Dynamic Access Point Grouping for Network Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In environments with multiple wireless networks, existing systems fail to dynamically manage connections effectively, leading to over-utilization of some networks and under-utilization of others, which can result in failure to meet service level agreements regarding client device counts and traffic levels.
Innovation Solution
Access points in neighboring networks detect environmental and operational parameters, such as client device counts and traffic levels, and adjust their configurations to dynamically move between networks, allowing under-utilized access points to join overloaded networks to meet performance standards without violating the other network's thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If access points are statically assigned to specific wireless networks, then network configuration is simple and stable, but network utilization becomes unbalanced with some networks over-utilized and others under-utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic access point grouping where access points can automatically move between different wireless networks based on real-time utilization metrics. The system continuously monitors client device counts and traffic levels, and automatically reconfigures access point assignments to balance load across networks, transforming the static configuration into a dynamic adaptive system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring network utilization parameters (client device counts, traffic levels) and using this information to trigger automatic access point reconfiguration. When a network exceeds thresholds, the system detects this condition and automatically moves access points to under-utilized networks, creating a closed-loop control system.
2Productivity
If access points dynamically move between networks based on utilization metrics, then network utilization efficiency improves, but system complexity and configuration management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service automation where the system automatically monitors network metrics, determines when reconfiguration is needed, and executes access point movement without human intervention. The access points and network controller autonomously make decisions based on predefined policies and thresholds, eliminating the need for manual configuration management while maintaining optimal utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures multiple wireless networks with defined capacity thresholds and automation rules before operation. By establishing these parameters in advance, the system is prepared to automatically respond to utilization changes without requiring real-time human decision-making, reducing operational complexity during dynamic adjustments.
3Device complexity
If manual monitoring and management of access point assignments is used, then system complexity is reduced, but response time to utilization changes is slow and service level agreements may be violated
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors network utilization metrics including client device counts and traffic levels, comparing these against predefined service level agreement thresholds. When violations are detected, the feedback loop automatically triggers access point reconfiguration to restore compliance, ensuring reliable adherence to service level agreements through real-time detection and correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical monitoring and management processes with automated electronic monitoring and control systems. The system uses software-based detection of utilization metrics and automated decision-making algorithms to manage access point assignments, eliminating the delays and errors associated with manual intervention while ensuring consistent service level agreement compliance.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is described for moving one or more access points between neighboring enterprise networks such that one or more threshold requirements of the networks are met. By reconfiguring access points to move between enterprise networks, the method provides a highly flexible network system that utilizes environmental and/or operational data to dynamically meet the needs of associated client devices and consumers.