Wireless Access Point DFS Channel Selection Using Local and Remote Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for selecting DFS channels in wireless communication networks, such as those used in WLANs, face challenges in minimizing radar interference and optimizing channel selection, often requiring complex and costly solutions or centralized management that do not efficiently account for local environmental changes.

Innovation Solution

A method that combines local and remote information to select a DFS channel, using local measurements of electromagnetic environments and remote data from a server to assess channel availability and occupancy status, allowing for dynamic channel selection and configuration in wireless access points.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a second receiver dedicated to listening to DFS channels is added to detect radar signals, then radar detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradar detection capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the single radio interface perform multiple functions: it alternates between conducting wireless communications on the selected channel and performing DFS listening on the same channel. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a dedicated second receiver while maintaining radar detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic DFS listening by alternating between communication mode and listening mode at predetermined intervals. The radio interface periodically switches to listening mode to detect radar signals, then returns to communication mode, achieving continuous radar monitoring without requiring simultaneous dedicated reception.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If continuous listening is performed on DFS channels to detect radar signals, then radar detection reliability is improved, but available bandwidth for communication is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradar detection reliabilityVSAvoidavailable bandwidth
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous listening that would block communication, the patent implements periodic listening at predetermined intervals. The radio interface alternates between communication and listening modes, allowing both functions to occur over time without simultaneous resource conflicts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically switches the radio interface between two operational modes: communication mode for data transmission and listening mode for radar detection. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize resource usage at different time intervals, balancing communication throughput with radar monitoring requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a management server centralizes information from multiple wireless access point devices to select channels, then channel selection coordination is improved, but information transmission overhead and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel selection coordinationVSAvoidinformation transmission overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables each wireless access point device to autonomously select its own DFS channel by independently performing radar listening and evaluating channel availability. This self-service approach eliminates the need for centralized channel assignment, reducing information transmission overhead and system complexity while maintaining coordinated operation through independent decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4007335B1Method for selecting a channel in a wireless access point device of a communication network and associated wireless access point device
Publication Date: 2024.04.24 SAGEMCOM BROADBAND SAS
  • EP4007335B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4007335B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4007335B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for selecting a wireless communication channel between a wireless access point (14) of a communication network (1) and a station (1410), the method being carried out in the wireless access point device (14) of said communication network (1), the method comprising obtaining locally (S2), from said wireless access point, at least one first piece of information, representative of a first electromagnetic environment within range of said wireless access point, obtaining (S3), from a remote server (1200), at least one second piece of information, representative of a second electromagnetic environment around said wireless access point, then selecting (S4) said communication channel using at least said first piece of information and said second piece of information, and configuring (S5) a radio interface of said wireless access point (14) to operate wireless communications with said station in the selected channel.The invention also relates to a wireless access point device performing this method.