Software-defined Wireless Device Management via API Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless local area network (WLAN) management systems face limitations in matching client devices to the best available access points due to interoperability issues, power save mode configurations, and device-specific settings, leading to suboptimal network performance.
Innovation Solution
A software-defined wireless device management system using application programming interfaces (APIs) that dynamically adjusts client-device associations with access points based on capability matching, user roles, session types, device types, and XML configurations, employing network control actions to optimize network service categories and ensure better connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional network devices match clients to access points using basic compatibility checks, then device complexity is reduced, but network performance and adaptability deteriorate due to inability to handle device-specific configurations and interoperability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary component that centralizes the complex matching logic between clients and access points. The controller receives capability information from multiple access points and client devices, performs sophisticated compatibility analysis, and directs clients to appropriate access points. This mediator approach allows complex adaptability logic to be concentrated in one component rather than distributed across all network devices, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/manual network configuration and matching approaches with automated software-based systems. The controller uses software algorithms to automatically analyze capability information, determine compatibility, and perform client-to-access-point matching without manual intervention. This substitution enables sophisticated adaptability through software intelligence while keeping individual hardware components relatively simple.
2Reliability
If network devices perform detailed capability matching for each client, then network performance improves through better connectivity, but processing time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having access points pre-generate and broadcast capability information before clients need to associate. The controller also pre-processes this capability information and maintains updated compatibility data structures. When a client seeks association, the matching process can quickly query pre-computed compatibility information rather than performing full analysis in real-time, significantly reducing association time while maintaining reliable matching.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors network conditions, client associations, and access point capabilities. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically updates capability information and adjusts matching decisions. This feedback loop enables the system to learn from past associations and optimize future matching, improving reliability over time while reducing the time needed for each individual association decision.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and related systems and products are described for wireless device management in a local wireless area network. Specifically, an interface parameter may be received using an application programming interface. A set of rules associated with a network may be obtained. A network service category for the client device may be determined using the set of rules and the interface parameter. The network service category may specify a set of available network control actions. Execution of a network control action may affect a configuration of the network. A network control action may be determined using the interface parameter. The network control action may be performed.