Wireless Device Network Selection via Signal Strength Ranking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current commissioning processes for wireless personal area networks (PANs) are inefficient, often resulting in suboptimal network selection due to random scanning and lack of correlation between scan results and network suitability, leading to increased time and potential for incorrect network joins.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that involve scanning wireless communication channels for discoverable networks, measuring signal strength, dynamically ranking networks based on signal strength, and attempting to join them in order of strength, with a mechanism to curate the list by removing duplicates and prioritizing the strongest signals, ensuring the correct network is joined efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If devices scan available channels to find wireless networks using traditional commissioning processes, then networks can be discovered, but the scan results arrive in random order with no correlation to distance or suitability, leading to suboptimal network selection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of network selection from random or first-found basis to signal strength-based ranking. By measuring received signal strength indication (RSSI) for each discovered network and sorting networks in descending order of signal strength, the system reliably selects the optimal network (highest signal strength) rather than relying on random scan result ordering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual commissioning process where technicians would need to evaluate multiple networks with an automated system that automatically scans, ranks, and selects networks based on signal strength measurements, reducing human intervention and potential errors.
2Productivity
If a device joins the first network it finds during commissioning, then network connection is achieved quickly, but the network may not be the desired network or may be incompatible, leading to faulty communication links
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by scanning all available channels and measuring signal strengths for all discoverable networks before making a join decision. This preliminary scanning and ranking phase ensures that when the device joins a network, it is joining the optimal network based on comprehensive prior information, not the first network encountered.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from signal strength measurements to continuously evaluate and rank networks. By monitoring RSSI values during the scanning process and using this feedback to update the network ranking, the system makes informed decisions about which network to join, improving both reliability and compatibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices attempt to join networks simultaneously without coordinated commissioning, then network formation can occur, but the commissioning process becomes inefficient with increased time and potential for incorrect network joins
Solution Approach 1:
Each device performs self-service during commissioning by independently scanning channels, measuring signal strengths, ranking networks, and selecting the optimal network to join. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual configuration or coordinated commissioning of multiple devices, reducing commissioning time while maintaining network formation capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A device joining a wireless network performs a scan and acquire procedure to discover the optimal node in the desired network. The joining device scans all desired channels for a predetermined amount of time. During the scan, the joining device builds a table of discovered networks ranked and truncated according to proximity. Additionally, the joining device curates the list to ensure that only the optimal node from each network is listed. The joining device then attempts to join networks according to the table of discovered networks.