Sub-AP Power Adjustment via RSSI and FER for Wireless Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless LAN systems face challenges in providing consistent coverage due to shadow areas caused by building structures, leading to reduced data transfer rates and interference between main and sub-access points when using the same channel, especially in densely populated areas like apartment buildings.
Innovation Solution
A sub-access point system that adjusts the power of its transmission signal based on received signal strength indicator (RSSI) and frame error rate (FER) readings from the main access point, minimizing interference and enhancing network performance by dynamically setting the power level of the transmission signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single access point is used to service a home or predetermined region, then the system complexity is low, but shadow areas are generated where radio waves cannot be received due to building structure or topography
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wireless network into a main access point and multiple sub-access points. The main AP provides primary coverage while sub-APs are strategically placed to eliminate shadow areas, thereby improving signal coverage reliability without requiring complete system redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spatial dimensionality by deploying sub-access points in specific locations (shadow areas) to extend coverage. This multi-dimensional approach ensures comprehensive coverage throughout the predetermined region while maintaining manageable system complexity
2Reliability
If an additional access point is installed in shadow areas to expand wireless communication range, then signal coverage is improved, but interference between main AP and sub-AP occurs when they use the same channel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic transmission power adjustment in sub-access points based on real-time RSSI readings and FER measurements. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt power levels to minimize interference with the main AP while ensuring adequate coverage in shadow areas
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where sub-APs continuously monitor RSSI and FER, then adjust their transmission power accordingly. This closed-loop control system automatically optimizes power levels to eliminate interference while maintaining reliable signal coverage
3Object-generated harmful factors
If two different channels are allocated to main AP and sub-AP to reduce interference, then interference is minimized, but network capacity decreases due to shortage of available channels in densely populated areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the power parameter dynamically instead of using different channels. By adjusting transmission power based on RSSI and FER, the system achieves interference minimization while all APs operate on the same channel, thereby preserving maximum network capacity
4Ease of operation
If sub-AP transmits signal with fixed power to simplify operation, then ease of operation is improved, but new shadow areas may be generated when main AP is relocated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms fixed power transmission into dynamic power adjustment. Sub-APs automatically adapt their transmission power based on real-time RSSI and FER measurements, enabling the system to maintain optimal performance when the main AP is relocated without requiring manual reconfiguration
Data Source
AI summary
A sub-access point (AP), system, and method for adjusting a power level of a transmission signal, and more particularly, in which the power level of a transmission signal output from the sub-AP is adjusted based on received signal strength indicator (RSSI) readings and frame error rate (FER) of a main AP, thereby eliminating shadow areas and minimizing interference between the main AP and the sub-AP. The sub-AP includes a reception unit which receives a beacon frame and a data frame from a main AP, a RSSI checking unit which checks an RSSI of the main AP, a FER checking unit which checks an FER, and a control unit which determines a power level at which a transmission signal is to be transmitted based on the identified RSSI and the identified FER and causes a transmission signal to be output at the determined power level.