Dynamic Threshold Connection Transfer for Wi-Fi Nodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for managing connection transfers in distributed Wi-Fi networks, especially for client nodes not supporting IEEE 802.11k and IEEE 802.11v standards, often result in connection instability and frequent interruptions due to repeated blocking of connections when the only available node is overloaded.

Innovation Solution

A method that iteratively adjusts a client node's connection quality threshold levels, allowing for connection transfers only when necessary, and decrements levels when better connection quality is found, thereby stabilizing connections and reducing interruptions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If connection transfer is frequently initiated when the current aggregation node is overloaded, then network load balancing is improved, but connection stability deteriorates due to repeated blocking and interruptions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork load balancingVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic threshold adjustment based on client node levels. The connection quality threshold is not fixed but adapts according to the client's level, which changes over time. When a client experiences repeated connection blocks, its level increases and the threshold adjusts, preventing unnecessary transfers and stabilizing the connection while still allowing load balancing when appropriate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of connection quality threshold based on the client node's level. Different levels correspond to different threshold values, allowing the system to adapt the transfer decision criteria dynamically. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by making the threshold flexible rather than static, enabling both load balancing and connection stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If connection quality threshold is set low to allow more transfers, then network performance is improved through better load distribution, but connection interruptions increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork performanceVSAvoidconnection interruptions
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary assessment by evaluating the connection quality indicator against the threshold determined from the client's level before initiating a transfer. This preliminary check prevents unnecessary transfers from occurring, thereby reducing connection interruptions while still allowing transfers when genuinely beneficial for network performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from connection quality measurements to adjust transfer decisions. The connection quality indicator is continuously monitored and compared against dynamic thresholds, creating a feedback loop that prevents premature or unnecessary transfers while enabling transfers when they genuinely improve network performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If connection transfer is restricted to maintain stability, then connection reliability is improved, but network load balancing capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidnetwork load balancing
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the transfer restriction dynamic rather than static. The level-based threshold adjustment mechanism allows the system to be more restrictive when needed (improving reliability) while still permitting transfers when the connection quality indicator clearly exceeds the adaptive threshold (maintaining load balancing capability).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If multiple connection quality thresholds are used for different client levels, then connection stability is improved by reducing unnecessary transfers, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent manages complexity by systematically changing parameters (thresholds) based on a single varying factor (client level). Rather than implementing complex multi-dimensional decision logic, the system uses a straightforward parameter adjustment approach where each level has an associated threshold, simplifying the overall system architecture while achieving connection stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3629628B1Method for determining eligibility for a connection transfer for a node of a distributed network
Publication Date: 2023.08.23 SAGEMCOM BROADBAND SAS

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for determining the eligibility for a connection transfer of a client node of a distributed communication network comprising a plurality of aggregation nodes, the client node being associated with one level among a plurality of levels, the method comprising the iterative steps of: - determining a connection quality indicator, - determining a connection quality threshold depending on the level, if the connection quality indicator compared to the threshold indicates a relatively poor connection quality, then: - increment the level, - execute a connection transfer method, otherwise: - if, and as long as, the connection quality indicator compared to a threshold determined according to the level immediately below the level associated with the client node indicates a better connection quality, then: decrement the level.