Dynamic Tunnel Activation for Wireless Network Scalability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Establishing a full mesh of tunnels between switches in a wireless network can restrict scalability and lead to unnecessary traffic and resource consumption, as all tunnels must be active regardless of usage, causing bandwidth and processing issues when a wireless endpoint device moves between access points.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dynamic association of active tunnels with a virtual network, where tunnels are only created or transformed to active status when needed, based on the movement of wireless endpoint devices, conserving resources and optimizing network efficiency by initially creating a full mesh of passive tunnels that are activated as necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a full mesh of tunnels is established between switches, then network connectivity is ensured, but scalability is restricted and resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transforming static tunnel configurations into dynamic ones. Tunnels are created or transformed to active status only when needed, based on wireless endpoint device movement between access points. This allows the network to adapt its topology dynamically, improving scalability while maintaining connectivity reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by activating only the necessary subset of tunnels rather than maintaining all possible tunnels in a full mesh. When a wireless endpoint device moves, only the specific tunnel required for that communication path is activated, reducing overall network complexity and resource consumption while ensuring connectivity.
2Reliability
If all tunnels are kept active, then seamless communication during roaming is enabled, but bandwidth and processing resources are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts tunnel active status based on real-time communication needs. When a wireless endpoint device roams between access points, the corresponding tunnel is transformed from passive to active status, ensuring seamless communication. When not in use, tunnels return to passive status, conserving bandwidth and processing resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic activation of tunnels based on communication events. Tunnels are activated periodically when needed (upon device movement detection) and deactivated when not in use, rather than remaining continuously active. This event-driven periodic action maintains communication reliability while reducing resource waste.
3Productivity
If tunnels are dynamically activated, then resource utilization improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically detecting wireless endpoint device movement and dynamically activating or deactivating tunnels without manual intervention. The network infrastructure monitors device positions and autonomously adjusts tunnel configurations, improving resource utilization while managing complexity through automation rather than manual configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
In response to movement of a wireless device, an active tunnel between switches is dynamically included as a member of a virtual network over which the wireless device communicates, where data communicated in the virtual network is carried over the active tunnel, and where the virtual network is overlaid on an underlay physical network that includes the switches and the wireless access points.