Dynamic Link Selection for Wireless Access Points
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Cloud-managed wireless LANs face challenges in dynamic load balancing and optimal access point selection due to latency issues and limited network visibility, leading to suboptimal client device association and performance degradation.
Innovation Solution
Implement a dynamic and seamless link selection mechanism where access points exchange candidate and load information to determine the preferred access point for client devices, ensuring continuous optimization based on current conditions such as load, interference, and capacity, facilitating periodic updates to maintain optimal connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cloud controller makes association decisions, then centralized control and optimization are achieved, but association response time increases due to network latency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the association decision-making process by introducing local controllers at access points that can independently make association decisions without waiting for cloud controller responses. This segmentation enables immediate local decisions while maintaining overall system coordination through periodic cloud updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having access points pre-evaluate candidate access points and prepare association decisions locally before cloud controller intervention is needed. This preliminary local evaluation reduces the need for real-time cloud communication during association events.
2Loss of time
If access points make independent association decisions, then association response time is reduced, but network-wide optimization deteriorates due to limited visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where access points exchange load and status information with neighboring access points and report to the cloud controller. This feedback loop enables access points to make informed local decisions while maintaining network-wide optimization through continuous information exchange and periodic cloud coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary information exchange system where access points share candidate lists and load information through a distributed protocol. This intermediary mechanism enables coordinated decision-making without requiring direct cloud controller involvement in every association event.
3Reliability
If access points exchange candidate and load information, then optimal access point selection is achieved, but communication overhead and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes parameters by exchanging condensed information sets (candidate access point identifiers and load metrics) rather than full network states. This parameter optimization reduces communication overhead while maintaining sufficient information for optimal decision-making.
4Reliability
If cloud-managed architecture is used, then centralized control is achieved, but real-time network visibility is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds another dimension to cloud management by implementing a hybrid architecture where local controllers operate autonomously in real-time while cloud controllers provide periodic coordination. This dimensional addition enables both real-time responsiveness and centralized oversight simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
A disclosed method is performed at an access point including a processor and non-transitory memory. The method includes receiving a request message from a client device, where the request message includes a request for an allocation of a wireless channel for the client device from the access point. The method further includes exchanging candidate and load information with a plurality of other access points. The method additionally includes selecting a preferred access point from the access point and the plurality of other access points based on the candidate and load information exchanged with the plurality of other access points. The method also includes facilitating the allocation of the wireless channel for the client device from the preferred access point.