Wireless Access Point Site Model Selection via RF Signal Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing and locating devices in large, geographically diverse computer networks becomes increasingly complex as the number of devices grows, especially when new devices are added, as existing network management software may not automatically update to reflect their presence, limiting the ability to locate and manage them effectively.
Innovation Solution
The use of wireless access points (WAPs) that report RF signal strengths to network management software allows for the determination of the physical location of newly detected WAPs, either by existing WAPs reporting the signal strength of the new device or the new device reporting signal strengths from existing ones, enabling accurate placement on site models within the software's view of the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If network management software is used to track device locations, then the ability to locate devices is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of implementation increase for small networks
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless access point automatically performs location detection by measuring RF signal strengths from neighboring access points and reporting this information to the network management software, eliminating the need for manual location configuration and reducing administrative overhead
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses RF signal strength parameters as indicators of physical location, transforming wireless communication parameters into location information that can be used for device tracking and site model selection
2Ease of operation
If manual location tracking is used for each device, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but the ability to locate devices in large geographically diverse networks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless access point autonomously determines its location by measuring RF signal strengths from existing access points and selecting an appropriate site model, eliminating the need for manual location configuration by network administrators
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors RF signal strengths from neighboring access points and uses this feedback to automatically update and refine location information, improving location accuracy over time without additional manual intervention
3Extent of automation
If RF signal strength reporting is implemented, then automated location determination is improved, but the use of energy and device resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless access point measures RF signal strengths only from a subset of neighboring access points rather than all possible access points, and performs site model selection only when necessary (e.g., when location information is missing or outdated), reducing unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining effective automation
Solution Approach 2:
The access point autonomously determines when location information needs updating and performs measurements only at those times, using its own resources to maintain accurate location data without requiring continuous energy-intensive monitoring or manual intervention
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method enables the network management software to accurately locate newly added WAPs to a coarse or fine level of precision, such as a city, building, or specific floor, improving network management efficiency by automating the placement process and enhancing the ability to manage devices across vast geographic areas.
Implementation Method 1
A WAP has the ability to receive RF communications from other WAPs and report the perceived RF signal strength
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are provided for placing wireless access points on a site model. An indication of a newly detected wireless access point is received. Perceived signal strengths are received from the newly detected wireless access point or located wireless access points. A site model is selected based on the received perceived signal strengths. The newly detected wireless access point is placed on the selected site model.