Uplink Selection via User Anchor Controller in WLAN Aggregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In centralized tunnel forwarding mode of WLAN systems, existing uplink selection methods for link aggregation (LAG) face challenges in efficiently distributing packets among multiple uplinks due to encapsulation, leading to inefficient IP resource usage and packet reordering, especially when multiple network controllers are involved.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a user anchor controller (UAC) configuration for each network controller, where users are assigned to specific UACs, allowing automatic uplink selection based on the UAC, thereby eliminating the need for additional IP addresses and ensuring efficient packet distribution across all uplinks without reordering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If packets are spread based on wireless band in centralized tunnel forwarding mode, then uplink selection can be implemented, but IP resource usage becomes inefficient and packet reordering occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the packet distribution logic by introducing User Anchor Controller (UAC) identifiers. Instead of using a single pool of IP addresses for all users, the system divides IP address allocation per UAC, allowing each UAC to have dedicated uplink selection. This segmentation enables efficient uplink selection while optimizing IP resource usage by avoiding redundant address assignments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces UAC as an intermediary entity between the access point and the network controller. The UAC identifier serves as a mediator that links users to specific uplinks without requiring additional IP addresses. This intermediary mechanism enables packet distribution across multiple uplinks while maintaining efficient IP resource utilization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple IP addresses are configured for packet transmission on different wireless bands, then uplink selection is enabled, but device complexity and configuration overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the UAC identifier multi-functional by using it for both user identification and uplink selection purposes. Instead of requiring separate mechanisms for user management and uplink selection, the UAC identifier serves both functions, thereby reducing configuration complexity while maintaining adaptability for uplink selection across different wireless bands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the selection parameter from wireless band directly to UAC identifier. This parameter change simplifies the uplink selection mechanism by using a single identifier (UAC) that inherently captures both user and band information, eliminating the need for complex multi-parameter configuration and reducing device complexity.
3Productivity
If packets are distributed among uplinks based on destination MAC address, then load balancing is achieved, but packet reordering occurs in receive direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through the UAC identifier that enable the system to track which uplink was used for packet transmission. This feedback information is used to maintain proper packet sequencing at the receive end, allowing load balancing across multiple uplinks while preventing packet reordering issues by having the receiving end reconstruct the original packet sequence based on UAC-associated uplink information.
Data Source
AI summary
An example device comprising: a processor to configure a user anchor controller (UAC) for each network controller when an access point (AP) is connected to at least two network controllers; assign each user of the AP to one of the UACs; and automatically select an uplink for each user based on the user's corresponding UAC to transmit the user's data traffic.