Distributed Access Point Location Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless local area networks face significant communication and processing burdens when determining the location of a large number of user devices, as the existing method relies heavily on a central location server, which can lead to performance issues and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves distributing the device location determination process among access points in the network, where each access point exchanges location and RSSI data with neighboring access points, allowing one access point to calculate and report the location of user devices, thereby reducing the load on the central server and improving processing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a central location server is used to determine device locations, then location determination can be performed, but the communication and processing burden on the server increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized location determination function into distributed components across multiple access points. Each access point independently determines locations of devices in its vicinity using local RSSI measurements and exchanged data with neighboring access points, eliminating the need for a single central server to process all location calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the location determination functionality into the access points themselves, combining the previously separate functions of signal measurement, data exchange, and location calculation into the distributed access point nodes. This eliminates the need for a dedicated central location server and distributes the processing load across the network infrastructure.
2Loss of information
If a central location server processes all location data, then comprehensive location information can be obtained, but network communication overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data collection and processing functions across multiple access points. Each access point collects RSSI data locally and exchanges minimal data with immediate neighbors, rather than all access points communicating with a central server. This reduces the total volume of network communications while maintaining complete location information through distributed computation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If centralized location determination is implemented, then location services can be provided, but the system becomes less scalable to large networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the location determination system into autonomous segments at each access point. Each access point independently performs location calculations for devices in its coverage area using locally available data and minimal exchange with neighbors. This modular approach allows the system to scale to large networks without requiring a proportionally more complex centralized architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables access points to self-service the location determination function without requiring centralized coordination. Each access point autonomously collects RSSI measurements, exchanges data with neighbors, and computes locations independently, allowing the system to naturally scale as new access points are added to the network.
Data Source
AI summary
There are disclosed methods and access points for estimating a location of a user device in a wireless communications network. A plurality of access points define respective received signal strength indicator (RSSI) values for transmissions received from the user device. Each of the plurality of access points sends the respective RSSI values to the other access points of the plurality of access points. One of the plurality of access points self-elects to estimate the location of the user device. The self-elected access point estimates a location of the user device based, at least in part, on the RSSI values.