Coordinated Wi-Fi Access Points for Seamless Multi-AP Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Wi-Fi networks face inefficiencies due to half-duplex communication and the need for client devices to disconnect and reconnect between access points, leading to network overloading and underutilization of available access points.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that logically aggregates multiple access points by allowing them to spoof the same Service Set Identifier (SSID) and Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) to enable seamless communication with client devices without requiring client modifications, using a prescribed medium access scheme to coordinate data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If client devices connect to a single access point at a time, then the association management is simple, but the network throughput is limited and load distribution is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple access points into a single logical connection by allowing a client device to maintain associations with multiple APs simultaneously. The AP controller coordinates transmissions across these multiple APs, treating them as a unified connection rather than separate connections, thereby increasing throughput without adding client-side complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The AP controller acts as an intermediary between multiple access points and the client device. It manages the coordination of data transmissions across different APs, handling the complexity of multi-AP connections centrally rather than requiring the client device to manage multiple associations independently
2Adaptability or versatility
If client devices disconnect and reconnect between access points, then they can access different APs, but connection establishment time is wasted and network stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-establishing multiple associations with different access points before the client needs to switch. The AP controller maintains a list of available APs and their status, allowing for rapid switching without requiring full reconnection procedures when a client needs to access a different AP
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability by allowing the set of associated access points to change dynamically based on network conditions. The AP controller can add or remove APs from the client's association list without disrupting the connection, enabling flexible adaptation while maintaining connection stability
3Area of stationary object
If multiple access points are available to a client device, then coverage is improved, but the client device only uses one AP causing load imbalance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments data transmissions into different components that can be handled by different access points. The AP controller divides the data flow and coordinates which AP handles which portion of the transmission, allowing multiple APs to be utilized simultaneously for serving different clients or different data streams, thereby improving overall AP utilization efficiency
4Productivity
If access points operate independently, then device complexity is low, but coordinated transmission across multiple APs is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The AP controller serves as a centralized intermediary that manages coordination between multiple access points. It receives data transmission requests, determines the optimal APs for handling the data, and coordinates the actual transmissions, thereby enabling efficient multi-AP operation without requiring complex autonomous coordination between the APs themselves
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus and methods for access point coordination of data transmissions within a wireless local area network (WLAN). In one embodiment, a method of managing a WLAN using an access point (AP) coordination system. The AP coordination system accepts client device requests through their associated APs and coordinates one or more APs within the WLAN to fulfill the client requests, without forcing the client devices to associate with different APs. The APs fulfilling a client device request are masked under the BSSID of the client-associated AP.