Master Controller Access Point Configuration Propagation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless computer networks, when a controller fails, the remaining controllers lack awareness of the access points previously supported by the failed controller, leading to disruptions in connectivity, and new access points require configuration for proper network management, which existing systems do not adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A master controller is designated to create and propagate access point configurations throughout a team of controllers using protocols like SOAP, ensuring all controllers are aware of all access points, allowing seamless connectivity and redundancy in case of failures or additions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a controller fails in a wireless network, then the remaining controllers continue to operate, but the remaining controllers lack awareness of the access points previously supported by the failed controller, leading to connectivity disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by having the master controller propagate access point configuration data to all slave controllers before any failure occurs. This ensures that all controllers have up-to-date configuration information stored locally, so when a controller fails, the remaining controllers already have the necessary awareness of all access points and can immediately take over without connectivity disruptions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If new access points are added to the network, then network capacity increases, but the existing controllers do not automatically become aware of the new access points requiring manual configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by establishing a notification mechanism where new access points automatically notify the master controller of their presence. The master controller then propagates the configuration data to all slave controllers, creating a closed-loop feedback system that automatically updates all controllers about new access points without requiring manual intervention, thus maintaining ease of operation while enabling network scalability.
3Reliability
If a master controller propagates configuration data to all slave controllers, then all controllers become aware of all access points providing redundancy, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies merging by consolidating the configuration management function into a single master controller that maintains the authoritative configuration data. Instead of each controller independently managing its own configuration, all configuration propagation and updates are merged into the master controller's responsibility, which then distributes information to slave controllers. This centralized approach provides redundancy while managing system complexity through functional consolidation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of access point configuration propagation includes receiving, at a controller, a connectivity request from a number of access points; with a master controller, creating a configuration for the access points; and sending configuration data based on the created configuration to a number of slave controllers. A master controller for propagating access point configurations within a wireless network system includes a processor that creates a configuration for each of a number of access points requesting connectivity within the wireless network system, and a data storage device that stores configuration data based on the created configuration in an access point configuration table.