Load Based Probe Response Scheduling for Wireless Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless client load balancing algorithms are inefficient in directing clients to access points with lighter loads, leading to suboptimal channel utilization and increased interference, as they primarily rely on the number of associated clients rather than channel metrics like Quality of Service Basic Service Set (QBSS) load and Radio Frequency (RF) spectrum measurements.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that determines the current load of wireless channels and suppresses probe responses based on channel utilization and interference, using a ranking algorithm to direct clients to access points with more available bandwidth, thereby regulating probe responses and optimizing channel usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If probe responses are sent to all access points, then clients can discover available APs, but channel utilization deteriorates and interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of probe response transmission by introducing a load-based suppression mechanism. Access points dynamically adjust their probe response behavior based on current channel load conditions, transforming from a static all-or-nothing approach to a dynamic parameter-adjusted approach that reduces interference while maintaining client association efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where access points monitor channel load conditions and use this information to regulate probe response transmissions. The load measurement feedback loop enables APs to adapt their probe response behavior in real-time, suppressing responses when load is high and allowing normal responses when load is low, thereby reducing overall interference
2Device complexity
If load balancing is based on number of associated clients, then implementation is simple, but channel utilization is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the load balancing parameter from a simple client count metric to a composite metric that includes QBSS load and RF spectrum measurements. This parameter transformation enables more accurate reflection of actual channel conditions and improves channel utilization while maintaining reasonable algorithm complexity through standardized measurements
3Productivity
If probe responses are suppressed based on current load, then channel utilization improves, but client discovery may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the suppression parameter from binary (suppress or not) to a dynamic probability or threshold-based decision based on load measurements. This allows the system to maintain channel utilization benefits while ensuring that probe responses are not completely blocked, preserving client discovery functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial suppression of probe responses rather than complete suppression. By suppressing only a portion of probe responses based on load conditions, the system achieves improved channel utilization while still allowing some probe requests to receive responses, maintaining adequate client discovery
Data Source
AI summary
In an example embodiment, an apparatus comprising an interface configured to communicate with at least one wireless transceiver, and a controller coupled to the interface. The controller is configured to determine a predefined characteristic such as current load and/or interference for a wireless channel associated with the at least one wireless transceiver. The controller is operable to suppress sending a probe response in response to the at least one wireless transceiver receiving a probe request, wherein how often probe responses are suppressed is based on the predefined characteristic for the wireless channel.