Mesh Network Controller RSSI Threshold Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mesh networks, station (STA) devices experience repeated disconnections and suboptimal antenna configurations due to inadequate steering decisions based on received signal strength intensity (RSSI) measurements, leading to inefficient bandwidth utilization and degraded user experience.
Innovation Solution
A controller in the mesh network sets RSSI thresholds for each operating band and performs calculations to determine the best antenna configuration and band for the STA, sending action frames to update its settings, allowing for dynamic adjustments based on RSSI changes and optimizing antenna configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the STA makes roaming decisions based on RSSI measurements from neighbouring APs, then the STA can autonomously select networks, but repeated disconnections and suboptimal antenna configurations occur leading to degraded user experience
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors RSSI values from the STA and compares them against predefined thresholds to determine optimal steering decisions. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust antenna configurations dynamically based on real-time signal strength, preventing disconnected states and optimizing connection stability while maintaining autonomous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of antenna configuration (spatial streams) based on RSSI threshold comparisons. When RSSI exceeds thresholds, the controller steers the STA to different antenna configurations or APs, transforming the static autonomous decision-making into a dynamic parameter-adjustment process that maintains connection reliability.
2Device complexity
If the STA uses RSSI-based steering decisions, then the system is simple to implement, but insufficient utilization of available bandwidth occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The controller adjusts the spatial stream parameter (antenna configuration) based on RSSI threshold comparisons. By changing the number of active spatial streams according to signal strength conditions, the system maximizes bandwidth utilization without requiring complex steering algorithms, maintaining simplicity while improving productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the STA makes frequent roaming decisions to optimize connection, then the STA can adapt to network conditions, but battery drain increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous or frequent roaming decisions, the system uses periodic threshold-based monitoring. The controller compares RSSI values against predefined thresholds at discrete intervals, making steering decisions only when necessary. This periodic action maintains network adaptability while significantly reducing the frequency of battery-draining roaming operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller within a mesh network includes at least a station (STA) associated with the controller. The controller is arranged to: set a plurality of received signal strength intensity (RSSI) thresholds respectively corresponding to a plurality of operating bands of the controller, when an RSSI of the STA crosses one of the plurality of set thresholds, performing a calculation to determine respective scores of all enabled links of the STA, according to the calculation, determining a best number of spatial streams (NSS) configuration of the STA, and sending an action frame to the STA for informing the STA to update its NSS configuration.