Master Controller Access Point Ownership Assignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In complex computer networks with multiple controllers, configuring wireless access points becomes increasingly complex due to the need for direct administrator configuration and the lack of a network-wide view of operational status, leading to complications when an access point connects to the network and must select a controller to receive operational parameters.
Innovation Solution
Designating a master controller that maintains network-wide data on access point connections and operational status, allowing it to determine which controller should take ownership of an access point and configure it accordingly, while instructing other controllers to ignore the discovery request.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple controllers are used in the network, then the network can handle larger scale and more access points, but the configuration complexity increases and it becomes difficult to determine which controller should own a newly connected access point
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a master controller as an intermediary that coordinates between multiple controllers and access points. The master controller receives discovery requests, determines which controller should own the access point based on various criteria, and manages the ownership assignment process, thereby reducing configuration complexity while maintaining network scalability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the controller functionality into two roles: master controller and regular controllers. This segmentation allows the system to handle large-scale networks by distributing access point management across multiple controllers while using a single master controller to coordinate ownership decisions, thus managing complexity through functional division
2Manufacturing precision
If direct administrator configuration is required for each access point, then precise control over each device is achieved, but the configuration process becomes increasingly complex as network size grows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables access points to automatically discover controllers and receive ownership assignment without requiring direct administrator configuration. The system performs self-service through automated discovery requests, controller selection based on predefined criteria, and automatic configuration parameter reception, thereby maintaining configuration precision while significantly improving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes preliminary criteria and rules for controller selection before access points need to be configured. The master controller pre-determines ownership assignment based on factors such as controller capacity, geographic location, and load balancing considerations, so that when access points connect, the configuration process is already streamlined and does not require complex administrator intervention
3Device complexity
If each controller only knows its own operational status, then controller design remains simple, but the system cannot make informed decisions about access point ownership in multi-controller scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the information-gathering function across all controllers by having them report their operational status to a central master controller. The master controller consolidates this information to maintain a network-wide view, enabling informed ownership decisions while keeping individual controller designs simple. Each controller maintains simplicity by only knowing its own status, while the master controller combines this information system-wide
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for ownership of an access point are described. An ownership request may be received by a master controller. Ownership of the access point may be determined by the master controller. An ownership response may indicate if a controller shall take ownership of the access point.