Hierarchical AP Roaming Data Collection to Reduce Control Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
The processing load on remote AP control systems is high due to the large volume of roaming data from electronic devices transitioning between access points, and predicting target APs for data collection is challenging, especially in dense arrangements.
Innovation Solution
An AP roaming management system defines a hierarchy with aggregator APs that distribute roaming monitoring instructions to potential target APs, allowing them to collect and aggregate data efficiently, reducing the processing load on the remote system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If roaming data is collected from all APs for all electronic devices, then complete roaming analysis is achieved, but the processing load on the remote AP control system becomes excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the APs into a hierarchy structure with root APs and child APs. Roaming data collection is segmented by only collecting data from child APs (where devices actually roam to) rather than all APs. The aggregation function is segmented and performed locally at child APs before sending to root APs, distributing the processing load across multiple APs rather than concentrating it at a single remote control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes unnecessary roaming data collection from APs that are not involved in actual device transitions. By using the hierarchy structure and only collecting data from child APs where roaming occurs, the system extracts only the essential roaming data needed for analysis, eliminating redundant data collection from all APs including root APs and APs not involved in roaming events.
2Quantity of substance
If roaming monitoring instructions are distributed to all potential target APs, then comprehensive data collection is achieved, but the complexity of predicting and managing target APs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-establishing the AP hierarchy structure and pre-identifying child APs before roaming events occur. The root APs maintain lists of child APs and proactive notifications are sent to relevant child APs before actual roaming happens. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for real-time prediction and complex dynamic decision-making during roaming events.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces root APs as intermediary elements between electronic devices and the remote control system. Root APs act as mediators that receive roaming notifications from child APs, aggregate the data, and forward it to the remote control system. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing the aggregation function and eliminating the need for complex direct connections between all APs and the control system.
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, a first access point (AP) generates first potential target AP information identifying one or more APs to which an electronic device is able to roam from the first AP. The first AP sends the first potential target AP information to an aggregator AP that is associated with the first AP. The first AP receives, from the aggregator AP, a roaming monitoring instruction sent by the aggregator AP to one or more APs identified by second potential target AP information generated at a second AP, the roaming monitoring instruction specifying collection of roaming data for a given electronic device that has associated with the second AP.