WiFi Access Point Pilot Tone Overlap Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
In WiFi networks, overlapping frequency ranges between access points can cause interference, leading to incorrect reception of packets and degraded performance.
Innovation Solution
A network controller detects overlapping frequency ranges and coordinates the access points to refrain from transmitting pilot tones using the same frequencies, shifting pilot tone indices to avoid interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If access points transmit using different channels in a WiFi network, then network coverage and capacity are improved, but interference occurs when frequency ranges overlap causing packet reception errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making different parts of the frequency spectrum serve different functions. Specifically, within overlapping channel frequency ranges, certain sub-frequencies are designated for pilot tone transmission by one access point while other sub-frequencies remain available for data transmission. This localized frequency allocation allows coexistence of multiple access points on overlapping channels while preventing interference between pilot tones and data transmissions.
2Area of stationary object
If access points use overlapping frequency ranges, then network coverage area is expanded, but pilot tone interference degrades communication reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the overlapping frequency range into distinct segments: frequencies used for pilot tone transmission by the first access point, and corresponding frequencies where the second access point transmits data tones. This segmentation creates a structured frequency allocation scheme that allows both access points to operate simultaneously in the same frequency range without mutual interference, thereby enabling expanded network coverage while eliminating pilot tone interference.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes a network and a method of operating the network. The method includes determining that a portion of a first channel of a first access point overlaps a portion of a second channel of a second access point and in response to determining that the portion of the first channel overlaps the portion of the second channel, adjusting the first access point so that the first access point refrains from transmitting using frequencies in the portion of the first channel that the second access point uses to transmit pilot tones in the portion of the second channel.