Geolocation Beacons for Access Point Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Access points in wireless networks, particularly those indoors, face challenges in determining their geolocation without positioning system receivers, which is costly and limits their ability to operate in standard power mode in the 6 GHz frequency band, potentially causing interference with licensed users.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a geolocation beacon system that includes a processor and wireless signal transmission system to identify and transmit geolocation, allowing access points to obtain geolocation signals and provide them to an Automated Frequency Coordination server for approval to operate in standard power mode, even without integrated positioning system receivers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If access points integrate positioning system receivers to determine geolocation, then geolocation accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces geolocation beacons as intermediary devices that perform positioning system signal reception and processing. These beacons act as mediators between the positioning system satellites and access points, providing geolocation information to access points without requiring the access points to have integrated positioning receivers. The beacons receive positioning signals, calculate geolocation, and transmit this information to access points via wireless communications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual positioning system by deploying geolocation beacons that replicate the function of integrated positioning receivers. Instead of each access point having its own positioning receiver, the system uses multiple beacon devices that copy the positioning function and share their capabilities across the network. Each beacon becomes a portable positioning source that other devices can utilize.
2Productivity
If access points operate in standard power mode in the 6 GHz frequency band, then network communication performance is improved, but interference with licensed users may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary geolocation determination through beacons before access points transmit in the 6 GHz band. Access points first obtain geolocation information from beacons, then use this pre-determined location to consult AFC servers and receive authorization to operate in standard power mode. This preliminary action ensures that high-power transmission only occurs when and where it will not interfere with licensed users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback loop where access points continuously monitor their operational environment and adjust power modes based on AFC server responses. The system receives feedback from AFC servers regarding authorized power modes and geolocation accuracy, then adapts transmission power accordingly. This feedback mechanism allows dynamic adjustment between standard and reduced power modes to prevent interference while maximizing performance.
3Ease of manufacture
If access points obtain geolocation from geolocation beacons, then device cost is reduced, but geolocation signal reception reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple geolocation signal reception functions into dedicated beacon devices. Instead of relying on a single access point to receive positioning signals, the system combines the reception capabilities of multiple beacons distributed throughout the environment. This merging approach ensures that at least some beacons can reliably receive positioning signals even in challenging indoor environments, and access points can select from multiple beacon sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal geolocation beacons that can serve multiple functions: receiving positioning system signals, providing geolocation information to access points, and potentially serving as wireless network access points themselves. These multi-functional beacons increase system reliability by providing geolocation services to multiple access points simultaneously and can operate in various environments.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for selectively entering a standard power mode by an access point, using a geolocation obtained from a geolocation beacon. For example, an access point may be configured to provide wireless network service for a coverage area. The access point may include a processor configured to: attempt to obtain a signal transmitted wirelessly from a geolocation beacon comprising a geolocation; detect that the signal was not obtained from the geolocation beacon; obtain a geolocation from a controller configured to control at least some operations of the access point; provide the obtained geolocation to an Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) server; receive approval from the AFC server to enter a standard power mode; and enter the standard power mode.