Wireless Access Point Signal Sensitivity Testing via Neighboring AP Cooperation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Testing the reception performance of wireless access points is time-consuming and costly due to the need for physical equipment and disruption of service, as existing methods require direct connection and manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus allowing neighboring access points to test signal reception sensitivity by switching transmission/reception modes, where one access point transmits test packets at varying power levels, measuring packet error rates, and adjusting Modulation and Coding Scheme (MCS) levels based on pre-stored tables, enabling automatic evaluation of signal reception sensitivity without wired connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical testing equipment is used to test access point reception performance, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The access point performs self-testing by having neighboring access points transmit test packets and measure reception sensitivity, eliminating the need for external testing equipment. The system uses its own resources (neighboring APs) to conduct the measurement, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Neighboring access points serve dual purposes: they function as both network infrastructure devices and as testing equipment. By reusing existing access points for both service provision and performance testing, the system eliminates dedicated testing equipment while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If manual testing with physical equipment is performed, then measurement accuracy is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated self-testing mechanism allows access points to continuously monitor their own reception performance without manual intervention. The system automatically transmits test packets, measures packet error rates, and evaluates reception sensitivity, significantly reducing the time required compared to manual testing procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing process operates continuously in the background using automated procedures, allowing reception performance to be monitored ongoing rather than requiring periodic manual testing. This continuous automated operation reduces total testing time while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Reliability
If traditional testing methods are used, then measurement reliability is improved, but productivity decreases due to service disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs testing at specific intervals or under specific conditions rather than continuously disrupting service. Test packets are transmitted during designated testing periods, allowing normal network operations to continue between tests, thus maintaining both reliability and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing process uses intermediary test packets that are distinct from normal data traffic. These specialized test packets are transmitted through the network without interfering with regular service operations, allowing reliable measurement while maintaining network productivity and service availability.
4Productivity
If automated testing between neighboring access points is implemented, then productivity is improved by eliminating service disruption, but device complexity increases due to coordination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The testing functionality is merged with the existing access point operations and communication protocols. By integrating testing procedures into the normal workflow of neighboring access points using existing communication mechanisms, the system achieves automated testing without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for testing signal reception sensitivity of a wireless access point are provided. The apparatus includes a receiver which is configured to receive a test start request signal, a transmission power level change request signal and a test packet retransmission request signal from a neighboring access point apparatus; a test signal generator which is configured to generate a test packet signal to be transmitted to the neighboring access point apparatus; a transmission power level adjuster which is configured to adjust a transmission power level of the test packet signal; a transmitter which is configured to transmit the test packet signal to the neighboring access point apparatus with a power having a level adjusted by the transmission power level adjuster; and a test executor which is configured to execute a test program having a predetermined sequence for testing a signal reception sensitivity of the neighboring access point apparatus.