless networks
Publication Date: 2023.03.15 SAFRAN PASSENGER INNOVATIONS LLC
  • EP3892024B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3892024B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3892024B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems and methods are described for managing wireless access points in a multi-band wireless network. The systems and methods can involve one or more wireless distribution units that are each associated with a set of wireless access points and a data collector that collects information about an environment where that wireless distribution unit is located. Based on the information collected, a control unit that is communicatively coupled with the one or more wireless distribution units can utilize a central cognitive engine to balance a load across the one or more wireless distribution units.