Dual-Mode Wi-Fi Access Points for Shared-Channel Roaming

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Wi-Fi access in standalone mode lacks the reliability and redundancy needed for mission-critical applications, leading to high handover latency and packet losses, which prevents its deployment in industrial environments.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a dual mode operation for Wi-Fi access points, allowing them to operate simultaneously in a super cell mode and a standalone mode, using shared and unique frequency channels, and utilizing network intelligence to direct terminals to the appropriate mode based on device type, application, and network conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If Wi-Fi access points operate in standalone mode with non-overlapping frequencies, then interference between adjacent access points is reduced, but handover latency increases and roaming reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency interferenceVSAvoidroaming reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the frequency spectrum into shared channels (used by multiple access points in super cell mode) and non-shared channels (used by individual access points in standalone mode). This segmentation allows terminals to be directed to appropriate channels based on their requirements, enabling seamless roaming on shared channels while maintaining interference avoidance on non-shared channels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic channel selection where access points can switch between super cell mode (shared frequencies) and standalone mode (non-shared frequencies) based on terminal type, application requirements, and network conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize for either seamless roaming or interference avoidance as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If Wi-Fi access points use shared frequency channels in super cell mode, then handover latency is reduced and roaming reliability is improved, but frequency interference between adjacent access points increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveroaming reliabilityVSAvoidfrequency interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by allowing different access points to operate with different frequency channel configurations based on local requirements. Access points serving mission-critical applications use shared channels for seamless roaming, while access points in other locations use non-shared channels to avoid interference, optimizing each location's performance characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the frequency channel parameter dynamically based on terminal type, application requirements, and network conditions. The system can switch between shared and non-shared channel configurations, adjusting the frequency parameters to match the specific needs of each terminal and application scenario.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If dual mode operation is implemented with both super cell and standalone modes, then system complexity increases, but adaptability to different application requirements is improved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode adaptabilityVSAvoidoperation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes access points universal by enabling them to operate in both super cell mode and standalone mode. Each access point is configured with both shared and non-shared frequency channels, allowing it to serve different types of terminals and applications appropriately, reducing the need for specialized hardware for different scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system monitors terminal type, application requirements, and network conditions to dynamically direct terminals to appropriate modes. This feedback-driven approach automates the complexity management, reducing the burden on operators while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12452701B2Dual mode Wi-Fi operation in shared and non-shared channels

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to simultaneous operation of Wi-Fi access points in a super cell mode and a standalone mode and controlling connectivity of end terminals thereto. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a configuration for a group of access points operating within a network, the configuration allowing each access point of the group to operate in a super cell mode over a shared frequency channel and a standalone mode over a non-shared frequency channel. The method further includes determining, for an end terminal, whether the end terminal is to connect to the network over the shared frequency channel or the non-shared frequency channel based on a network policy to yield a determination; and controlling connectivity of the end terminal to at least one access point of the group of access points over the shared frequency channel or the non-shared frequency channel based on the determination.