Wireless LAN Gateway Load Distribution via Dynamic Management Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless LAN networks, the concentration of communication loads on a single access point leads to heavy loads and vulnerabilities, as well as ineffective use of multiple communication apparatuses capable of operating as access points, resulting in disruptions if the access point fails.
Innovation Solution
A communication system where multiple communication apparatuses within a wireless LAN network function as gateways, sharing the load by transmitting management frames with connection parameters, allowing for dynamic distribution of Internet connection responsibilities among them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single access point manages Internet connection for all clients, then network management is simplified, but the access point becomes overloaded and vulnerable to failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single access point's gateway function into multiple independent gateway apparatuses within the wireless LAN. Each gateway apparatus can independently manage Internet connections, segmenting the concentrated load and responsibility into distributed units that enhance reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple communication apparatuses into a collaborative gateway system where each apparatus contributes gateway functionality. By merging the capabilities of multiple devices to perform the gateway function collectively, the system achieves both simplified management (through unified protocol) and improved reliability (through redundancy).
2Reliability
If multiple communication apparatuses are equipped with gateway functionality, then load distribution and reliability improve, but device complexity and resource utilization inefficiency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic gateway selection and activation mechanisms where communication apparatuses can transition between operating as a gateway and operating as a regular station. This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt to changing conditions, activating additional gateways when needed and deactivating them when not required, thereby improving reliability without permanently increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of communication apparatuses based on network conditions, allowing them to switch between different functional states (gateway mode vs. station mode). By dynamically adjusting parameters such as gateway status, IP address assignment, and connection management responsibilities, the system optimizes resource utilization while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If all communication apparatuses can operate as access points, then network resilience improves, but ineffective use of functions occurs when only one is active
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where communication apparatuses monitor network conditions, connection requests, and gateway performance. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically determines which apparatuses should actively function as gateways, ensuring that gateway functionality is effectively utilized when needed while avoiding wasteful activation when a single gateway suffices, thus balancing resilience with resource efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
The present technique relates to a communication apparatus and a communication system allowing distribution of loads on a communication apparatus that manages Internet connection. A communication system according to an aspect of the present technique includes: a first communication apparatus included in a wireless LAN including a plurality of communication apparatuses functioning as gateways, the first communication apparatus including a communication control section configured to transmit, when the first communication apparatus is connected to an external network, a management frame including a parameter related to a capability of connecting to the external network, to another apparatus within the wireless LAN; and a second communication apparatus operating as the first communication apparatus and including a communication control section configured to receive the management frame transmitted from the first communication apparatus and transmit, to the first communication apparatus, connection request information representing a request for connection to the external network. The present technique can be applied to a communication apparatus for a wireless LAN.