Virtual Wireless Switch Modules for Port Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deploying multiple wireless switch devices is costly and requires extensive management due to their physical separation, especially when the number of access ports exceeds the physical resources of a single switch or when providing services to multiple customers, leading to inefficient resource utilization and increased administrative burdens.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a single physical wireless switch device with multiple virtual wireless switch modules (VWSMs) that can manage and control access ports independently, allowing the resources of the switch device to be virtually divided among the modules, thereby reducing the need for multiple physical devices and simplifying administration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple physical wireless switch devices are deployed to increase the number of accessible ports, then the number of supported access ports is improved, but the cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single physical wireless switch device into multiple virtual wireless switch modules (VWSMs), where each VWSM can be independently configured and managed. This segmentation allows the system to provide multiple isolated switching environments (effectively increasing access port capacity) without requiring multiple physical devices, thereby resolving the contradiction between supporting more ports and maintaining device simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple physical wireless switch devices are deployed to serve multiple customers, then the number of supported customers is improved, but the administrative management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal management architecture where a single physical wireless switch device can host multiple virtual wireless switch modules, each capable of serving different customers independently. The unified hardware platform provides multi-functionality, allowing one device to perform the roles of multiple devices simultaneously, thus improving customer support capacity while simplifying administrative management through centralized control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple physical wireless switch devices are deployed to divide large WLANs into subnets, then the network segmentation capability is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of wireless switch functionality through VWSMs within a single physical device. Each VWSM can be configured to handle specific network segments or subnets, effectively copying the subnetting capability of multiple physical devices into virtual instances. This approach provides the same network segmentation functionality at lower cost by eliminating the need for additional hardware purchases.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless switch device is provided that includes a first wired Ethernet interface and a second wired Ethernet interface, and a plurality of virtual wireless switch modules (VWSMs) implemented within the wireless switch device. The VWSMs include a first VWSM that is coupled to a first access port via the first wired Ethernet interface that is allocated to the first VWSM, and a second VWSM that is coupled to a second access port via the second wired Ethernet interface that is allocated to the second VWSM. The first VWSM can be control and manage the first access port, and the second VWSM can control and manage the second access port.