Standalone Access Point Network Availability During Image Upgrades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image upgrades of access points in wireless networks cause downtime, disrupting connectivity for critical applications like voice and medical services, as existing systems reboot, leading to loss of service.
Innovation Solution
A controller is used to select a standalone access point, directing wireless clients to associate with it while other access points are upgraded, ensuring continuous network availability by switching them to a non-operational mode for maintenance, and then reverting to operational mode after the upgrade is complete.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If access points are rebooted after image download to perform upgrades, then the access points can be updated with new images, but network connectivity is lost for a period of time causing downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The access point is divided into two operational modes: standalone mode and controller-based mode. During image upgrade, the access point segments its operation by switching to standalone mode, allowing it to maintain network connectivity independently while the controller performs the image upgrade without causing network downtime
Solution Approach 2:
The access point is pre-configured with standalone operational capability and necessary image files before the upgrade process. This preliminary preparation allows the access point to immediately switch to standalone mode during upgrade, preventing any interruption in network service
2Reliability
If all access points are upgraded simultaneously, then the entire network can be updated, but all wireless clients experience loss of connectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The upgrade process is performed periodically on different access points in sequence rather than simultaneously. The controller upgrades access points one at a time or in groups, allowing other access points to continue serving wireless clients, thus maintaining continuous network productivity while achieving complete network upgrade
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that coordinates the upgrade process across multiple access points. It manages the timing and sequence of upgrades, directing some access points to standalone mode while keeping others operational, thereby mediating between the need for network-wide consistency and continuous service delivery
Data Source
AI summary
In an example embodiment, there is described herein a technique that provides network availability to wireless clients (e.g., wireless clients running mission critical applications such as voice applications or medical devices) when a portions of a network is unavailable, such as when performing an image upgrade. One or more access points are switched to a standalone mode of operation, for example an AP that can operate using HREAP (Hybrid Remote Edge Access Point) mode, for maintaining network availability while a portion of the network is unavailable.