Hybrid Access Point Supporting Single and Multi-Channel Architectures

Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless network deployments require separate hardware and increased complexity to support both single-channel and multi-channel architectures, leading to higher costs and maintenance needs, while existing solutions cannot simultaneously operate both architectures, limiting flexibility and causing roaming issues in multi-channel networks.

Innovation Solution

The system employs hybrid access points that can support both single-channel and multi-channel architectures simultaneously, using a single device with physical radios configured for multiple virtual access points, allowing seamless communication and reducing the need for dual setups by synchronizing frames across access points.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate hardware is used for single-channel and multi-channel architectures, then both architectures can be supported, but hardware costs and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for both SCA and MCA architecturesVSAvoidhardware configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines both single-channel architecture (SCA) and multi-channel architecture (MCA) capabilities into a single hybrid access point device. The access point includes multiple radios that can be configured to operate in either SCA or MCA mode, allowing one device to replace what would traditionally require separate hardware for each architecture type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hybrid access point is designed with universal functionality to support both SCA and MCA architectures simultaneously. Each radio can be dynamically configured to serve different architectural requirements, making the device adaptable to various deployment scenarios without requiring separate specialized hardware for each mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate hardware is used for single-channel and multi-channel architectures, then both architectures can be supported, but installation and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for both SCA and MCA architecturesVSAvoiddeployment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines both single-channel architecture (SCA) and multi-channel architecture (MCA) capabilities into a single hybrid access point device. The access point includes multiple radios that can be configured to operate in either SCA or MCA mode, allowing one device to replace what would traditionally require separate hardware for each architecture type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hybrid access point allows dynamic configuration of radio parameters to switch between SCA and MCA modes. By changing operational parameters rather than physical hardware configuration, the system can adapt to different architectural requirements, simplifying deployment and reducing installation complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If existing solutions use separate access points for SCA and MCA, then architecture-specific performance is optimized, but roaming issues occur in multi-channel networks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearchitecture-specific performanceVSAvoidroaming capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines both single-channel architecture (SCA) and multi-channel architecture (MCA) capabilities into a single hybrid access point device. The access point includes multiple radios that can be configured to operate in either SCA or MCA mode, allowing one device to replace what would traditionally require separate hardware for each architecture type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hybrid access point acts as an intermediary that bridges SCA and MCA networks. By incorporating both architectural modes within a single device, it enables seamless roaming between different channel configurations while maintaining the performance characteristics of each architecture type through dedicated radio configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11206714B2Hybrid channel wireless devices and systems

Publication Date: 2021.12.21 ALLIED TELESIS

AI summary

Systems, devices, and methods for one or more hybrid access points, each hybrid access point comprising: an Ethernet port connecting the hybrid access point to one or more connected devices, where the Ethernet port is associated with an Ethernet-based media access control (MAC) address; one or more physical radios configured to transmit and receive wireless signals between the hybrid access point and one or more user devices; one or more virtual access points (VAPs) configured by the one or more physical radios, where the one or more VAPs comprise: at least one VAP configured to utilize a MAC layer of a multi-channel architecture (MCA); and at least one VAP configured to utilize a MAC layer of a channel blanket single-channel architecture (SCA); and a bridge connecting each VAP to the hybrid access point Ethernet port via the Ethernet-based MAC address.