Virtual Enterprise Access Point Mobility Domain Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing WiFi network architectures face challenges in managing and deploying enterprise-grade access points efficiently, leading to high costs and signal interference, while cloud-based solutions struggle with traditional VPN gateways and Layer 3 mobility due to hardware limitations and Internet latency.
Innovation Solution
A virtual enterprise access point (VEAP) system that leverages cloud-based management and multi-tenancy to provide enterprise-grade virtual APs, reducing the need for physical APs, enabling cost-effective centralized management, and using cloud-based site-to-site VPN and Layer 3 mobility solutions with roaming anchor APs and client roaming range prediction to maintain seamless connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional enterprise-grade physical access points are deployed, then network coverage and signal quality are improved, but infrastructure cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of access points through software-defined networking. Virtual access points are instantiated as software entities that can be deployed across standard hardware infrastructure, eliminating the need for expensive proprietary physical APs while maintaining enterprise-grade network coverage and reliability through virtualization abstraction layers
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables standard hardware devices to perform multiple functions by running virtual access point software. A single physical device can host multiple virtual APs serving different networks, tenants, or functions, replacing the need for dedicated enterprise-grade physical APs for each function and reducing overall infrastructure complexity
2Ease of operation
If cloud-based management is implemented, then centralized control and ease of operation are improved, but Internet latency and connection reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements hybrid cloud-edge architecture where control functions are distributed. Local controllers or edge devices maintain autonomous operation for time-critical functions while periodically synchronizing with central cloud management. This ensures local decision-making capability maintains connection stability even when Internet connectivity is degraded or latency is high
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures virtual access points and mobility domains with all necessary control logic and parameters before deployment. Local controllers cache configuration data and operational parameters locally, enabling them to function autonomously without real-time cloud connectivity. Configuration updates are applied in batches when connectivity is available, eliminating dependency on continuous Internet connection for basic operations
3Adaptability or versatility
If virtual access points are used instead of physical APs, then cost and flexibility are improved, but handling Layer 3 mobility and roaming may become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple virtual access points into unified mobility domains. A mobility domain aggregates multiple VAPs under a single logical management entity that handles roaming and handoff coordination. This consolidation abstracts the complexity of inter-VAP mobility management, allowing flexible VAP deployment while maintaining simplified Layer 3 mobility handling through the domain-level abstraction
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces mobility domain controllers as intermediary entities between virtual access points and the cloud management system. These controllers handle local mobility decisions, roaming authentication, and handoff coordination within the domain, reducing the complexity burden on individual VAPs and providing a buffer layer that simplifies Layer 3 mobility management while maintaining high adaptability
4Area of stationary object
If multiple physical access points are deployed for coverage, then network coverage is improved, but signal interference and device quantity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of deploying multiple physical APs to expand coverage, the system creates virtual copies of access points through software. These virtual APs can be instantiated on existing infrastructure devices, providing extended network coverage through logical segmentation rather than physical proliferation, thereby avoiding the signal interference that would result from having numerous physical transmitters in close proximity
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for virtualization of access points are disclosed. According to certain embodiments, separate wireless mobility domains can be used to manage access points.