Mode Steering Algorithm for Wireless Network Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication networks face reduced network throughput due to the need to support multiple legacy devices operating on different IEEE 802.11 protocols, leading to inefficient mixed-mode operations and increased communication overhead.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic algorithm is implemented to distribute legacy clients among access points, limiting their association to specific access points operating in mixed mode, while keeping the majority of access points in single, highest throughput operational modes, thereby reducing mixed-mode system operation and communication overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If access points support multiple legacy devices operating on different IEEE 802.11 protocols, then compatibility with older devices is maintained, but network throughput is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into multiple operational modes (legacy mode and non-legacy mode). Access points are divided into two groups: those operating in legacy mode to support older devices, and those operating in non-legacy mode for high throughput. This segmentation allows the network to simultaneously support legacy devices while maintaining high throughput paths for modern devices.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the network are assigned different operational characteristics. Some access points are configured with legacy mode enabled while others are configured for non-legacy operation. This local differentiation allows legacy devices to be supported in specific areas without degrading the overall network throughput in other areas.
2Adaptability or versatility
If access points operate in mixed mode to support multiple protocols, then legacy device support is provided, but communication overhead is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The network segments legacy protocol support into specific access points rather than requiring all access points to support multiple protocols. This reduces the communication overhead for protocol management, beacon frame variations, and parameter negotiations across the entire network.
Solution Approach 2:
The legacy protocol support function is extracted from the general access point operation and concentrated in specific access points designated for legacy mode. This extraction eliminates the need for non-legacy access points to process legacy protocol overhead, reducing overall network communication overhead.
Data Source
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AI summary
Mode steering in a wireless communication network includes configuring (200) a list of neighboring access points and their operational modes. If an operational mode of a requesting mobile device can not be supported by the access point (206), denying (212) the association. If an operational mode of a requesting mobile device matches (208) a highest operational mode of the access point, allowing (210) the association. If the operational mode of the mobile device is not the same as the highest operational mode of the access point (208), and if any neighboring access point has an available operational mode matching that of the mobile device (214), denying (212) the association, so as to steer the requesting mobile device to the matching neighboring access point.