Network Switch Coverage Hole Detection and Power Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless networks face challenges in detecting coverage holes and efficiently adjusting transmission power to maintain network access and throughput, particularly due to inadequate site planning and environmental factors affecting signal strength, and existing methods are cumbersome for reporting signal information and regulating access port power.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a monitor module in the data forwarding plane and a regulatory module in the control plane of a network switch that detects coverage holes by calculating transmission throughput and adjusts transmission power based on signal sensitivity differences, using a sensitivity data store to incrementally adjust power levels in response to detected conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the AP maintains increased power level when a MU moves out of coverage hole, then the MU can maintain network access, but it is inefficient for the AP to maintain increased power level
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts transmission power based on real-time coverage hole detection. The AP transitions from static power levels to dynamic power control, adjusting power up when coverage holes are detected and power down when coverage is restored, thereby optimizing both reliability and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the AP monitors MU performance metrics and uses this information to adjust transmission power. The feedback loop ensures power is increased only when coverage holes are detected and maintained only as long as needed, resolving the contradiction between maintaining access and conserving energy.
2Loss of information
If the AP requests signal information from MU manufacturers using universally agreed upon protocol, then signal strength can be reported back to the AP, but it would be a burden to request each MU manufacturer to communicate this information
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables MU self-reporting of signal strength information through standardized fields in existing 802.11 frames. Instead of requiring complex manufacturer-specific protocols, the MU autonomously includes signal strength data in its transmissions, eliminating the need for additional requests and reducing protocol complexity while ensuring information availability.
3Productivity
If the AP increases transmission power to compensate for coverage holes, then packet transfer rates can be maintained, but excessive power levels can be inefficient and problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the transmission power parameter dynamically based on detected coverage conditions. By monitoring performance metrics and adjusting power levels in response to coverage hole detection, the system optimizes packet transfer rates while avoiding excessive power consumption, resolving the contradiction between productivity and harmful power levels.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, apparatus and techniques for detecting and self-healing coverage hole conditions in a wireless network are disclosed. The apparatus includes a monitor module that is configured in a data forwarding plane of a network switch and a regulatory module configured in a control plane of the switch. The monitor module is configured to detect a coverage hole condition affecting a mobile device associated with an access port and the regulatory module is configured to adjust transmission power to the access port based on the condition.