Wireless Access Device Switch Adoption via Load-Based Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless local area networks (WLANs) lack an automatic and intelligent method for distributing wireless access devices among switches, leading to uneven distribution, poor load balancing, and redundancy issues, resulting in suboptimal wireless coverage when switches fail.
Innovation Solution
A method where wireless access devices broadcast a SWITCH DISCOVER message, receive SWITCH OFFER messages from available switches, and select a switch based on specified criteria such as load and preference, ensuring even distribution and load balancing across switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the first available wireless switch is selected for adoption, then the adoption process is simple, but the distribution of access devices among switches becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where wireless switches provide capability information to access devices, and access devices select switches based on this feedback. The system uses selection criteria that consider switch load, capabilities, and preferences to achieve even distribution while maintaining automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the selection parameter from a simple first-available basis to a multi-parameter decision process considering switch load, capabilities, and preferences. This allows the system to optimize distribution evenness while maintaining operational simplicity through automated evaluation of multiple parameters.
2Ease of operation
If access control lists are used to restrict adoption, then certain devices can be restricted from specific switches, but the system loses dynamic adaptability and redundancy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static access control lists with a dynamic selection process where switches and devices can change their adoption relationships based on current system state, capabilities, and preferences. This enables the system to adapt dynamically while maintaining control through automated criteria evaluation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having switches pre-register their capabilities and preferences before adoption requests occur. This allows the system to make intelligent adoption decisions based on pre-evaluated criteria rather than restrictive access control lists, enabling both control and dynamic adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If manual access control lists are configured, then adoption restrictions can be implemented, but the process becomes time consuming and prevents backup switch functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service where wireless switches automatically register their capabilities and preferences with the system, and access devices automatically evaluate these criteria to select appropriate switches. This eliminates manual configuration time while maintaining adoption control through automated evaluation of switch attributes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by having switches pre-register their capabilities, current load, and preferences before adoption requests are made. This eliminates the need for time-consuming manual access control list configuration while enabling intelligent, automated adoption decisions that maintain necessary restrictions.
4Device complexity
If conventional adoption techniques are used, then the system is simple to implement, but load balancing among switches is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback mechanisms where switches provide information about their current load and capabilities to access devices. This enables automated load balancing decisions without significantly increasing system complexity, as the feedback is integrated into the standard adoption communication process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the adoption selection from a single-parameter (first available) to multi-parameter evaluation (load, capabilities, preferences). This improves load balancing efficiency while maintaining reasonable system complexity through automated evaluation rather than complex manual management.
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer network as described herein includes multiple wireless switches cooperating with wireless access devices. The wireless access devices include intelligent processing that enables them to select a desired wireless switch for adoption. When in need of adoption, a wireless access device sends at least one SWITCH DISCOVER message over the network, the wireless switches reply with SWITCH OFFER messages, and the wireless access device processes the SWITCH OFFER messages to select a desired wireless switch for adoption. The SWITCH OFFER messages contain switch selection information associated with the respective wireless switches, and the wireless access device analyzes the switch selection information during the selection process.