Wireless Macro Cell Overlay Using BSSID Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless networks face challenges in overlaying a Macro Cell architecture on top of a Micro Cell network, as they typically operate with distinct Basic Service Set Identifiers (BSSIDs) and Service Set Identifiers (SSIDs) for each access node, limiting the ability to seamlessly integrate Macro Cell functionality into Micro Cell networks.
Innovation Solution
Implementing WLAN Mac Address Translation (WMAT) in access nodes to allow them to advertise a Macro Cell BSSID over the air and support connections on that BSSID, with a Macro Cell Manager controlling the transition and managing channel selection and power levels, enabling the conversion of Micro Cell access nodes to Macro Cell mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Micro Cell access nodes use distinct BSSIDs for each access node, then each access node can be individually identified and managed, but the ability to overlay Macro Cell architecture is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a BSSID translation mechanism as an intermediary layer between the controller and wireless clients. The access node maintains its original BSSID for controller communication while translating to a Macro Cell BSSID for client communication. This intermediary translation layer enables Macro Cell overlay without disrupting the existing Micro Cell management structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the BSSID identification function into two distinct layers: controller-to-access node communication uses the original Micro Cell BSSID, while access node-to-client communication uses the Macro Cell BSSID. This segmentation allows both architectures to coexist independently without conflict.
2Adaptability or versatility
If access nodes advertise distinct BSSIDs, then individual access node identification is enabled, but seamless Macro Cell integration is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a copied BSSID identity for Macro Cell operation while preserving the original BSSID for controller communication. The access node maintains both identities simultaneously, using the original BSSID for management plane communication and the copied Macro Cell BSSID for data plane communication with clients.
3Productivity
If Micro Cell architecture is used, then individual access node control is maintained, but unified Macro Cell operation cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic BSSID selection based on the communication context. The access node dynamically switches between using its original BSSID for controller communication and Macro Cell BSSID for client communication. This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt to different operational modes without requiring separate physical infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
Overlaying a Wireless Macro Cell architecture on a Micro Cell network. WLAN MAC Address Translation (WMAT) is used to translate BSSIDs from the BSSID used to initialize a radio in an access node and identify communications between the radio in the access node and a controller, and the BSSID used over the air for Macro Cell operation. WMAT is used for transmit operations, translating the BSSID of outgoing packets to the Macro Cell BSSID prior to wireless transmission. On the receive side, packets undergo WMAT and transmission to the controller if the STN MAC address of the sender is in an ACK table associated with the radio, or the packet is one of a predetermined type. The ACK table is managed by transmit operations, and by control commands from the controller.