Wireless Client Steering Using Path-Aware Link Cost
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sticky clients in wireless networks often result in poor link quality, leading to degraded network performance due to the use of lower modulation and coding schemes, which dominate airtime usage and reduce overall throughput.
Innovation Solution
A wireless network device that determines the cost of communication with connected and connectable client devices, guiding them to better access points or interfaces based on signal strength and path-aware computations to optimize link quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If client devices associate with the AP providing the highest signal strength, then the quality of the direct wireless link is maximized, but sticky clients may dominate airtime usage with low-quality links, degrading overall network performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary cost computation mechanism that mediates between client device association preferences and network overall performance. The access point computes an end-to-end cost that includes both the client-to-AP link quality and the AP-to-gateway path quality, using this intermediate metric to make intelligent association decisions rather than simply following signal strength
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter used for association decisions from simple signal strength to a composite end-to-end cost parameter. This cost parameter dynamically changes based on network conditions, including the quality of the AP's backhaul connection to the gateway, allowing the system to adapt association decisions to overall network performance requirements
2Productivity
If access points use path-aware cost computation to steer clients optimally, then overall network throughput is improved, but the device complexity and computation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having access points pre-compute and store the cost to reach the gateway for each possible destination AP before client association decisions are made. This pre-computation of path costs eliminates the need for complex real-time calculations during client association, reducing the computational burden while maintaining optimal steering capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where access points monitor the quality of their connections to the gateway and adjust their cost computations accordingly. This feedback loop allows the system to adapt to changing network conditions without requiring complex centralized control, as each AP independently adjusts its steering decisions based on observed link quality
Data Source
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AI summary
A wireless network device, for use within a wireless network, comprising: a processor; a memory; and an interface for receiving and transmitting data; wherein the wireless network device is adapted to: determine a first cost associated with communication between the wireless network device and a client device to which the wireless network device is connectable; determine a second cost associated with communication between the client device and a further wireless network device to which the client device is connectable; determine whether the first cost or the second cost is the lower cost; and if the second cost is the lower cost, the wireless network device is adapted to guide the client device to communicate with the further network device.