Wireless Roaming via Controller-Based Session Key Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless networks face limitations in seamless roaming across multiple control domains due to memory constraints and bandwidth limitations, particularly when managing large numbers of communication devices and access points, leading to potential connectivity interruptions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where access points within a wireless network identify communication devices and request session keys from network controllers across overlapping RF ranges, allowing for continuous connectivity and scalability by limiting information propagation across control domains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If copies of communication device information are stored at all access points for fast roaming, then roaming speed is improved, but memory usage and network bandwidth consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into multiple control domains, each managed by a separate controller. Communication device information is stored locally at each controller rather than being replicated at all access points. This segmentation allows fast roaming within each control domain while reducing overall memory usage across the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to the network architecture, with controllers managing multiple access points. Instead of flattening the architecture where all access points store all device information, the hierarchical structure allows information to be stored at the controller level, reducing redundancy while maintaining roaming capability.
2Speed
If copies of communication device information are stored at all access points for fast roaming, then roaming speed is improved, but network bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the network into control domains with dedicated controllers, the patent eliminates the need to propagate device information across the entire network. Controllers maintain local copies of device information, reducing network bandwidth consumption while enabling fast roaming within each domain.
Solution Approach 2:
Controllers act as intermediaries between access points and the authentication server. They cache communication device information locally, serving as a buffer that reduces the need for frequent network communications and bandwidth consumption while maintaining fast roaming capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the network is limited to storing device information at all access points, then roaming capability is improved, but network scalability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the network into multiple control domains, each with its own controller. This segmentation allows the network to scale by adding more controllers and domains without requiring all access points to store all device information, thus improving scalability while maintaining roaming capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Controllers serve multiple functions: they manage multiple access points, store communication device information, handle authentication, and enable fast roaming. This multi-functionality reduces the need for complex distributed storage across all access points, simplifying network scalability.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first access point within a wireless network. The first access point is configured to identify a communication device within a radio frequency (RF) range of the first access point. The first access point is also configured to request a session key associated with the communication device from a first network controller associated with the first access point in response to the communication device being identified. The first access point is further configured to receive the session key associated with the communication device from a second network controller associated with a second access point having an RF range partially overlapping the RF range of the first access point.