Wireless Access Point Configuration via Compensating Subset Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The configuration of wireless access points in wireless networks often results in downtime for client devices, as updating software requires disabling access points, leading to service disruptions and inefficiencies, especially in environments where timely network access is critical.
Innovation Solution
A method is implemented to select a subset of wireless access points for configuration while another subset is compensated with new settings to maintain network coverage, allowing continuous service by gradually fading signal power and simulating the disablement of the configuring subset, using a signal coverage map to determine necessary adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If wireless access points are disabled to install software updates, then the access points can be configured with new settings, but wireless network service is disrupted and client devices cannot access the network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the access point population into multiple groups or subsets, allowing configuration updates to be applied to one group while other groups remain active to provide continuous network coverage. This segmentation enables maintenance without complete service disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple access point groups into a coordinated system where active groups compensate for disabled groups during configuration. The overlapping coverage areas of multiple groups ensure continuous service availability throughout the network area.
2Adaptability or versatility
If access points are disabled for configuration, then new settings can be applied, but downtime occurs and network access is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary configuration of new settings on access points before they are disabled and taken offline. Configuration files and software updates are prepared and validated in advance, so that when access points are reactivated, the new settings are already in place and can be applied immediately without extended downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous network service by ensuring that while some access points are being configured, other access points remain active and provide uninterrupted network coverage. This creates a seamless transition where useful network action continues without interruption.
3Ease of manufacture
If individual access points are taken down for updates, then software can be installed, but service disruption occurs in environments where timely network access is critical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the access point infrastructure into multiple updateable groups, allowing software installation to proceed on one segment while other segments continue to provide full network service, thus maintaining productivity and network availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a controller or management system as an intermediary to coordinate the update process across multiple access point groups. This intermediary manages the timing and sequencing of updates to ensure network availability is maintained while software installation occurs.
Data Source
AI summary
Implementations relate to configuring wireless access points in a wireless network. In some implementations, a method includes selecting, from a plurality of wireless access points in a communication network, a configuring subset of wireless access points and a different compensating subset of wireless access points. New settings are applied to the compensating subset of wireless access points to change a physical coverage of wireless communication provided by the compensating subset, thus at least partially compensating for disabled wireless communication of the configuring subset. The method disables wireless communication provided by the configuring subset, and configures the disabled configuring subset of wireless access points.