Dynamic Spectrum Allocation Controller for Wireless Access Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transition from analog to digital television broadcasts has freed up significant spectrum in the DTV whitespace, but existing technologies lack efficient methods for allocating this spectrum to access points in enterprise settings, leading to inefficiencies in wireless broadband deployment and usage.
Innovation Solution
A controller and method that generate an interference map and aggregate demands to dynamically allocate frequency bands to access points based on interference maps and aggregate demand, optimizing spectrum usage and reducing congestion in the 2.4 GHz ISM band.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If DTV whitespace spectrum is used for unlicensed access, then wireless broadband deployment and data rates are improved, but spectrum allocation inefficiency and interference occur without proper management
Solution Approach 1:
A centralized controller is introduced as an intermediary to manage spectrum allocation between multiple access points. The controller receives interference information and demand requests from access points, processes this information centrally, and makes optimal spectrum allocation decisions, thereby improving deployment efficiency while managing complexity through centralized control
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where access points report interference levels and demand information to the controller. The controller uses this feedback to dynamically adjust spectrum allocations, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to changing conditions and optimizes spectrum utilization
2Area of stationary object
If multiple access points operate in DTV whitespace, then coverage area is expanded, but interference between access points increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller assigns different frequency bands to different access points based on their local interference environments and coverage requirements. Each access point operates with optimized spectral characteristics tailored to its specific location and coverage area, allowing expanded coverage while minimizing interference through localized spectrum customization
Solution Approach 2:
The available DTV whitespace spectrum is segmented into different frequency bands that are selectively allocated to different access points. This segmentation allows multiple access points to operate simultaneously in different portions of the spectrum, expanding overall coverage while reducing co-channel interference through frequency division
3Productivity
If static spectrum allocation is used, then system complexity is reduced, but spectrum utilization efficiency decreases under varying demand conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static to dynamic spectrum allocation where the controller continuously receives demand information from access points and adjusts spectrum assignments in real-time. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to varying traffic conditions and optimize spectrum utilization efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity through automated control algorithms
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method and apparatus for allocating a set of frequency bands to a plurality of access points. The method includes generating an interference map associated with the set of frequency bands and associated with the plurality of access points. The method includes aggregating a plurality of demands to produce an aggregate demand. Each of the plurality of demands associated with one of the plurality of access points. The method includes dynamically allocating the set of frequency bands to each of the plurality of access points based on the interference map and the aggregate demand.