Steering Delay Control for Wi-Fi Access Point Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiple access point networks face issues with excessive steering requests to client devices, leading to network congestion, log file clogging, and operator concerns due to repeated unsuccessful steering attempts, which can result in client devices being blocked from better connections or forced into cellular networks.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a network controller that sets a steering delay based on trigger types, increases the delay exponentially after unsuccessful steering attempts, and resets it when successful, ensuring a cool-off period to prevent excessive requests and prioritize high-priority steering needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If steering requests are transmitted frequently to client devices, then client device steering responsiveness is improved, but network congestion and log file clogging occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic steering requests with exponentially increasing delays between attempts. After each unsuccessful steering attempt, the system waits for a delay period before transmitting the next steering request, and this delay increases exponentially with each failed attempt. This periodic action with escalating intervals reduces network congestion while maintaining eventual steering responsiveness.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If steering delay is increased to reduce excessive requests, then network congestion is reduced, but steering efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The steering delay is made dynamic rather than static. The delay period adjusts exponentially based on the number of failed steering attempts, starting with a base delay and increasing with each unsuccessful attempt. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to balance reducing excessive requests while maintaining steering efficiency through adaptive timing.
3Stability of the object's composition
If exponential backoff is implemented to limit steering attempts, then network stability is improved, but steering speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares for potential steering failures by implementing exponential backoff delays in advance. When a steering request fails, the system proactively increases the wait time before the next attempt, cushioning against further failures and preventing network overload. This beforehand cushioning maintains network stability while accepting increased steering time as a trade-off.
Data Source
AI summary
A network controller is provided for use with a client device. The network controller includes a memory and a processor configured to execute instructions stored on the memory. The instructions when executed by the processor cause the network controller to set a value of a steering delay based on a steering trigger type, transmit a steering request to steer the client device from a first BSS ID to a second BSS ID, determine whether the client device has steered from the first BSS ID to the second BSS ID during the steering delay measured from the transmission of the steering request, and in response to a determination that the client device has not steered from the first BSS ID to the second BSS ID during the steering delay, increase the value of the steering delay by an increase amount and again transmit the steering request.