Wireless Load Balancing via Shared MAC Address
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load balancing methods in wireless communication systems require repetitive and complex steps to re-establish connections and authenticate keys when transferring a station from an overloaded access point to a less loaded one, leading to performance degradation due to increased security measures.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication apparatus with a controller and multiple transceivers using the same MAC address, allowing for the establishment of independent links and dynamic load adjustment by switching channels based on load conditions, thereby omitting the need for re-authentication and key exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a station is transferred from an overloaded access point to a less loaded access point using traditional load balancing methods, then the load distribution is improved, but the connection establishment time increases due to repetitive authentication and key exchange steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by maintaining authentication states and security keys in advance. When a station needs to switch access points, the target access point already has the necessary authentication information prepared, eliminating the need for repetitive authentication steps during the actual handoff.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by replicating authentication information and security keys across multiple access points. Instead of re-authenticating, the system copies pre-established security credentials to the target access point, allowing instant connection establishment while maintaining security.
2Reliability
If higher security mechanisms are implemented during access point switching, then data security is improved, but the performance of the wireless communication apparatus deteriorates due to increased authentication time
Solution Approach 1:
Security credentials and authentication states are prepared in advance and maintained in a ready state. This preliminary preparation ensures that high-security authentication can be performed instantly during handoff without impacting overall system performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by maintaining and managing security credentials autonomously across access points. The authentication information is automatically replicated and validated without requiring intensive real-time processing, thus maintaining both security and performance.
3Device complexity
If multiple access points use the same BSSID for load balancing, then the complexity of connection management is reduced, but the ability to distinguish and manage individual access point loads is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies universality by using a common BSSID that serves multiple functions: it provides a unified identity for load balancing purposes while simultaneously allowing individual access points to maintain their unique characteristics for load monitoring and differentiation. This multi-functional approach resolves the contradiction between simplified management and load distinguishability.
Data Source
AI summary
A load balancing method applied in a communication apparatus is disclosed. The method includes assigning an identification code to a first and a second wireless transceivers; establishing a first link between a first transceiver and a station through a first channel according to the identification code; and establishing a second link between a second transceiver and the station through a second channel according to the identification code; and replacing the first link by the second link when a load of the first wireless transceiver is greater than that of the second wireless transceiver.