Software Wireless Infrastructure for 802.11 Networks

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless networking technologies, particularly those based on IEEE 802.11 standards, face challenges in flexibility and cost due to complex hardware requirements and limitations in forming multi-layer deep access points, which hinder user mobility and ease of network configuration.

Innovation Solution

A software-based wireless infrastructure system that includes a station driver, station server, access point driver, access point server, and APIs to manage network connections, authentication, and configuration, allowing for dynamic configuration of access points and stations, and enabling multi-layer wireless network formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If wireless networks are deployed to enable user mobility and flexibility, then user mobility is improved, but network configuration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser mobilityVSAvoidnetwork configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service through automatic network discovery, authentication, and configuration. When a wireless client enters coverage area, the system automatically detects the client, performs authentication using stored credentials, establishes network connection, and configures routing without requiring manual user intervention or complex configuration procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically changes network parameters such as routing tables, authentication states, and connection configurations based on real-time conditions. The system updates routing information when clients move between coverage areas and adjusts network parameters during authentication processes to enable seamless mobility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If hardware requirements for wireless networks are reduced, then ease of manufacture is improved, but network reliability may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehardware requirementsVSAvoidnetwork connection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex hardware-based network configuration mechanisms with software-based solutions. Instead of requiring physically configured switches and routers with manual routing setup, the system uses software to automatically discover networks, authenticate clients, and establish routing connections, thereby simplifying hardware requirements while maintaining reliability through automated software control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Area of stationary object

If multi-layer deep access points are formed, then network coverage is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork coverageVSAvoidaccess point structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the wireless network into multiple hierarchical layers with access points at different levels. The network is divided into first coverage areas served by first access points and second coverage areas served by second access points, allowing extended coverage through structured segmentation rather than monolithic complex structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediary routing components that facilitate communication between different network layers. When clients move between coverage areas, intermediary routing mechanisms automatically establish connections between appropriate access points, enabling multi-layer coverage without requiring complex direct connections between all network elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8327135B2Native WI-FI architecture for 802.11 networks

Publication Date: 2012.12.04 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

A software based wireless infrastructure system is provided. The system has a driver that communicates with the network stack and a network interface card (NIC), a station server in communication with the station driver and an 802.1X supplicant or an 802.1X authenticator. Each NIC provides station and/or access point functionality support. The driver drops packets that have been received if the packet has not been authenticated and associated. Packets that have been fragmented or encrypted are unfragmented and decrypted. An association manager is used in conjunction with a configuration table manager to associate stations and access points via management packets. A manager receives 802.1X data packets from the packet processor and sends them up to a station server that communicates with user mode applications and an 802.1X supplicant or an 802.1X authenticator that are used to authenticate and deauthenticate stations and access points. APIs are provided to enable communication between the components.