WLAN Extender Deployment Optimization for Capacity and Localization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing WLAN deployment methods face challenges in balancing capacity and localization accuracy, particularly for trilateration-based localization techniques, which are sensitive to AP and user device positions, and require real-time optimization to support high throughput and accurate localization services.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method that collects device and channel information to determine optimal extender deployment by iteratively adjusting extender locations based on capacity and localization accuracy thresholds, using metrics like Geometric Dilution of Precision (GDoP) to ensure both high channel capacity and accurate trilateration-based localization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If APs are uniformly placed in a linear pattern to maximize capacity, then network throughput is improved, but localization accuracy deteriorates due to large dilution of precision

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork throughputVSAvoidlocalization accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the deployment parameters of APs and extenders from uniform linear patterns to optimized configurations that simultaneously satisfy capacity and localization requirements. By adjusting positions, densities, and distributions of wireless access points, the system achieves both high throughput and accurate trilateration-based localization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs a multi-objective optimization framework that makes the wireless network deployment serve multiple functions simultaneously: providing high-capacity connectivity and enabling accurate localization. The same AP/extender infrastructure is optimized to fulfill both networking and positioning functions, eliminating the need for separate localization systems.

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

2Productivity

If APs are placed away from each other to enable simultaneous transmission, then network capacity is improved, but localization accuracy deteriorates due to fewer anchors available for trilateration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork capacityVSAvoidlocalization accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the spatial distribution parameters of APs and extenders to achieve an optimal balance. Rather than simply placing APs far apart or close together, the system calculates precise positions that maximize both simultaneous transmission capability and the geometric configuration needed for accurate trilateration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic deployment optimization where the system can adaptively adjust extender positions and configurations based on real-time network conditions and localization requirements. This dynamic approach allows the network to maintain optimal capacity and localization accuracy under varying operational scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If fingerprinting localization is used to maximize RSS difference, then localization service is provided, but system complexity increases due to fingerprinting database construction burden

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocalization serviceVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex fingerprinting-based localization mechanism with a simpler trilateration approach. Instead of requiring extensive database construction and signal strength pattern matching, the system uses geometric calculations based on known AP positions and measured signal strengths, dramatically reducing system complexity while maintaining localization functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3493578B1Determining optimal deployment of extenders in a WLAN
Publication Date: 2020.06.17 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY
  • EP3493578B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3493578B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3493578B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A computer-implemented method to determine an optimal deployment of extenders (111, 112; 211, 212) in a wireless local area network or WLAN: A. collecting device information in the WLAN; B. determining (401) a maximum theoretic capacity C' of the WLAN; C. collecting channel information in the WLAN; D. determining (402) a current capacity C of the WLAN; E. determining (403) a target capacity C* for the WLAN; and F. comparing (404) the current capacity C with the target capacity C* to evaluate a current deployment of extenders (111, 112; 211, 212), and when the current capacity differs C from the target capacity C*, further iteratively: G. determining (405) a new deployment of the extenders (111, 112; 211, 212); H. collecting location information of the user devices (131; 231) using trilateration localization; I. determining (406, 407, 408) location accuracy in the WLAN; and J. recommending (409) the new deployment of the extenders (111, 112; 211, 212) when the location accuracy exceeds a predetermined threshold.