Dynamic Load Balancing in Wireless Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless networks face challenges in maintaining dynamic load balancing across access devices over time, especially during real-time transmissions, as existing solutions are mostly static and can disrupt ongoing communications.
Innovation Solution
The system periodically calculates a load metric for each access device, disassociates mobile devices from overloaded access points by prioritizing those with low usage and non-critical applications, and reassociates them with underutilized access points to maintain balanced load without disrupting critical communications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If static load balance check is done at initial MU association, then device complexity is reduced, but load balancing effectiveness deteriorates over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static load balancing at association time to dynamic load balancing through periodic load metric calculations and credit-based disassociation mechanisms. The system continuously monitors load metrics and adjusts MU associations dynamically, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic load metric calculations and credit updates at scheduled intervals. This periodic action maintains load balancing effectiveness without requiring continuous complex monitoring, achieving a balance between operational simplicity and performance maintenance.
2Productivity
If dynamic load balancing is implemented continuously, then load balancing effectiveness is improved, but disruption to real-time transmissions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different treatment to different MUs based on their service characteristics. Critical real-time applications receive protection through exempt application detection and deferred disassociation, while non-critical MUs are disassociated more aggressively. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between load balancing effectiveness and transmission stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary checks for exempt applications and buffered data before disassociating MUs. By detecting critical applications in advance and deferring disassociation until appropriate conditions are met, the system maintains real-time transmission stability while still achieving load balancing.
3Productivity
If MUs are disassociated frequently to maintain load balance, then load distribution is improved, but network stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements deferred disassociation with buffering mechanisms that cushion the impact of load balancing actions. MUs are not immediately disassociated but are given time to complete buffered transmissions or transition gracefully, preventing sudden network instability while maintaining load distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses credit-based feedback mechanisms where MUs receive credit for services rendered and are disassociated when their credit becomes negative. This feedback loop provides stable, predictable disassociation timing rather than frequent arbitrary changes, improving both load distribution and network stability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for dynamic load balancing in a wireless network, such as a wireless local area network (WLAN) and the like. Specifically, the present invention periodically provides dynamic load balancing of mobile devices associated with a plurality of wireless access devices. This may include determining an optimum load and instructing wireless access devices that are overloaded to disassociate some mobile devices based upon predefined criteria. This disassociation is performed in a manner to minimize disruption by disassociating mobile devices with low usage, with close proximity to underutilized wireless access devices, and mobile devices not currently operating critical applications, such as voice.