Wi-Fi Mesh Extender Placement via Mobile Signal Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for installing Wi-Fi Mesh network extenders require complex mapping and environmental analysis, making them expensive, limited to professional use, and not suitable for mobile device implementation, especially in scenarios where digital mapping is not possible or desired.
Innovation Solution
A method and computer program for optimizing the placement of Wi-Fi Mesh network extenders using a mobile device, which measures signal strength, calculates potential signal quality, and suggests optimal locations without the need for physical mapping, allowing for uniform network coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex mapping software solutions are used for determining optimal MAP placement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from complex mapping software, using only the mobile device's built-in sensors (GPS, accelerometer, gyroscope) to capture location and orientation data. This eliminates the need for external mapping software while retaining the core capability to determine optimal MAP placement through signal strength measurements at captured locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device performs self-service by utilizing its own integrated sensors and processing capabilities to capture location data, measure Wi-Fi signal strength, and determine optimal MAP placement. The device serves itself without requiring external professional equipment or complex software, making the system simpler and more accessible.
2Manufacturing precision
If professional mapping software is used for MAP placement optimization, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device is made universal by leveraging its multiple built-in functions (GPS for location, accelerometer for orientation, Wi-Fi radio for signal measurement) to perform the entire MAP placement optimization process. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for specialized professional equipment, making deployment simple while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from complex environmental mapping to simple signal strength measurements at GPS-captured locations. By focusing on key parameters (signal strength, location coordinates, orientation) rather than comprehensive environmental mapping, the system achieves installation precision with simplified deployment procedures using standard mobile devices.
3Reliability
If comprehensive environmental mapping is performed, then reliability of network coverage is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by measuring signal strength at a limited number of strategically selected locations (captured via GPS and orientation data) rather than performing exhaustive comprehensive mapping. This selective measurement approach maintains network coverage reliability by identifying key placement points while significantly reducing the time required compared to complete environmental mapping.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by capturing location and orientation data beforehand to pre-determine optimal MAP placement locations. Users walk through the environment capturing data at various points, and the system processes this preliminary data to identify the best placement locations, reducing on-site decision time and ensuring reliable coverage from the start.
4Ease of operation
If simple rough guidelines are used for MAP placement, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that takes simple user actions (walking through the environment, holding the device) and automatically processes the captured data (GPS coordinates, orientation, signal strength) to determine optimal placement. This intermediary automation maintains ease of operation while achieving high placement accuracy, eliminating the need for users to manually interpret complex mapping data or make precise placement decisions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for determining placement of a wireless, mesh network extender, the method comprising the steps of: establishing a connection with a wireless mesh network comprising a Central Access Point; building (401) a list of points of measurement of signal quality of said wireless, mesh network; outputting (403) a suggestion as to the placement of a new Mesh Access Point on a calculation of potential signal quality derived from said list (401).