Universal Repeater Dynamic Uplink Selection for WLAN Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) face sub-optimal throughput and connectivity issues due to signal fading and coverage problems caused by walls and other obstacles, leading to inefficient data transmission rates and potential loss of connection between clients and access points.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a universal repeater (UR) that dynamically selects the best uplink based on end-to-end throughput and number of hops by analyzing beacon packets, allowing it to pair with the most efficient route to an access point, thereby improving network connectivity and data transmission rates without increasing transmit power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the transmit power of transmitting nodes is increased to extend the range, then the connectivity range is improved, but the power consumption increases and interference in the network worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a repeater node as an intermediary device that receives signals from the access point and retransmits them to extend coverage. This mediator approach allows range extension without increasing the transmit power of the original transmitting nodes, thereby avoiding the associated power consumption and interference problems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the wireless communication path into multiple segments by introducing repeater nodes between the access point and remote clients. Each segment operates at standard power levels, collectively achieving extended range without requiring any single node to transmit at high power.
2Area of stationary object
If the transmit power of transmitting nodes is increased to extend the range, then the connectivity range is improved, but the interference in the network increases
Solution Approach 1:
The repeater acts as an intermediary that receives and retransmits signals at standard power levels, extending coverage without generating the high-level interference that would result from increasing the transmit power of original nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the communication path into multiple low-power hops through repeater nodes, the system achieves extended range while each individual transmission operates at low interference levels, avoiding the cumulative interference problem of high-power transmissions.
3Reliability
If the repeater selects uplink based only on signal strength, then the connection stability is improved, but the end-to-end throughput deteriorates due to suboptimal route selection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the repeater evaluates multiple candidate uplinks using beacon packets containing throughput information, selects the optimal uplink based on end-to-end performance metrics, and continuously monitors to adapt to changing network conditions, thereby achieving both stability and high throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The uplink selection is made dynamic by continuously evaluating multiple candidate uplinks using real-time beacon packet information and adapting the selection based on end-to-end throughput performance, rather than relying on static signal strength measurements alone.
4Productivity
If the repeater uses complex uplink selection criteria, then the end-to-end throughput is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The repeater autonomously performs uplink selection by extracting necessary information from standard beacon packets already present in the network, processing this information locally to determine optimal uplinks, and making selections without requiring complex external control systems or additional infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
A Universal Repeater (UR) configured to pair with an uplink in a network. The UR may include an interface configured to interface wirelessly with a uplink along a selected route between the UR and an access point (AP) in a network; and a memory having machine executable code therein that, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to determine the uplink based on data received from a plurality of candidate uplinks, and instruct the interface to pair with the uplink.