Wireless LAN Access Point Neighbor Detection via Scheduled Signal Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack an effective way to detect neighboring wireless LAN access points, which is crucial for wireless LAN control and management.
Innovation Solution
A wireless LAN control device that specifies one access point to transmit a signal and others to wait for reception, determining neighboring access points based on signal receipt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wireless LAN access points transmit signals continuously to detect neighbors, then detection capability is improved, but energy consumption and channel interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic signal transmission where access points alternately transmit and listen for signals in scheduled time slots. Each access point transmits a signal at specific intervals and during its transmission slot, other access points listen to detect neighboring nodes. This periodic approach enables reliable neighbor detection while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous transmission.
2Speed
If all access points transmit signals simultaneously to detect neighbors, then detection speed is improved, but channel interference and collision increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the access point population into multiple groups that transmit signals in different time slots. Instead of all access points transmitting simultaneously, the system segments transmission opportunities so that only specific groups transmit at any given time. This segmentation eliminates signal collisions and interference while maintaining efficient neighbor detection across the entire network.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary scheduling of transmission slots and group assignments before actual neighbor detection begins. Access points are pre-configured with their transmission timings and listening periods, allowing them to coordinate their activities in advance. This preliminary organization ensures that when detection occurs, there is no channel interference from simultaneous transmissions.
3Measurement precision
If access points wait longer for signal reception to ensure accurate detection, then measurement precision is improved, but detection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary signal transmission where access points send detection signals in advance of when they need to be detected by neighbors. By transmitting signals proactively in scheduled slots before other access points need to listen, the system ensures that receiving access points have sufficient time to capture and process signals accurately without requiring extended waiting periods.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless LAN control device connected to a plurality of wireless LAN access points includes a transmission access point specification unit, and a reception access point specification unit. The a transmission access point specification unit specifies one of the plurality of wireless LAN access points as a transmission wireless LAN access point that transmits a signal. The reception access point specification unit specifies all the wireless LAN access points other than the transmission wireless LAN access point out of the plurality of wireless LAN access points as reception wireless LAN access points that start waiting for reception of the signal responsive to a time point of the transmission. When at least one of the reception wireless LAN access points has received the signal, the at least one of the reception wireless LAN access points is determined to neighbor the transmission wireless LAN access point.