Wireless Access Point Controller Bandwidth Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless networks in public and private venues face challenges in managing access and bandwidth allocation efficiently, leading to user frustration and suboptimal service, especially during peak usage when downstream bandwidth is prioritized over upstream, and current solutions require complex infrastructure and significant intelligence at access points.
Innovation Solution
A controller apparatus and method that dynamically allocate selectable degrees of data network access by associating user devices with different bandwidth statuses based on location, MAC addresses, or application types, allowing for prioritization and efficient resource management without extensive packet evaluation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If downstream bandwidth is prioritized over upstream bandwidth, then user experience for downloads is improved, but upstream bandwidth allocation becomes insufficient for critical uploads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic bandwidth allocation where the network controller continuously monitors traffic patterns and adjusts bandwidth distribution between downstream and upstream channels based on real-time conditions. This allows the system to adapt bandwidth allocation dynamically rather than using fixed asymmetric ratios, resolving the contradiction between prioritizing downstream experience and ensuring adequate upstream capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the bandwidth allocation parameters dynamically based on traffic type, user priority levels, and network conditions. By modifying allocation parameters in real-time rather than maintaining static asymmetric allocation, the system can ensure both good downstream experience and sufficient upstream bandwidth when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex infrastructure and significant intelligence at access points is used, then network management capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network controller as an intermediary component that centralizes network management functions. Instead of embedding complex intelligence directly at access points, the controller handles bandwidth allocation decisions, traffic analysis, and policy enforcement remotely. This separates management complexity from access point hardware, reducing device complexity while maintaining sophisticated network management capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts management intelligence from the access points and consolidates it in a centralized controller. By taking out complex management functions from edge devices and placing them in a dedicated controller, the system reduces access point complexity while preserving advanced network management capabilities through centralized processing.
3Measurement precision
If extensive packet evaluation is performed at access points, then bandwidth allocation accuracy is improved, but processing time and device resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network controller acts as an intermediary that performs extensive packet evaluation and traffic analysis remotely. Rather than processing packets locally at access points, the controller receives traffic samples or metadata, analyzes them to determine bandwidth allocation requirements, and sends back allocation decisions. This maintains high measurement precision while significantly reducing processing time at the access point level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces local mechanical packet processing at access points with remote analytical processing at the controller. Instead of access points performing intensive packet evaluation, the system substitutes this with a centralized analytical system that processes traffic information remotely, reducing local processing burden and time while maintaining allocation accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Wireless data network access architecture and methods enabling location-specific and/or user-specific provision of services or resources. In one embodiment, an end-user device makes a request for service within a wireless LAN (WLAN). A wireless access point (WAP) controller/policy server determines whether the user device meets criteria for a first user status or a second user status, and assigns the appropriate status to an identifier of the end-user device. When the user device is assigned the first user status, the user device is provided network access according to e.g., a first permissible bandwidth allocation. Otherwise, the user device is provided network access according to a second, different bandwidth allocation. The first and second user status may be assigned based on a location of the user device within e.g., a venue, a class of end-user device, end user application, an access pass associated with the user device, or yet other criteria.