Controller Cluster for Wireless Network Scalability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional WLAN architectures face scalability and redundancy issues due to inefficient resource management across multiple controllers, leading to network disruptions and resource wastage when client devices roam between access points managed by different controllers, especially when crossing IP subnets or lacking state information transfer mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a cluster of controllers with equal functionalities and capabilities to manage access points and client devices, enabling seamless state information transfer and load balancing, thereby maintaining connectivity and optimizing network resources through AP and client device steering mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a communication tunnel is created between controllers when client device switches across IP subnets, then state information is maintained, but network traffic takes a longer path and network resources are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cluster of controllers that act as intermediaries to manage state information sharing. When a client device switches between access points on different IP subnets, the cluster controllers coordinate to transfer state information directly between them, eliminating the need for lengthy tunnel routes through multiple network layers while maintaining connection continuity.
2Reliability
If a network-wide table is implemented for tunneling system, then each original controller is maintained for each client device, but scalability issues arise as number of client devices and controllers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network management into clusters of controllers, where each controller manages a specific subset of access points and client devices. This segmentation eliminates the need for a single network-wide table, as state information is distributed across cluster controllers. Each controller maintains state information only for its local cluster, improving scalability while preserving reliable tracking through localized management domains.
3Ease of operation
If client device switches between access points managed by separate controllers in same IP subnet, then connection continuity is maintained, but state information is lost and re-authentication is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes continuous state information sharing mechanisms between controllers within the same cluster. When a client device roams between access points managed by different controllers in the same IP subnet, the cluster coordination ensures state information is transferred seamlessly, maintaining connection continuity without requiring re-authentication. This eliminates interruptions in the useful action of data transmission.
4Adaptability or versatility
If blacklisting function is used to direct client device to targeted access point, then client matching is achieved, but network disruptions occur when access points are managed by different controllers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the client matching functionality across multiple controllers within a cluster. When a controller wants to direct a client device to a targeted access point managed by a different controller, the cluster coordination mechanism allows the target controller to receive and execute the steering command. This unified approach across controllers maintains connection stability while preserving the adaptability of client matching, preventing network disruptions that would occur with isolated controller operations.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment of the invention, a non-transitory computer readable medium for improving the scalability and redundancy of a wireless communications network. One embodiment of the non-transitory computer readable medium comprises instructions that determine whether a same data stream is being received by a first access point from each of two or more network devices of a plurality of network devices, responsive at least to the determining operation, select a particular network device, of the plurality of network devices, for transmitting the data stream to the first access point, and configure the plurality of network devices such that the particular network device transmits the data stream to the first access point without any other network devices in the plurality of network devices transmitting the same data stream to the first access point.