Multi-Band WLAN Access Point Interference Discovery

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing interference between adjacent access points in wireless local area networks (WLANs) due to wider channel widths and frequency bands used in standards like IEEE 802.11ac necessitates an efficient method for discovering hidden adjacent access points to minimize interference and optimize frequency resource usage.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for discovering adjacent access points in a WLAN using multi-bands, involving channel scanning, detection of primary and sub-channel information, and broadcasting hidden access point existence announcements to update neighbor lists, prioritizing channel switching based on interference levels and channel arrangement criteria.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If wider channel widths and frequency bands are used in IEEE 802.11ac to increase transmission speed, then data transmission rate is improved, but interference between adjacent access points increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission speedVSAvoidinterference between adjacent access points

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the channel detection process into two phases: rapid detection of primary channels using beacon signals, followed by detailed detection of sub-channels only when interference is suspected. This segmentation reduces overall detection time and overhead while maintaining accurate interference detection across the full channel width.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by performing complete sub-channel detection only when necessary (when primary channel interference is detected or beacon signals are missed). In normal conditions, only primary channel detection is performed, reducing overhead while still enabling interference management when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Measurement precision

If channel scanning is performed to detect adjacent access points, then interference detection capability is improved, but channel detection overhead and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterference detection capabilityVSAvoidchannel detection overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The channel detection process is divided into two segments: initial rapid detection of primary channels using beacon signals, and subsequent detailed sub-channel detection only when interference is suspected. This reduces overall detection time while maintaining precision when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of primary channels using beacon signals before committing to more time-consuming sub-channel detection. This preliminary action filters out cases where full detection is unnecessary, reducing overall time consumption while maintaining detection precision for actual interference cases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 3:

Beacon signals serve as an intermediary mechanism that provides preliminary channel information without requiring full channel scanning. Access points use these beacon signals to quickly assess potential interference before initiating more detailed detection procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If complete channel scanning including sub-channels is performed, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoiddetection process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection process is segmented into two levels: primary channel detection using beacon signals (low complexity), and sub-channel detection (high precision but higher complexity) only when needed. This segmentation maintains detection accuracy for actual interference cases while reducing average device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs complete sub-channel detection partially - only when primary channel interference is detected or beacon signals are missed. This partial application of full detection maintains accuracy when needed while reducing processing complexity during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS10154449B2Method and system for neighboring access point discovery between multi-band wireless LAN access points

Publication Date: 2018.12.11 ELECTRONICS & TELECOMM RES INST

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method and a system for discovering an adjacent access point between multi-band wireless LAN access points, and to a method and a system for discovering an adjacent neighboring access point between access points in order to solve an interference problem between the access points in a wireless LAN using multi-bands.