Wireless Station Network Status Determination via RSSI Noise and Packet Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing WLANs face challenges in determining the reasons for packet loss, which is crucial for implementing corrective measures, as the solutions differ based on causes such as congestion, distance from the AP, or interference from non-802.11 devices.
Innovation Solution
The use of received signal strength indicator (RSSI), noise levels, and packet loss information together to determine network status, allowing for appropriate corrective actions like handoffs or buffering, and distinguishing between congestion, distance, and interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If packet loss monitoring is implemented to determine network status, then network performance can be improved through targeted corrective measures, but the complexity of determining packet loss causes increases due to multiple potential sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the packet loss determination process into three distinct causes: congestion (high packet loss with normal RSSI and noise), distance (low RSSI with normal packet loss), and interference (high noise with normal packet loss). Each segment is analyzed independently using specific parameter combinations, making the complex determination process manageable and systematic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring packet loss, RSSI, and noise levels, then using this feedback to dynamically determine network status and apply appropriate corrective measures. The system feeds back the determined cause (congestion, distance, or interference) to select the appropriate mitigation strategy, creating a closed-loop control system.
2Measurement precision
If multiple parameters (RSSI, noise, packet loss) are monitored together to determine network status, then accuracy of cause identification improves, but the amount of processing and analysis required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different parameter combinations for different determination scenarios. For congestion detection, it focuses on packet loss with normal RSSI and noise. For distance detection, it focuses on RSSI with normal packet loss and noise. For interference detection, it focuses on noise with normal packet loss. This localized approach to parameter analysis improves precision while managing processing complexity.
3Reliability
If corrective measures are implemented based on specific packet loss causes, then network reliability improves, but the need for real-time monitoring and dynamic adjustment increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining corrective measures for each determined cause before actual packet loss occurs. When congestion is detected, buffering is pre-configured. When distance is detected, handoff is pre-planned. When interference is detected, rate adaptation is pre-prepared. This eliminates the need for complex real-time decision-making during packet loss events.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the wireless device to autonomously determine packet loss causes and apply appropriate corrective measures without external intervention. The device independently monitors parameters, determines the cause (congestion, distance, or interference), and executes the corresponding mitigation strategy, reducing the need for complex centralized control.
Data Source
AI summary
Determining the reasons for packet loss in a wireless local area network; such as an IEEE 802.11 network. The method uses the strength of received signals at a wireless station, such as the received signal strength indicator (RSSI), noise levels (e.g, non-802.11 energy in the 2.4 GHz frequency range), and packet loss information together to determine the network status. In most implementations, the 802.11 implementation (e.g., the 802.11 driver) is responsible for maintaining statistics on the RSSI and the noise whereas the measure of the packet loss is the responsibility of the application. The network status is determined by the endpoint station independent from the access point.