Wireless Physical-Layer Rate Mapping for Access-Point Steering
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face issues with inaccurate 802.11k reports from client devices, leading to unreliable determination of the best access point for optimal performance, as these reports consistently misrepresent signal power levels.
Innovation Solution
A processor-based system calibrates the 802.11k reports by associating actual physical layer rates with reported power levels, creating a database or using mathematical functions to correct the inaccuracies, allowing for more reliable client steering to improve network performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If 802.11k reports are used to determine access point selection, then client steering can be automated, but the measurement precision of power levels is poor due to consistent misrepresentation in the reports
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from multiple sources (actual physical layer rates, uplink power levels, downlink power levels) to continuously refine and recalibrate the mapping between reported power levels and actual power levels. This feedback loop allows the system to correct for consistent misrepresentation in 802.11k reports while maintaining automated client steering functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces intermediary calibration data and mapping relationships as mediators between the unreliable 802.11k reports and the actual power levels. By using access point measurements and physical layer rate information as intermediaries, the system can translate distorted client-reported values into accurate power level assessments for access point selection.
2Measurement precision
If actual physical layer rate measurements are performed to determine best access point, then measurement precision is improved, but the time required for determination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration actions by establishing mapping relationships between reported power levels and actual power levels during periods when client steering is not actively needed. This preliminary work creates lookup tables and calibration data that can be quickly referenced during time-critical access point determination, avoiding the need for time-consuming real-time physical layer rate measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses partial measurements and proxy measurements (such as uplink power levels and physical layer rates) as substitutes for complete downlink power level measurements. By measuring what is easily obtainable and using it to infer the desired measurements, the system achieves sufficient precision without the time cost of direct measurements.
3Device complexity
If 802.11k reports are directly trusted for power level determination, then device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of access point selection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service calibration where access points automatically perform measurements and generate calibration data without requiring external intervention. The access points autonomously establish mapping relationships between reported and actual power levels, and the system self-corrects for distortions in 802.11k reports, maintaining reliability without adding significant external complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless system includes memory configured to store information of physical layer rates associated with power levels between a client device and respective access points. The power levels comprise information of amounts of power in signals received by the client device from the respective access points. The system includes one or more processors configured to: during a communication session between the client device and a first access point, determine a current power level between the client device and a second access point, access the information based on the current power level to determine an expected physical layer rate between the client device and the second access point, determine a current physical layer rate between the client device and the first access point, and determine whether to switch the communication session to the second access point based on the expected physical layer rate and the current physical layer rate.