Centralized Wireless LAN Load Balancing via Access Point Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless LAN networks, access points experience varying traffic loads, leading to overloading and reduced performance, as mobile stations select access points based on signal strength without considering traffic load, resulting in suboptimal associations.
Innovation Solution
A centralized wireless LAN load balancing mechanism determines the load of each access point and directs mobile stations to associate with the least loaded access point, using a dynamic load balance algorithm and protocol to manage associations and re-associations, ensuring balanced traffic distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mobile stations select access points based on signal strength, then connection reliability is improved, but traffic load balancing deteriorates causing access point overloading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a load balancing server as an intermediary between mobile stations and access points. The server collects load information from multiple access points, determines the least loaded access point, and directs mobile station association requests accordingly. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction by mediating between signal strength considerations and traffic load distribution, preventing direct access point overloading while maintaining reliable connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where access points periodically transmit their current load information to the load balancing server. The server uses this feedback to dynamically determine which access point is least loaded and directs association requests accordingly. This continuous feedback loop enables real-time load balancing, ensuring that mobile stations are directed to access points with available capacity rather than simply following signal strength.
2Productivity
If centralized load balancing is implemented, then traffic distribution is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load balancing server is designed with multi-functionality, handling multiple tasks including collecting load information from access points, determining least loaded access points, directing association requests, and managing disassociation processes. By consolidating these functions into a single universal component, the patent achieves centralized load balancing without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The access points autonomously transmit their load information to the load balancing server without requiring complex coordination protocols. The server automatically processes this information and directs association requests based on pre-established criteria. This self-service approach simplifies the system by eliminating the need for complex negotiation and coordination mechanisms between multiple components.
Data Source
AI summary
A centralized wireless LAN load balancing mechanism is described herein. In one embodiment, in response to a request for entering a wireless network from a wireless station and forwarded from multiple access points (APs) of the wireless network, a network access device coupled to the multiple APs determines a load for each of the APs. The network access device then selects one of the APs based on the determined loads of the APs and instructs the selected AP to associate with the wireless station. The network access device further instructs the remaining APs to reject the request. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.