Virtual Access Point Channel Allocation for IoT Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deterministic routing in IoT networks, particularly in hub-and-spoke models using CSMA/CA, faces issues such as overwhelming servers with multiple traffic copies, excessive delay, and unacceptable frame loss due to the lack of determinism in channel allocation.
Innovation Solution
A supervisory device forms a virtual access point (VAP) by mapping multiple access points to a single logical entity, using machine learning to determine traffic types and assign optimal wireless channels, ensuring that critical flows are protected and quality of service is maintained across the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If CSMA/CA is used for communication in hub-and-spoke IoT networks, then nodes can avoid collisions by transmitting only when the channel is sensed to be idle, but deterministic routing becomes difficult to achieve due to excessive delay and frame loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic channel allocation where the supervisory device assigns channels to virtual access points based on real-time traffic type classification. The system transitions from static channel usage to dynamic channel assignment, allowing the network to adapt channel allocation to current conditions and guarantee deterministic routing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the channel allocation parameter from random or static to optimized dynamic assignment. By classifying traffic types and assigning channels accordingly, the system transforms the channel allocation mechanism to achieve deterministic routing guarantees while maintaining CSMA/CA operation.
2Reliability
If multiple access points are mapped to a single virtual access point, then channel allocation can be optimized for different traffic types, but the device complexity increases due to the need for traffic classification and channel assignment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The supervisory device acts as an intermediary between access points and nodes. It performs traffic type classification and channel assignment functions, mediating the complexity away from individual nodes. This allows nodes to remain simple while the system achieves optimized quality of service through centralized coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments traffic into different types (e.g., voice, video, data) and assigns different channels to different traffic types. This segmentation allows optimized quality of service for each traffic type while distributing the complexity across the network management function rather than individual devices.
3Reliability
If channels are assigned based on traffic type, then frame loss and delays are reduced through optimized allocation, but the need for continuous traffic monitoring and channel reassignment increases system overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary traffic type classification when nodes first connect or when traffic patterns change. By establishing channel assignments in advance based on traffic type, the system reduces frame loss and delays without requiring continuous reassignment, thereby limiting the increase in system overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a supervisory device in a network forms a virtual access point (VAP) for a node in the network. A plurality of access points (APs) in the network are mapped to the VAP as part of a VAP mapping and the node treats the APs in the VAP mapping as a single AP for purposes of communicating with the network. The supervisory device determines a traffic type of traffic associated with the node. The supervisory device assigns the node to a selected wireless channel based in part on the traffic type of the traffic associated with the node. The supervisory device controls the VAP to use the channel assigned to the node.