Frequency Channel Allocation Using Activity-Based Distance

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Solution Overview

Problem

In densely populated wireless local area networks, existing frequency channel allocation methods fail to effectively reduce interference between access points due to the complexity of correlating interference with parameters like background noise, communication medium usage, and Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI), especially when the number of neighboring access points exceeds the available frequency channels.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method that computes an activity-based distance representing the time overlap in communication medium usage between access points, using a dynamic time warping algorithm to allocate frequency channels, minimizing time overlaps and thus reducing interference by assigning channels to access points with the largest activity-based distance, which indicates minimal time overlap in communication medium usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional frequency channel allocation methods are used in densely populated wireless networks, then the allocation process is simple, but interference between access points cannot be effectively reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterference between access pointsVSAvoidfrequency channel allocation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter used for frequency channel allocation from traditional metrics (RSSI, background noise) to activity-based distance representing time overlap in communication medium usage. This parameter change enables more accurate interference prediction and reduction while maintaining manageable system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/scanning-based Auto Channel Selection algorithm with a computational approach using dynamic time warping algorithm to calculate activity-based distances. This substitution enables more precise temporal pattern matching and interference avoidance without the limitations of traditional scanning methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If Auto Channel Selection algorithm is used to allocate frequency channels, then the allocation is straightforward, but it cannot significantly reduce interference when neighboring access points exceed available frequency channels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterference between access pointsVSAvoidfrequency channel allocation adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic time-based patterns for frequency channel allocation. Instead of static allocation based on current channel conditions, the system dynamically adjusts allocations based on historical activity patterns and predicted future usage, enabling adaptability in densely populated networks where traditional methods fail.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses historical communication medium usage data to predict future activity patterns and pre-allocate frequency channels to minimize anticipated interference. By performing preliminary analysis of temporal patterns, the system proactively avoids interference scenarios before they occur, rather than reactively responding to interference after it happens.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If frequency channels are allocated based on traditional parameters like RSSI and background noise, then the allocation process is simple, but the correlation between these parameters and interference is not well known or deterministic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterference measurement accuracyVSAvoidparameter correlation analysis complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional interference measurement parameters (RSSI, background noise) with activity-based distance metrics derived from temporal pattern analysis using dynamic time warping. This substitution provides deterministic and precise interference prediction by directly measuring temporal overlap in communication medium usage, which has a clear causal relationship with interference occurrence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12004138B2Method for allocating frequency channels to a plurality of neighboring access points

Publication Date: 2024.06.04 AIRTIES BELGIUM SPRL

AI summary

In environments such as buildings in which access points are densely deployed, those access points influence each other. To provide a frequency channel allocation scheme in such densely populated environments information gathered by the access points are collected. In such a situation, relying on a list of neighboring access points, background noise, communication medium business, the beacon messages received from access points as well as their associated RSSI, may lead to a frequency channel allocation scheme that may not significantly reduce the interference between access points. The invention introduces an activity-based distance computed between at least two access points which represents a time overlap in a use of the communication medium.