Wi-Fi 6E Client Steering Using RNR on Hybrid Wireless Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hybrid wireless networks, Wi-Fi 6E wireless clients often connect to legacy access points lacking the same capability, resulting in suboptimal network performance due to mismatches in capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A Wi-Fi controller processes probe requests from Wi-Fi 6E clients and selects compatible Wi-Fi 6E access points based on proximity, SSID strength, and network congestion, providing Reduced Neighbor Report (RNR) information to guide the client to these access points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If Wi-Fi 6E wireless clients independently choose access points based on available beacons, then connection establishment is simple and fast, but capability mismatches occur causing suboptimal network performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (probe request interception and RNR information injection) between the client's autonomous selection and the actual connection. The system intercepts probe requests, determines client capability, and injects RNR information to guide clients to appropriate Wi-Fi 6E access points, resolving the contradiction between simple connection establishment and reliable network performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If Wi-Fi 6E clients connect to legacy access points for compatibility, then broader device compatibility is achieved, but network performance deteriorates due to capability mismatches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different connection information to different clients based on their capabilities. Wi-Fi 6E clients receive RNR information about Wi-Fi 6E access points with advanced capabilities, while legacy clients continue to connect to legacy access points. This ensures each client connects to the most appropriate access point for its capabilities, maintaining compatibility while optimizing performance for capable devices.
3Productivity
If Reduced Neighbor Report information is provided to guide clients to Wi-Fi 6E access points, then network performance improves, but system complexity increases due to probe request processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the client's own probe request as the trigger for providing RNR information. When a client sends a probe request, the system intercepts it, determines the client's Wi-Fi 6E capability, and responds with appropriate RNR information. This self-service approach minimizes additional system complexity by using existing client-initiated signals rather than requiring continuous system-wide monitoring or complex allocation mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A probe request sent from a Wi-Fi 6E wireless client to the legacy access point is received by a Wi-Fi controller. To process, a Wi-Fi 6E access point for connection from the plurality of access points, proximate to the Wi-Fi 6E wireless client is selected for service. Reduced Neighbor Report (RNR) RNR information is collected about the Wi-Fi 6E access point by the access point the Wi-Fi 6E wireless client. The RNR information is transmitted to the legacy access point, wherein the legacy access point forwards the RNR information to the Wi-Fi 6E wireless client as part of a probe response sent responsive to the probe request. A subsequent probe request is detected, sent from the Wi-Fi 6E wireless client to initiate association with the Wi-Fi 6E access point using the RNR information.