Seamless WLAN Upgrade via Dynamic Coverage Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Software upgrades or updates in wireless communication networks can cause downtime, leading to loss of connectivity, which is unacceptable for mission-critical applications like hospitals and airports, where traditional after-hours upgrades are not feasible.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method using dynamic coverage estimations to determine sets of redundant access points, allowing for sequential software upgrades while maintaining network connectivity by identifying and utilizing redundant access points to ensure continuous service during upgrades.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If software upgrades are deployed across multiple access points simultaneously, then the upgrade process is completed quickly, but network downtime increases and connectivity is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the access point population into multiple sets (first set, second set, third set) that can be upgraded in sequential batches. Each set is upgraded separately while other sets remain operational, segmenting the upgrade process to maintain continuous network coverage and avoid complete network downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by determining redundant coverage areas and identifying which access points can be upgraded without compromising network coverage. Coverage estimations are calculated in advance to predict the impact of taking each access point offline, allowing the system to plan the upgrade sequence before execution.
2Reliability
If access points are upgraded sequentially in batches, then network connectivity is maintained, but the total upgrade time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic coverage estimations that are continuously updated as access points are upgraded. The system adaptively determines subsequent sets of access points to upgrade based on real-time network conditions and coverage changes, optimizing the upgrade sequence to minimize total upgrade time while maintaining connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback from coverage estimation calculations to guide the upgrade process. After each upgrade batch, the system recalculates coverage areas and uses this feedback to determine the next optimal set of access points to upgrade, creating a closed-loop control system that balances connectivity maintenance with upgrade progression.
3Reliability
If redundant coverage areas are analyzed dynamically, then seamless upgrades are achieved, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by performing coverage estimations and redundancy analyses only for local neighborhoods of access points rather than globally analyzing the entire network. This localized approach reduces computational complexity by focusing calculations on relevant subsets of the network while still ensuring seamless upgrade capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for a seamless wireless local area network upgrade using dynamic coverage estimations are described. In one embodiment, a method includes determining, at a network controller of a wireless local area network (WLAN) comprising a plurality of wireless access points, a first set of wireless access points that provide redundant wireless connectivity to client devices. The method also includes determining, at the network controller, a second set of wireless access points among a remaining group of wireless access points excluding the first set of wireless access points that provide redundant wireless connectivity to client devices. The method includes performing a first upgrade of software associated with each wireless access point in the first set of wireless access points. Upon completion of the first upgrade, the method includes performing a second upgrade of software associated with each wireless access point in the second set of wireless access points.