Virtual Access Point Layer 2 Aggregation for Seamless Wireless Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless networks experience service interruptions and performance degradation due to frequent handoffs between access points, especially in environments with multiple access points, leading to issues like TCP session termination and reduced connection quality.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for establishing a virtual access point (vAP) through layer 2 link aggregation of physical access points, creating a unified wireless coverage area with a virtual service set identifier, enabling seamless data and control plane connectivity across multiple physical access points to manage user data traffic flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple physical access points are deployed to provide wireless coverage, then the coverage area is improved, but service interruptions and performance degradation occur due to frequent handoffs between access points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple physical access points into a single virtual access point through layer 2 link aggregation. This merging allows the user device to maintain a single logical connection while the virtual access point manages communications across multiple physical access points, eliminating handoff interruptions and providing seamless wireless coverage across the entire coverage area.
2Adaptability or versatility
If handoff protocols are used to transfer user data streams between access points, then mobility support is improved, but service interruption and performance degradation occur during handoff
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual access point acts as an intermediary between the user device and multiple physical access points. It maintains a persistent layer 2 connection with the user device while managing backend communications with physical access points, thereby eliminating the need for disruptive handoff protocols and ensuring continuous service during user movement.
3Reliability
If layer 2 link aggregation is used to form a virtual access point, then service continuity is improved, but network complexity increases due to additional control and data planes
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual access point architecture segments network functions into distinct control plane and data plane components. The control plane handles management and signaling, while the data plane handles user traffic forwarding. This segmentation organizes the complexity into manageable, independent modules that can be implemented and maintained separately.
4Reliability
If a virtual access point is established through layer 2 link aggregation, then handoff interruptions are eliminated, but the complexity of managing traffic flow between multiple physical access points increases
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual access point implements self-service mechanisms for traffic management by automatically selecting which physical access point should handle communications with a user device based on current link conditions. This automated decision-making eliminates the need for complex manual traffic management while maintaining optimal performance and eliminating handoff interruptions.
Data Source
AI summary
System and method for establishing a virtual access point (vAP) is described. A wireless network includes a router to provide access to external networks, physical access points (pAPs) to provide radio communications access to a user device, and a controller to form a vPA by layer two link aggregating the pAPs using access point and configuration information and send a virtual service set identifier (vSSID) to the pAPs. The vAP having a layer two data plane and control plane. The vAP provides a wireless coverage area equivalent to the pAPs using the vSSID, enable a user device to connect to the data plane via a data link, connect to the control place via layer two control links, and radio frequency connect to the pAPs. The controller and the pAPs configured to manage user data traffic flow between the router and the user device via the control and the data planes.