Self-Organizing WiFi Network Controller for Interference Mitigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

As the number of devices and data traffic increases in customer premises locations, existing wireless communication networks face challenges in maintaining quality of service and managing the growing complexity of wireless access networks, particularly in residential and commercial settings with multiple client devices and varying service requirements.

Innovation Solution

A self-organizing customer premises network is implemented, managed by a customer premises controller that distributes and optimizes WiFi access points, performs load balancing, mitigates channel interference, and maintains service requirements through communication with a SON system, enabling automated optimization and improved network performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the number of client devices and data traffic increases in customer premises locations, then network capacity and connectivity options are improved, but network complexity and difficulty of management increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork capacityVSAvoidnetwork complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The customer premises controller automatically manages WiFi access points by provisioning new APs, performing load balancing, and mitigating channel interference without requiring manual intervention. The system self-optimizes network performance by monitoring conditions and autonomously adjusting parameters to maintain quality of service as network capacity grows

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The network management function is segmented between the customer premises controller (local automation) and the SON system (cloud-based optimization). This divides complexity into manageable components, allowing local devices to handle routine tasks while centralized systems provide strategic optimization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If more WiFi access points are deployed to improve coverage, then network coverage is enhanced, but channel interference between access points increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork coverageVSAvoidchannel interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The customer premises controller continuously monitors network conditions including signal strength and interference levels at each WiFi access point. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts operational parameters such as transmission power and channel selection to minimize interference while maintaining comprehensive coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts WiFi access point parameters including transmission power levels and operational channels based on real-time network conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the network to maintain optimal performance as devices are added or moved, preventing interference from becoming a static problem

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If manual network management is used, then device complexity is reduced, but network optimization and service quality maintenance become insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanagement simplicityVSAvoidservice quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The customer premises controller automatically performs network optimization tasks including provisioning new access points, performing load balancing across the network, and mitigating channel interference. This self-service capability maintains service quality without requiring skilled manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual network management operations are replaced with automated electronic control systems. The customer premises controller uses software-based algorithms to perform tasks that would otherwise require manual configuration, such as automatic load balancing and interference mitigation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10178593B2Self-organizing customer premises network

Publication Date: 2019.01.08 VERIZON PATENT & LICENSING INC

AI summary

A computer device may include a memory configured to store instructions and a processor configured to execute the instructions to determine a service requirement for a client device connected to a WiFi access point in a customer premises network that includes a plurality of WiFi access points. The processor may be further configured to monitor a service requirement parameter, associated with the determined service requirement, for the client device; detect that the service requirement parameter is within a threshold of the determined service requirement; and perform a self-organizing network (SON) action on the customer premises network, in response to detecting that the service requirement parameter is within the threshold of the determined service requirement.