Spatial Stream Load Balancing for Wireless Access Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF load balancing techniques in high-density wireless access point deployments fail to consider the spatial stream capabilities of both access points and client devices, leading to suboptimal throughput and access issues.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a load management module to receive signals indicating the spatial stream capabilities of access points and client devices, authorizing connections based on signal strength and spatial stream compatibility to balance the RF load effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If RF load balancing is performed based on the number of client devices connected to a WAP, then the distribution of client devices across multiple WAPs is improved, but the throughput efficiency is degraded because spatial stream capabilities are not considered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the load balancing parameters from simple client device counts to a composite metric that incorporates spatial stream capabilities of both WAPs and client devices. The wireless controller now considers the number of spatial streams each WAP can transmit and the spatial stream capabilities of connected clients to make association decisions, thereby optimizing throughput while maintaining balanced distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The load balancing mechanism dynamically adapts to the spatial stream capabilities of different WAPs and client devices. The system continuously monitors and adjusts associations based on real-time capability information, allowing high-capability WAPs to handle more demanding clients while maintaining flexibility in the association process.
2Ease of operation
If a client device capable of transmitting three spatial streams is associated with a WAP capable of transmitting a single spatial stream, then the association process is simplified, but the potential throughput of the client device is not realized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the association parameters to include spatial stream capability matching. The wireless controller now evaluates the spatial stream capabilities of both the WAP and the client device before making associations, ensuring that high-capability clients are paired with WAPs that can utilize their full potential, thereby maximizing throughput while maintaining a streamlined association process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the wireless controller receives and processes capability information from both WAPs and client devices. This feedback loop enables the controller to make informed association decisions that match spatial stream capabilities, ensuring optimal throughput utilization without complicating the association process for end users.
3Productivity
If load balancing is performed based on load present on a WAP rather than number of connected devices, then throughput distribution is improved, but the system complexity increases due to additional monitoring requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless controller is designed to perform multiple functions: it monitors both the number of connected devices and the spatial stream capabilities of WAPs and clients. This multi-functionality allows the system to implement sophisticated load balancing based on throughput potential while using the same control infrastructure, thereby improving throughput distribution without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the load balancing approach from monitoring simple device counts to monitoring composite parameters that include spatial stream capabilities. The wireless controller calculates a normalized load metric that incorporates both the number of connected devices and their spatial stream capabilities, providing improved throughput distribution through enhanced parameter monitoring rather than additional complex infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes receiving a signal indicative that a first access point can transmit data over a first number of spatial streams, and a second access point can transmit data over a second number of spatial streams. The method includes receiving a probe request from a set of client devices. A first portion of the set of client devices is configured to transmit data over the first number of spatial streams and a second portion of the client devices is configured to transmit data over the second number of spatial streams. The method includes sending a signal to the first portion associated with authorizing the first portion to connect to the first access point and sending a signal to the second portion associated with authorizing the second portion to connect to the second access point.