Wireless Interface Installation Configuration via Link Quality Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless interface installations rely on manual and iterative processes to determine optimal positioning, often requiring specialized technicians and resulting in inadequate signal coverage, especially due to factors like RF signal path loss, reflections, and building materials, leading to inefficient installations and potential need for multiple access points.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that use a registration application to gather user input through questions, calculate an optimal configuration for wireless interface devices, and transmit this information to a distribution hub for installation, allowing for efficient determination and placement of wireless interfaces without the need for specialized technicians.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual iterative positioning method is used, then installation can be performed with simple equipment, but installation time and technician expertise requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations and simulations before actual installation to determine optimal access point locations. The installation design application calculates predicted link qualities and evaluates multiple candidate positions in advance, allowing technicians to install equipment at pre-determined optimal locations rather than iteratively searching for best positions during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual iterative positioning (mechanical trial-and-error method) with automated computational analysis. The system uses software-based link quality prediction and automated evaluation to substitute the manual trial-and-error process, reducing both time and expertise requirements while maintaining installation simplicity.
2Reliability
If optimal positioning is achieved through iterative measurements, then signal coverage can be improved, but the complexity of the installation process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary link quality predictions and coverage analysis before installation. The installation design application evaluates predicted link qualities for multiple candidate access point positions using building construction data and client device locations, allowing optimal positioning to be determined in advance without requiring complex iterative measurements during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an installation design application as an intermediary between the physical installation process and the final deployment. This software intermediary performs automated link quality predictions and optimization calculations, simplifying the installation process while ensuring reliable signal coverage without requiring technicians to perform complex iterative measurements.
3Reliability
If multiple access points are deployed to ensure coverage, then signal reliability improves, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system evaluates multiple candidate access point positions and selects the minimum number needed to achieve adequate coverage. By performing preliminary link quality predictions and coverage analysis, the system determines the optimal subset of access points required, avoiding unnecessary deployment of additional equipment while ensuring reliable signal coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The installation design application performs preliminary coverage analysis and link quality predictions before deployment to determine the optimal number and locations of access points. This preliminary planning ensures that the minimum necessary infrastructure is deployed to achieve reliable coverage, reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining signal reliability.
4Manufacturing precision
If technician expertise is required for optimal positioning, then installation accuracy improves, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for technician expertise in manual positioning with automated computational analysis. The installation design application performs automated link quality predictions and optimization calculations based on building construction data and client device locations, eliminating the need for technicians to have specialized knowledge while maintaining high positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service optimization by automatically calculating optimal access point positions based on input data about building construction and client device locations. The installation design application autonomously evaluates candidate positions and determines optimal deployment without requiring technician intervention or expertise, making the process easier to operate while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for determining a desired or optimal installation configuration for one or more wireless interface devices within a premises. In one embodiment, a network entity collects information relating to the type of services required and generates a customer profile. The customer profile is then used to determine a number and type of wireless interface devices required. In one variant, a device chart is given which lists a plurality of combinations of categories of service and a respective plurality of device combinations needed to provide optimal service thereto. The device chart is consulted to arrive at an appropriate installation order, which is submitted for premises installation.