Wireless Load Generator Cluster for Scalable 802.11 Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing wireless networks are costly and inflexible, as they require multiple computers with wireless capabilities, making it difficult to configure for varying user populations and data traffic loads.
Innovation Solution
A scalable cluster of independent wireless load generators that emulate wireless stations, allowing for easy addition or removal of nodes to accommodate different load requirements, functioning as a single system for performance and scalability testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple independent computers with wireless capability are installed for testing, then the wireless network testing capability is achieved, but the testing cost increases and the system becomes difficult to configure for varying loads
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple independent load generator nodes that can be individually added or removed. Each node is a self-contained unit with wireless capability, allowing the overall system to be segmented into manageable, interchangeable components rather than requiring a monolithic complex system
Solution Approach 2:
The load generator nodes are designed to be universal units that can perform multiple functions - each node can independently generate wireless traffic, be configured for different user population sizes, and work in coordination with other nodes. This multi-functionality allows a single node design to serve various testing scenarios
2Reliability
If multiple independent computers with wireless capability are installed for testing, then the wireless network testing capability is achieved, but the testing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple load generator nodes are merged into a coordinated cluster that functions as a unified testing system. The nodes work together through standardized interfaces and protocols, combining their capabilities to achieve the desired testing capacity without requiring each node to be a complete independent testing system
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be dynamic and scalable - nodes can be added or removed based on testing requirements. This dynamic architecture allows the system to adapt its size and capacity flexibly, avoiding the need to provision for maximum potential load upfront
3Ease of operation
If a fixed number of computers are used for testing, then the system is simple to manage, but it cannot easily accommodate varying user populations and traffic loads
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments testing capacity into discrete, standardized node units. This segmentation allows flexible configuration by simply adding or removing identical modular units rather than reconfiguring a complex fixed system, maintaining operational simplicity while enabling adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The load generator nodes can have their parameters changed through configuration - such as the number of emulated users, traffic patterns, and load characteristics - without requiring physical reconfiguration. This allows the same hardware nodes to adapt to varying testing scenarios
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and hardware for combining multiple, independent, wireless station (or user) emulating, load generators into a cluster, which is a group of independent wireless network load emulators working together to provide arbitrarily large, coordinated 802.11 user communities. A single command, control, and reporting mechanism establishes connections to the load generator nodes making up the cluster, distributes work to the nodes, and collects statistical data from the nodes. Alternate routing simplifies the routing of commands, control requests, and requests for statistical results when only a single load generator node is addressed.