Wi-Fi Band Steering via Mobility Scoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current band steering mechanisms in Wi-Fi networks often result in deteriorated user quality of service due to frequent connection interruptions when devices move around, especially near the coverage limits of higher frequency bands, and fail to provide optimal connections for devices with moderate or stationary movement patterns.
Innovation Solution
A networking device that collects operating parameters from access points and client devices to derive mobility, coverage, activity, and connection continuity scores, classifies devices based on roaming events, and strategically steers frequency bands from the lower to the higher band when resources allow, optimizing connections while preventing resource overload and interruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If band steering is continuously applied to maintain optimal throughput, then connection quality is improved, but connection stability deteriorates due to frequent steering events causing interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic band steering by continuously monitoring signal strength and device characteristics, adjusting the frequency band assignment in real-time based on current conditions rather than static configuration. This allows the system to adapt to changing environmental conditions while maintaining connection stability through intelligent decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (frequency band selection) based on monitored signal strength thresholds and device characteristics. By dynamically adjusting which parameter set (2.4GHz or 5GHz band) is active based on real-time conditions, the system optimizes throughput while avoiding unnecessary transitions that would cause interruptions.
2Productivity
If band steering is applied to switch devices to higher frequency bands for better performance, then throughput is improved, but device complexity increases due to continuous monitoring and decision-making requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The access point automatically performs band steering decisions by monitoring signal strength and device characteristics itself, rather than requiring complex coordination between multiple network entities. This self-service approach simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining intelligent band selection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring signal strength measurements and using this information to make informed band steering decisions. This feedback loop allows the system to automatically adjust to changing conditions without requiring complex external control systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If devices are allowed to roam freely between frequency bands, then connection flexibility is improved, but service quality deteriorates due to frequent disconnections and reconnections
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessments by monitoring signal strength and device characteristics before initiating band steering transitions. This preliminary action allows the system to predict potential connection issues and prevent unnecessary transitions that would cause disconnections, thereby maintaining service quality while preserving flexibility.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
According to an embodiment, the invention relates to a networking device (140) for steering frequency bands of associated devices, STAs (121-124), connected to an access point, AP (101), comprising a collection module (141) configured to collect operating parameters and derive therefrom a mobility, coverage, activity score and connection continuity score; a selection module (142) configured to select a first selection of STAs (121-123) connected to the AP (101) at a lower frequency band and have a coverage, activity and connection continuity score exceeding a threshold and a mobility score below a threshold; a classification module (143) configured to classify the STAs of the first selection based on roaming events during a second time interval, as static (121), minorly dynamic (122) or majorly dynamic (123) and a steering module (145) configured to steer the frequency band of static and/or minorly dynamic STAs by way of a selection algorithm.