Distributed Wi-Fi Access Point Claiming via Cloud Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Wi-Fi systems face challenges with interference, congestion, and coverage issues in home networks, leading to poor performance and reliability, especially with the growth of overlapping networks and the limitations of traditional mesh or repeater systems.
Innovation Solution
A distributed Wi-Fi system with multiple access points that communicate via different channels and are optimized in real-time by a cloud-based controller, allowing for self-optimization of topology and configuration to minimize interference and congestion, ensuring strong signal strength and robust operation across a location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a single powerful access point is used to improve coverage and signal strength, then the signal strength is improved, but interference between networks increases and the system cannot transmit through additional walls
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the coverage area into multiple zones served by different access points. Instead of one high-power AP, multiple lower-power APs are distributed throughout the space, each serving a specific zone. This segmentation reduces interference between networks while maintaining adequate signal strength in each local area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of network architecture by implementing a mesh network topology where access points communicate with each other in addition to serving client devices. This creates a three-dimensional network structure (client-AP-AP-cloud) that enables better signal propagation through multiple paths and reduces the harmful effects of wall attenuation.
2Area of stationary object
If traditional mesh or repeater systems are used to improve coverage, then the coverage area is extended, but the systems lack self-optimization capability and require manual configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The access points are equipped with cloud-based management capabilities that enable automatic discovery, configuration, and optimization. When an AP is deployed, it automatically connects to the cloud service, receives configuration parameters, and integrates into the mesh network without manual intervention. The system self-optimizes by automatically adjusting power levels, channel assignments, and routing based on real-time network conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where access points monitor network conditions, client device performance, and environmental factors. This data is transmitted to the cloud service, which processes the information and sends optimized configuration parameters back to the APs. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables automatic adaptation and optimization of the network without requiring manual reconfiguration.
3Ease of manufacture
If access points are deployed without claiming mechanism, then deployment is simple, but devices outside the desired network can access and interfere with the network
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary claiming actions during the deployment process. When an access point is first powered on and connects to the cloud service, it automatically claims the surrounding wireless space by registering its presence and establishing ownership boundaries. This preliminary claiming prevents other devices from joining the network without proper authorization while maintaining simple deployment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The cloud service acts as an intermediary between access points and potential client devices. It manages the claiming and unclaiming processes, verifying device identities and authorizing network access. This intermediary layer provides security and control while allowing access points to be deployed without complex local configuration, as the cloud service handles the authentication and authorization automatically.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods implemented through a user device, for claiming network devices for a home network in a distributed Wi-Fi network includes discovering a newly powered on access point; claiming the newly powered on access point for the home network; and relaying the claimed newly powered on access point to a cloud controller via a disjoint network from the home network, wherein the home network is restricted by the cloud controller to only operate with claimed access points. The discovering, the claiming, and the relaying can be performed by a mobile application executed on the user device.