Predictive Client VLAN Extension for Wireless Roaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless network architectures experience significant delays during client roaming due to prolonged data plane setup procedures, which hinder the provision of a seamless voice/video network experience.
Innovation Solution
Implementing predictive client VLAN extension by determining client movement and predicting next hop access points, extending the client VLAN proactively before roaming, and using RSSI and location tracking to identify and prepare the necessary network tunnels for efficient handover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data plane setup procedures are performed during client roaming, then network security and proper VLAN configuration are maintained, but roaming delays increase to 30-100 milliseconds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the client's VLAN configuration and establishes tunnel endpoints at predicted next-hop access points before the client actually roams to those APs. This preliminary setup of data plane pathways eliminates the need for time-consuming VLAN configuration during the roaming event itself, reducing roaming delay while maintaining security through controlled tunnel establishment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically predicts the client's next-hop access points based on movement patterns and proactively prepares VLAN extensions and tunnel endpoints at those locations. This dynamic approach allows the network to adapt to client mobility in real-time, setting up data plane pathways ahead of time without compromising security architecture.
2Reliability
If control plane roaming procedures are performed, then client authentication and association are completed, but historical roaming delays were significant (though reduced to 10-20 milliseconds with advances)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates control plane procedures (authentication and association) from data plane setup procedures (VLAN configuration and tunnel establishment). By segmenting these functions and performing data plane setup in advance through predictive VLAN extension, the system allows control plane procedures to complete quickly while data plane pathways are already prepared, further reducing overall roaming delay.
3Loss of time
If VLAN extension is performed proactively before roaming, then data plane setup time is reduced, but network complexity and resource usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs VLAN extension only for predicted next-hop access points based on client movement patterns, rather than extending VLANs to all possible access points in the network. This partial action approach reduces the complexity overhead while still achieving the benefit of pre-established data plane pathways for the specific clients that are moving.
Solution Approach 2:
The network controller automatically performs predictive VLAN extension and tunnel endpoint creation based on monitored client movement patterns, without requiring manual configuration or intervention. This self-service capability manages the increased complexity automatically, allowing the system to benefit from proactive VLAN extension while minimizing the operational burden.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems and computer readable media for predictive client VLAN extension are described. In some implementations, the method can include determining client movement within a wireless network domain. The method can also include predicting one or more next hop access points for the client. The method can further include extending a client network to the one or more next hop access points prior to the client roaming to the one or more next hop access points.