Smart Access Point SSID Change for Network Resilience
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless networks, when an access point (AP) loses its network connection, wireless stations remain disconnected from the network because they continue to connect to the AP with the strongest signal using the same Service Set Identifier (SSID), preventing them from searching for alternative APs that may still be connected to the network.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a 'smart' AP that periodically checks its connection with the network server and changes its SSID from primary to alternative if the connection is lost, prompting wireless stations to search for and connect to another AP using the primary SSID, thereby facilitating automatic reconnection to a functioning AP.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the AP maintains the same SSID to provide consistent service, then wireless stations can easily connect, but wireless stations cannot detect network disconnection and will not search for alternative APs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the principle of color changes by changing the SSID (service identifier) of the access point from a primary SSID to an alternative SSID when network connection is lost. This visual-like change in identification signals to wireless stations that the AP is no longer providing network access, prompting them to search for alternative APs while maintaining ease of connection through automated scanning.
2Reliability
If the AP changes SSID to alert wireless stations of disconnection, then network resilience improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the AP periodically monitor its own network connection status and automatically change its SSID based on the connection state. When the AP detects network disconnection, it switches from primary to alternative SSID, providing real-time feedback to wireless stations about the network status without requiring complex external management systems.
3Ease of repair
If multiple SSIDs are maintained for diagnostic purposes, then repair processes are facilitated, but loss of information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring alternative SSIDs that contain diagnostic information about the AP's network connection status. These alternative SSIDs are prepared in advance and automatically deployed when needed, allowing technicians to quickly identify APs with connection issues without losing information about the primary SSID configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a “smart” AP, whereby the AP periodically checks its connection with a network and, if a determination is made that the connection between the AP and the network server has been lost, an indication of this loss of connection is made available to all wireless stations connected to the AP. In a preferred embodiment, the indication given to the wireless stations is in the form of an SSID change. When the AP detects the loss of network connection, it automatically changes its SSID from a primary SSID to an alternative SSID. The wireless stations receive the alternative SSID and, since they are configured to connect to the primary SSID, immediately and automatically begin to search for another AP in the system that is using the primary SSID, and then connect to AP having the strongest signal. In one embodiment, the alternative SSID's can be selected so as to provide diagnostic assistance to a person attempting repairs to the faulty AP/network connection.