Wi-Fi Virtualized Network Operator Spectrum Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Wi-Fi network infrastructure deployment is sub-optimal due to interference from multiple access points operating on the same frequencies, leading to degraded performance and poor user experience, especially in dense urban environments, and involves high deployment and maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a Wi-Fi virtualized network operator (WVNO) system, which allows a shared wireless access point to simultaneously broadcast multiple service set identifiers (SSIDs) over the same frequencies, isolating data and security for each SSID to prevent cross-network interference and security risks, while enabling third-party service providers to leverage existing infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple access points operate on the same frequencies to provide Wi-Fi service, then network coverage and service availability are improved, but interference between access points increases causing degraded performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the unlicensed Wi-Fi spectrum into multiple virtual channels through virtualization. Each virtual access point operates on a dedicated virtual channel within the same physical frequency band, allowing multiple APs to coexist without interference. This is achieved by creating virtual network interfaces and assigning unique identifiers to each virtual AP, effectively dividing the shared physical medium into isolated logical channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtualization layer as an intermediary between physical access points and wireless clients. This virtualization layer manages spectrum allocation, assigns virtual channels, and coordinates transmissions to prevent interference. The intermediary abstracts the complexity of frequency management from individual APs while maintaining efficient spectrum utilization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If each company deploys their own Wi-Fi infrastructure to provide wireless services, then service independence and customization are improved, but deployment costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal Wi-Fi infrastructure where a single physical access point can serve multiple virtual networks simultaneously. Each service provider gets their own virtual network with customized parameters, but all share the same physical hardware platform. This multi-functional approach allows infrastructure sharing while maintaining service independence, reducing deployment complexity and costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple service provider networks into a single shared physical infrastructure. By combining hardware resources (access points, radios, antennas) while maintaining logical separation through virtualization, the system achieves economies of scale. Service providers share the physical footprint, power, and maintenance requirements while retaining full control over their virtual network configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple access points are deployed in dense areas to improve coverage, then network availability is improved, but maintenance costs and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables a single physical access point to fulfill multiple service provider networks simultaneously, reducing the total number of physical devices needed. This multi-functionality means fewer access points are required to provide the same level of coverage and availability, directly reducing maintenance time and costs while maintaining network availability through virtual channel redundancy.
4Ease of manufacture
If unlicensed spectrum is used for Wi-Fi to reduce costs, then deployment costs are reduced, but spectrum interference from other devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the unlicensed spectrum into isolated virtual channels, allowing each virtual access point to operate independently within the same frequency band. This segmentation prevents interference from other Wi-Fi networks and non-Wi-Fi devices by assigning unique virtual identifiers and coordinating transmissions at the virtualization layer, while still using the cost-effective unlicensed spectrum.
Data Source
AI summary
A Wi-Fi virtualized network operator (WVNO) function can be created by offering resources of a wireless access point (AP), for example, a Wi-Fi access point, to one or more third party service providers. In one aspect, the AP can broadcast two or more service set identifiers (SSIDs) that are linked to respective service provider over the same frequencies. End user devices (EUDs) located within the coverage area of the AP can select a SSID corresponding to a preferred network and connect to the preferred network via the access point. A routing device can be employed to direct traffic to/from the EUDs and a device of an appropriate network based on the SSID that has been selected.