QoS-Based Wireless Coverage Map for WLAN Dead Spot Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Service providers face challenges in identifying and mitigating wireless local area network (WLAN) coverage dead spots, particularly in large spaces like smart cities and convention centers, where existing technologies struggle to provide adequate Quality of Service (QoS) for applications like voice and video due to varying signal strength requirements.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for creating a Quality of Service (QoS) based wireless coverage map by identifying stations outside the coverage boundaries of WLAN access points, using Wi-Fi Agile Multi-Band Operation (MBO) to dynamically monitor network conditions, and requesting beacon reports from stations to map signal strength and location, enabling the creation of a 'dark map' that highlights coverage holes for different QoS categories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional wireless coverage monitoring methods are used, then network coverage can be monitored, but QoS-specific coverage holes cannot be identified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wireless coverage monitoring by creating separate QoS-specific coverage maps for different service types (voice, video, data). Each map identifies coverage holes specific to its QoS requirements, allowing precise identification of service-specific coverage issues without requiring a single complex monolithic system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes monitoring parameters by collecting and analyzing beacon reports that contain QoS-specific signal strength measurements. By varying the signal strength thresholds and QoS parameters for different service types, the system can identify coverage holes specific to each service level without increasing overall system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If QoS-specific coverage maps are created for multiple service levels, then coverage hole identification accuracy improves, but data collection and processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal beacon report collection mechanism that serves multiple QoS-specific coverage maps simultaneously. The same infrastructure (APs, stations, report collection process) is used to generate coverage information for multiple service levels, reducing data collection and processing complexity while maintaining high measurement precision for each QoS level.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates simplified copies of coverage information for different QoS levels by applying different signal strength thresholds and criteria to the same underlying beacon report data. This allows multiple QoS-specific maps to be generated from a single data collection process, reducing processing complexity while maintaining accurate QoS-specific measurements.
3Loss of information
If beacon reports are collected from all stations, then comprehensive coverage information is obtained, but network overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by collecting beacon reports only from stations that are relevant for identifying coverage holes, rather than forcing all stations to report continuously. The system requests beacon reports selectively based on network conditions and coverage assessment needs, reducing network overhead while maintaining comprehensive coverage information where necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where APs selectively request beacon reports from stations based on observed network conditions and coverage patterns. This feedback-driven approach ensures comprehensive coverage information is obtained only when and where needed, minimizing unnecessary network overhead while maintaining information completeness for accurate coverage mapping.
Data Source
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AI summary
A Quality of Service (QoS) based wireless coverage map may be provided. First, a station may be identified by an Access Point (AP) in a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). Next, a report request may be sent by the AP to the station in response to identifying the station. A report may then be received from the station in response to the report request. The report may comprise information. The information may comprise a location of the station and data indicating a strength of a signal from the AP at the station. A map may be created based on the received report. The map may indicate a hole in the coverage of the WLAN.