Routing Controller for Dynamic Wi-Fi AP Capability Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The scaling issues in Community Wi-Fi networks using controller-based AP architectures lead to inconsistencies in service and underutilization of resources due to diverse capabilities and generations of access points, limiting deployment and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A data network with a routing configuration controller that determines and configures the processing capabilities of routing devices dynamically, adding new functions and virtual capabilities by offloading computational tasks to a control data processor, allowing for dynamic management and optimization of access points across the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If controller-based AP architecture is used to provide centralized control and consistent service, then service consistency is improved, but device complexity and resource requirements in the network core increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control functionality from the access points themselves and places it in a centralized controller. The controller-based architecture separates control plane functions (handled by the controller) from data plane functions (handled by the APs), allowing centralized management while keeping individual APs simple and resource-efficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized controller provides universal control capabilities that can manage multiple APs with diverse capabilities. The controller implements a capability framework that can handle different generations and types of APs through a unified interface, providing consistent service management across the entire network without requiring each AP to have full control functionality.
2Device complexity
If standalone AP architecture is used to reduce network core resources, then device complexity in network core is reduced, but service consistency and control capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary controller that acts as a mediator between the network core and standalone APs. This controller provides the necessary control and management functions that would otherwise be needed in each AP, enabling service consistency and centralized control while keeping the APs themselves simple and resource-efficient.
3Reliability
If APs are configured to operate at the lowest common level of functionality to maintain consistency across diverse devices, then service consistency is improved, but resource utilization deteriorates due to underutilization of capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by allowing different APs to operate at different capability levels based on their specific hardware and software capabilities. The controller assesses each AP's capabilities and configures them appropriately, enabling advanced features on capable devices while maintaining basic consistent service on all devices. This prevents resource underutilization by not forcing low-capability features on high-capability APs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters based on AP capabilities. The controller can adjust configuration parameters, enabled features, and operational modes according to each AP's specific capabilities, allowing the network to optimize resource utilization while maintaining service consistency through adaptive parameter configuration.
4Adaptability or versatility
If diverse generations and variants of access points are deployed to meet different customer requirements, then adaptability is improved, but service consistency and resource utilization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic capability assessment and configuration system. The controller continuously evaluates AP capabilities, firmware versions, and operational status to dynamically adjust configurations and feature sets. This dynamic approach allows the network to accommodate diverse AP generations and variants while maintaining service consistency through real-time adaptive management.
Data Source
AI summary
In a network of data devices having routing functions, a controller within the network core is arranged to monitor the status and capabalities of each data device and to check for the availability of network functions which alter the capabilities of the data devices. The controller changes the configuration of the data devices to gain the new functionality, or alters the routing behavior so that certain control data packets are forwarded to a function processor which performs processing on behalf of the data devices in a proxy manner. The function processor provides virtual functions to the data devices.