Wireless Access Point Band Steering via Access Control Lists
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communication systems face challenges in controlling the association of wireless devices with wireless access points, particularly in managing requests between different wireless bands, such as 2.4GHz and 5GHz, to optimize network performance and prevent sub-optimal associations.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a wireless access point and a controller that uses access control lists and monitoring of client performance to manage association requests, steering devices to preferred radio bands based on congestion, signal strength, and inactivity, ensuring optimal network utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a wireless access point permits association requests from all wireless devices on all wireless bands, then the ease of operation is improved, but the network performance deteriorates due to sub-optimal associations and congestion
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the parameter of band selection by monitoring congestion levels, signal strength, and device inactivity on different wireless bands (2.4GHz and 5GHz). Based on these parameter changes, the access point selectively permits or denies association requests for specific bands, thereby optimizing network performance while maintaining ease of operation through automated decision-making
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless access point implements a feedback mechanism by continuously monitoring network conditions including congestion levels, signal strength, and device activity on each band. This feedback information is used to make real-time decisions about permitting or denying association requests, ensuring that network performance is optimized without compromising the ease of operation for legitimate devices
2Productivity
If a wireless access point controls association requests by denying access to certain bands, then the network performance is improved, but the device complexity increases due to access control lists and monitoring mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless access point performs self-service by autonomously monitoring network conditions and making band selection decisions without requiring external controller intervention. The access point maintains local access control lists and independently evaluates association requests based on current network state, thereby improving network performance while minimizing the complexity added by centralized control infrastructure
3Productivity
If a wireless access point monitors client performance and steers devices to preferred bands, then the network performance is improved, but the loss of time increases due to additional monitoring and decision-making processes
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless access point performs preliminary action by pre-evaluating association requests against current network conditions and access control lists before devices actually connect. By making band selection decisions in advance based on monitored performance metrics, the system optimizes network performance while minimizing the time loss during the association process itself
Data Source
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AI summary
Various example embodiments for supporting control over association of WiFi clients with WiFi access points are presented herein. Various example embodiments for supporting control over association of WiFi clients with WiFi access points may be configured to support control over association of WiFi clients with WiFi access points and radio bands of WiFi access points. Various example embodiments for supporting control over association of WiFi clients with WiFi access points and radio bands of WiFi access points may be configured to control association of WiFi clients with WiFi access points and radio bands of WiFi access points by refusing requests of WiFi clients (e.g., authentication requests, association requests, or the like), including sub-optimal requests of WiFi clients, based on WiFi access control information maintained on the WiFi access points.