WLAN Channel Selection Using Persistent Interference Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Dynamic Channel Selection Algorithms (DCSAs) fail to account for intermittent and burst-mode interference devices, leading to underestimated channel load and disruptive channel changes in wireless local area networks (WLANs), which can affect communication stability and reliability.

Innovation Solution

A heuristic method for WLAN dynamic channel selection that identifies and proactively adjusts for persistent interference devices by gathering data on intensity, duration, and rate of occurrence, using a cost function to select channels that minimize interference impact, incorporating factors like network contention, noise floor, and foreign radio interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If channel load information is averaged over time, then the algorithm can handle general traffic patterns, but it underestimates burst transmission devices and periodically operating devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel selection accuracyVSAvoidinterference detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by detecting and classifying interference devices before channel selection is made. The system identifies persistent interference devices, characterizes their behavior patterns (burst mode, periodic operation), and uses this pre-acquired knowledge to inform channel selection decisions, rather than relying solely on averaged historical data

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters used for channel selection from simple averaged load information to a more comprehensive set of parameters including interference device detection data, intensity measurements, duration metrics, and rate of occurrence. This parameter transformation enables the system to distinguish between temporary fluctuations and persistent interference patterns

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If reaction logic dynamically moves nodes away from channels with strong interference, then interference is avoided, but channels thrash as devices appear and disappear causing disruption to active communications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterference avoidanceVSAvoidchannel stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by proactively selecting channels based on detected persistent interference devices before they cause disruption. The system characterizes interference patterns and predicts future interference scenarios, allowing WLAN devices to pre-position themselves on suitable channels rather than reactively switching in response to detected interference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary anti-action by taking countermeasures against anticipated interference. The system identifies persistent interference devices and their operational patterns, then preemptively avoids channels that would be affected by these devices, preventing interference before it disrupts communications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If channel changes are made frequently to avoid interference, then interference is minimized, but communication stability deteriorates for voice calls, streaming data and mission critical devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterference levelVSAvoidcommunication stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary channel selection based on interference device detection and characterization before communications begin. By identifying persistent interference devices and their patterns in advance, the system establishes stable channel assignments that avoid anticipated interference, eliminating the need for frequent channel changes during active communications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8305971B2Utilizing persistent interference information for radio channel selection

Publication Date: 2012.11.06 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

In an example embodiment, an apparatus selects radio channels based on persistent interference device information. The apparatus comprises a wireless transceiver operable to communicate over a plurality of channels and channel selection logic in communication with the wireless transceiver and operable to select a channel for the wireless transceiver. The channel selection logic is operable to acquire data representative of intensity, duration and rate of occurrence for at least one persistent interference device detected by the wireless transceiver operating on at least one of the plurality of channels. The channel selection logic is operable to select a channel for the wireless transceiver based on the data representative of intensity, duration and rate of occurrence for the at least one persistent interference device.