Wireless Band-Steering Device for Multi-Band Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing frequency bands for multi-band capable devices, leading to suboptimal performance and connectivity issues due to the lack of dynamic band-steering mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A wireless band-steering device with a band-detection element and a band-steering element that identifies multi-band capabilities and dynamically steers devices towards preferred frequency bands by disabling SSID broadcasts and setting blocking periods on non-preferred bands, ensuring optimal communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless devices broadcast SSID on all frequency bands to ensure connectivity, then devices can connect to the network, but communication efficiency deteriorates due to suboptimal band selection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making different frequency bands have different SSID broadcast characteristics. The access point selectively broadcasts SSID on preferred bands (e.g., 5 GHz) while suppressing or not broadcasting on non-preferred bands (e.g., 2.4 GHz), creating localized quality differences across frequency bands to guide clients to optimal bands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making SSID broadcast behavior adaptive and changeable over time. The access point dynamically adjusts which bands receive SSID broadcasts based on current network conditions, client capabilities, and traffic patterns, allowing the system to respond to changing environmental conditions rather than using a fixed broadcast strategy.
2Reliability
If wireless devices operate on non-preferred bands to maintain connectivity, then devices remain connected, but performance deteriorates due to suboptimal band selection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by proactively preventing clients from establishing connections on non-preferred bands in the first place. The access point uses mechanisms such as not broadcasting SSID on non-preferred bands or implementing blocking periods that prevent initial association, thereby avoiding the need for clients to later switch from suboptimal bands and ensuring connections are established only on preferred bands from the outset.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wireless access points support multiple frequency bands for client connectivity, then adaptability improves, but band management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the access point to automatically perform band selection and steering operations without requiring complex manual configuration or intervention. The system autonomously determines which bands are preferred, selectively broadcasts SSID on those bands, and manages client associations accordingly, allowing the multi-band system to self-optimize based on embedded logic rather than external control.
4Productivity
If wireless devices use blocking periods to prevent connections on non-preferred bands, then band-steering effectiveness improves, but connection establishment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the blocking period duration based on various factors such as client type, network conditions, and band preferences. Rather than using a fixed blocking period that always delays connections, the system modifies the blocking duration parameter to optimize the balance between steering effectiveness and connection speed, allowing shorter blocks for capable clients and longer blocks when necessary.
Data Source
AI summary
One example discloses a first wireless device, including: a band-steering device including a band-detection element and a band-steering element; wherein the band-detection element is configured to receive a first signal from a second wireless device and detect from the first signal if the second device has multi-band capability; and wherein the band-steering element is configured to respond to the first signal by transmitting a second signal to the second device in a preferred band.