Network Device Management via Centralized Server Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network devices like wireless Access Points (APs) struggle to accurately select channels due to limited interference and congestion data, which can lead to SSID collisions and poor user device connectivity, as they only reflect local conditions and not those experienced by user devices.
Innovation Solution
A system where a computing device receives indications of failed network connections from user devices and modifies network device characteristics, such as SSIDs or channels, based on data from multiple devices and locations to optimize connectivity and reduce interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If network devices perform local channel scanning to select channels, then the channel selection reflects local conditions at the AP location, but the congestion and interference at user device locations are not accurately captured
Solution Approach 1:
A server acts as an intermediary between network devices and user devices. The server collects location information from user devices and uses this data to determine optimal channel assignments for network devices, bridging the information gap between AP location-based measurements and user device location-based interference conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where user devices report location and connection status to the server, which then adjusts network device characteristics accordingly. This continuous feedback mechanism ensures channel selections are optimized based on actual user device experiences rather than just AP location data
2Device complexity
If network devices operate independently with local channel selection, then device complexity is reduced, but SSID collisions and connectivity failures increase
Solution Approach 1:
The server serves as a central coordinator that manages channel assignments across multiple network devices. By offloading the complex coordination logic to the server, individual network devices maintain simplicity while the system as a whole achieves high reliability through centralized management of potential conflicts
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the decision-making capabilities of multiple independent network devices into a centralized server that coordinates channel assignments. This consolidation prevents SSID collisions by ensuring that network devices operating in overlapping areas use different channels, thereby improving connection stability
3Ease of manufacture
If network devices use fixed channel assignments, then configuration simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to changing interference conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static channel assignments to dynamic channel selection. Network device characteristics are continuously adjusted based on real-time location data from user devices and current interference conditions, allowing the network to adapt to changing environmental conditions while maintaining ease of configuration through automated server management
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for network device management are described. An indication of a failed network connection between a first user device and a second network device can be received. Using data from the first network device, the first user device, at least one second network device, and/or at least one second user device, one or more characteristics of the first network device and/or the at least one second network device can be determined. Modification of the determined one or more characteristics can be caused.