Wireless Network Access via Probe-Based 5 GHz Band Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless network access methods typically default to the 2.4 GHz frequency band, resulting in low data transmission rates and poor Internet access experience for users, despite the 5 GHz band offering higher rates.
Innovation Solution
A method where an access point (AP) determines a station's (STA) capability to access the 5 GHz band based on probe requests and responses, sending a probe response to switch the STA to the 5 GHz band if capable, using criteria such as RSSI and radio parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the AP defaults the STA to access the 2.4 GHz frequency band, then the compatibility and ease of connection are improved, but the data transmission rate deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of defaulting to the lower frequency band (2.4 GHz) for ease of connection, the patent inverts the approach by steering the STA to the higher frequency band (5 GHz) when capability is detected, thereby prioritizing data transmission rate while maintaining compatibility through capability detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frequency band parameter from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz based on detected STA capability. The AP detects whether the STA supports 5 GHz and dynamically adjusts the operating frequency band, transforming the static default behavior into a dynamic parameter adjustment that optimizes both connection ease and transmission rate
2Productivity
If the AP steers the STA to access the 5 GHz frequency band, then the data transmission rate is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by having the STA automatically indicate its 5 GHz capability through the probe request frame, and the AP automatically detecting and responding to this capability. This eliminates the need for complex manual configuration or additional negotiation protocols, reducing device complexity while enabling high-speed access
3Productivity
If the AP detects STA capability and sends probe response in the second frequency band, then the Internet access experience is improved, but the communication overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the STA include its 5 GHz capability indication in the probe request frame before actual data transmission begins. This allows the AP to detect capability early and respond appropriately, avoiding the need for additional capability negotiation exchanges and reducing overall communication overhead
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of this application disclose a wireless network access method, which is applied to the communication field. The method includes: After an AP receives a probe request sent by a STA in a first frequency band, the AP determines, based on the probe request, whether the STA has a capability of accessing a second frequency band. A data transmission rate of the second frequency band is higher than a data transmission rate of the first frequency band. After the AP determines that the STA has the capability of accessing a second frequency band, the AP may send a probe response to the STA in the second frequency band, and the STA may access the second frequency band based on the probe response. In this way, after the STA accesses a wireless network, a data transmission rate is high, and therefore Internet access experience of a STA user is good.