Wi-Fi Client Steering Across SSIDs for Seamless Network Handover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless devices face challenges in determining which access point and logical interface to connect to when multiple options are available, particularly when public and private networks share the same physical band, leading to suboptimal utilization of network resources and bandwidth.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a Client Steering Daemon (CSD) on access points to monitor unassociated clients and communicate with a cloud server to steer devices between virtual networks based on signal strength, load, and bandwidth availability, ensuring seamless handovers across networks and SSIDs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless devices connect to the first access point when within range, then connectivity is established, but the device may not connect to the optimal access point or logical interface when multiple options are available
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the wireless device reports its location and connection status to the location server, which then provides guidance on optimal access point and logical interface selection. The server monitors network conditions and sends steering instructions back to the device to optimize connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
A location server is introduced as an intermediary between the wireless device and the access points. This server receives location information, determines optimal network resources, and facilitates seamless handovers by coordinating between multiple access points and logical interfaces.
2Illumination intensity
If the wireless device moves between access points, then better signal strength may be achieved, but connection continuity and handover management become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing connections with multiple access points and pre-configuring logical interfaces before the device actually needs to handover. The location server proactively identifies optimal target access points based on predicted device trajectory and network conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
Continuous feedback loops monitor signal strength, device location, and network load in real-time. When handover conditions are met, the system automatically executes seamless transitions by coordinating between source and target access points, maintaining connection continuity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple logical interfaces are provided for public and private networks, then network functionality is enhanced, but determining which interface to connect to becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless device autonomously selects appropriate logical interfaces based on its location and the services it needs. The location server provides guidance but the device makes final decisions based on its own requirements, eliminating the need for manual intervention in interface selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The location server acts as an intermediary that translates physical location information into recommendations for optimal logical interfaces. It processes location data, compares it with network configuration, and provides steering instructions for selecting between public and private network interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and devices for steering an IEEE 802.11 station (STA) using a cloud server are disclosed herein. There may be a plurality of IEEE 802.11 access points (AP)s, where at least one AP of the plurality of APs operate at least a first virtual network. One or more APs of the plurality of APs may run a Client Steering Daemon (CSD) configured to perform unassociated STA monitoring that produces a log of data that may be sent to the cloud server on a regular or dynamic basis. The cloud server may receive the log data and transmit a signal to at least one of the APs of the plurality of APs to enable it to steer the STA between the first virtual network and a second virtual network.