Virtual Overlay Network for Wireless Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The quality of wireless communications to client devices within a subscriber premise is often degraded due to varying radio signal strengths, which can be affected by distance and barriers, leading to dead zones and poor connectivity, especially when a stronger signal from a neighboring access point is not accessible.
Innovation Solution
A method where a client device detects a weaker signal from a local access point and switches to a stronger signal from a remote access point by transferring configuration information to establish a proxy connection, allowing the remote access point to route communications as if originating from the local access point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a client device connects to a local access point within the same subscriber premise, then network security and access control are maintained, but wireless signal strength deteriorates due to distance and barriers causing dead zones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote access point as an intermediary device located in a neighboring subscriber premise that provides stronger wireless signal coverage. The client device connects to this remote access point while the local access point acts as a mediator to tunnel the connection, allowing the client to access the home network through encrypted tunnels while receiving service from a geographically closer access point with stronger signal strength
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network connection into multiple components: the wireless connection between client device and remote access point, the tunnel connection between remote and local access points, and the local network connection. This segmentation allows each segment to be optimized independently - the wireless segment uses the strongest available signal while the tunnel segment maintains security through encryption
2Productivity
If a client device connects to a remote access point with stronger signal, then wireless signal strength and bitrate improve, but network access control and security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The local access point serves as a trusted intermediary that terminates the wireless connection from the remote access point and re-encrypts traffic using established security credentials. This intermediary approach allows the client to connect to the remote access point for signal strength while the local access point maintains security control through tunneling protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual copy of the local network environment at the remote access point through configuration parameter transfer. The remote access point receives and processes authentication requests as if the client were directly connected to the local access point, maintaining access control policies while enabling connection to the stronger remote signal
3Area of stationary object
If multiple access points are deployed across subscriber premises, then wireless coverage and signal strength improve, but system complexity increases due to inter-premise routing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality in the access points where each device can operate both as a local service provider and as a remote service provider for neighboring premises. The access points can dynamically switch roles and share configuration parameters, reducing the need for separate dedicated infrastructure and simplifying the overall system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple access points into a coordinated system where configuration parameters and security credentials are shared across premises. The tunneling protocol merges the wireless connection and network access control into a unified communication path, reducing the complexity of managing separate systems
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems and computer readable media can be operable to facilitate the configuration of a foreign access point to route communications between a client device and network. In embodiments, when a client device communicating with a first access point within a local subscriber premise receives a radio signal from a second access point situated within a remote subscriber premise that is stronger than the radio signal received by the client device from the first access point, the client device can cause configuration information associated with the first access point to be delivered to the second access point. The second access point may serve as a proxy for the first access point by routing communications to and from the client device.