Wireless Access Point Data Rate Advertisement for Handoff Continuity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current WLAN technologies enforce strict minimum data rates to prevent capacity loss, leading to disruptions in real-time communication applications, especially during handoffs from WLAN to cellular networks, where the transition can be slow and may result in connection interruptions.
Innovation Solution
A wireless access point advertises a wider range of data rates with lower minimum rates and permits mobile stations to communicate at these lower rates under specific conditions, such as real-time data usage or imminent handoff to another network, allowing temporary use of limited-use data rates to facilitate smoother transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If strict minimum data rates are enforced in WLAN to prevent capacity loss, then network capacity is improved, but real-time communication applications may be disrupted during handoffs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic data rate management by allowing temporary deviations from minimum advertised data rates under specific conditions. The system dynamically adjusts rate enforcement based on handoff detection, enabling lower rates temporarily during transitions while maintaining strict enforcement during normal operation. This resolves the contradiction by making the rate policy adaptive rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of data rate enforcement by introducing conditional exceptions to the minimum data rate rule. When handoff conditions are detected, the system modifies the effective minimum rate parameter temporarily, allowing rates below the advertised minimum. This parameter change enables communication continuity during handoffs while preserving network capacity optimization during stable connections.
2Productivity
If WLAN enforces minimum data rates to maintain high capacity, then network efficiency is improved, but mobile stations may lose connection during handoff to cellular networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting handoff conditions before the actual handoff occurs and proactively adjusting data rate permissions. The system monitors for handoff indicators and prepares by allowing lower data rates in advance, ensuring that when the handoff occurs, the mobile station can maintain connectivity. This preliminary adjustment prevents connection loss while preserving network efficiency during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides beforehand cushioning by creating a protective buffer zone during handoff transitions. When handoff conditions are detected, the system temporarily cushions the strict minimum rate enforcement, allowing rates below the minimum to prevent connection interruption. This cushioning effect ensures continuous connectivity during the vulnerable handoff period while maintaining efficiency during stable connections.
3Productivity
If APs specify higher minimum supported rates in dense deployments, then capacity is maintained, but STAs cannot communicate during slow handoff transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the minimum supported rate specification dynamic rather than static. The AP maintains high minimum rates in its advertised BSS Basic Rate Set for capacity optimization, but dynamically allows temporary communication at lower rates when handoff conditions are detected. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to maintain both high capacity during normal operation and high handoff adaptability during transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality in the data rate mechanism by serving dual purposes: maintaining high minimum rates for capacity optimization and allowing temporary lower rates for handoff support. The same rate control mechanism universally handles both capacity management and handoff facilitation, making the system adaptable to different operational conditions without requiring separate mechanisms.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A wireless access point (1, 500) advertises data rates that it supports. A mobile station (54) is permitted to communicate with the access point (1, 500) at one or more of the lower data rates only if the mobile station (54) satisfies one or more conditions.