Distributed Wi-Fi Networks with Dynamic Channel and Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Wi-Fi systems face challenges with interference, congestion, and coverage issues, leading to poor performance in delivering real-time media applications, despite reliable broadband access to the Internet.
Innovation Solution
A distributed Wi-Fi system with a cloud-based controller optimizes access points by dynamically adjusting operational parameters such as channel and bandwidth selection, client association, and transmit power to minimize interference and congestion, using a large number of access points that communicate via backhaul links on different channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large number of access points are deployed to improve coverage and capacity, then network coverage and capacity are improved, but interference between networks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters including channel selection, bandwidth configuration, and transmit power levels based on real-time network conditions. The cloud-based controller receives measurement data from multiple access points and adjusts these parameters to optimize performance while minimizing interference between densely deployed access points
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic adaptation where access points continuously adjust their operational characteristics based on changing network conditions. The cloud controller periodically receives measurement data and re-optimizes parameters, allowing the system to adapt to temporal variations in traffic patterns, interference levels, and network topology
2Productivity
If multiple access points operate on the same channel to improve capacity utilization, then network capacity is improved, but congestion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts channel selection and bandwidth parameters based on real-time measurement data. The cloud controller analyzes network conditions and reassigns channels and bandwidth allocations to balance load across the network, preventing congestion while maximizing capacity utilization
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the network operations by assigning different channels and bandwidth allocations to different access points and time periods. This segmentation allows multiple access points to operate simultaneously with reduced interference, effectively increasing overall network capacity while avoiding congestion
3Area of stationary object
If access points use maximum transmit power to extend coverage range, then coverage area is improved, but interference to other networks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts transmit power levels based on real-time measurement data and network conditions. The cloud controller optimizes power settings to provide sufficient coverage while minimizing interference to other networks, replacing the static maximum power approach with adaptive power control
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for Wi-Fi network optimization include receiving inputs related to signal strength and interference during operation of the Wi-Fi network; performing an optimization to determine operational parameters of one or more access points in the Wi-Fi network, wherein the optimization is based on the inputs and is configured to address an objective associated with the Wi-Fi network; and providing outputs comprising the operational parameters for configuration of the Wi-Fi network, based on the optimization, wherein the operational parameters include channel and bandwidth selection, and topology of the one or more access points.