Multi-Radio Access Point Mesh Network Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communications systems, particularly those using 802.11ay solutions, face service disruptions when the line of sight between access points is blocked or when the access mechanism fails, leading to potential complete network disruption.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of access points (APs) equipped with multiple radios, including 60 GHz, 5 GHz, and CBRS radios, along with a higher order common medium access control (MAC) scheduler, allows for efficient packet routing and retransmission across different wireless networks, ensuring service continuity even in failure conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If access points use single radio or limited connectivity options, then device complexity is reduced, but service reliability deteriorates when line of sight is blocked or access mechanism fails
Solution Approach 1:
The access point is segmented into multiple independent radio units (60 GHz radio, 5 GHz radio, CBRS radio), each capable of operating autonomously on different frequency bands. This segmentation allows the system to maintain connectivity through at least one radio even when others fail or are blocked, thereby improving service reliability without requiring a complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The access point is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating multiple radios that can operate across different frequency bands (60 GHz, 5 GHz, CBRS). Each radio can serve as a backup or alternative path for connectivity, making the access point universally capable of maintaining service under various channel conditions and obstruction scenarios.
2Reliability
If access points implement multiple radios and higher order common MAC scheduler, then service continuity is improved during failures, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple radios (60 GHz, 5 GHz, CBRS) and their respective MAC schedulers are merged under a single higher order common MAC scheduler that manages packet routing across all radios. This consolidation allows centralized control and intelligent packet distribution while maintaining the operational independence of each radio, achieving service continuity without requiring completely separate control systems for each radio.
Solution Approach 2:
The higher order common MAC scheduler acts as an intermediary between the packet source and multiple radios. It receives packets, determines the appropriate radio for transmission based on current channel conditions and radio availability, and routes packets accordingly. This intermediary layer simplifies the complexity by providing a single point of decision-making rather than requiring each radio to independently manage its own scheduling.
3Reliability
If access points use multiple connectivity options and fast switching mechanisms, then service disruption is minimized during failures, but processing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by maintaining multiple radios in active or standby states with pre-configured connectivity options before failures occur. The higher order common MAC scheduler pre-establishes packet routing paths and can quickly switch between radios when failures are detected, minimizing the time required for reconfiguration and reducing service disruption.
Data Source
AI summary
Access points (APs) are coupled together to support communications services provided by the APs to User Equipment devices (UEs). APs which do not have direct access to the Internet support communications with devices coupled to the Internet via interconnectivity links, e.g., Point to Point (PtP) links or other links between APs. Interconnectivity links corresponding to multiple different frequency bands and/or communications standards are supported. In addition, multiple service networks are supported at each AP for providing service to UEs. An access point receives packets directed to a common IP address of the access point and a higher order MAC scheduler determines which of the available communications service networks at an AP to use for packet delivery. A MANC monitors interconnectivity link status and service network status and controls an AP to switch between a normal mode of operation to a failure mode of operation when a failure condition is detected.