Wireless LAN Load Balancing via On-Board Server Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless local area networks in means of transport, such as airplanes and trains, face network performance degradation and poor resource utilization due to the lack of load balancing between access points, leading to delays and disruptions in multimedia content transmission.
Innovation Solution
A method where an application on the user-specific output unit scans available access points, reports availability information to the on-board server, which then selects an access point with sufficient bandwidth for content transmission, ensuring optimal resource allocation and minimizing interference and delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple access points are deployed to cover a specified area, then the coverage area is improved, but the network performance and resource utilization deteriorate due to lack of load balancing
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where access points continuously monitor their load status and communicate with a network controller. The network controller collects availability information from multiple access points and uses this feedback to dynamically assign stations to optimal access points, thereby maintaining network performance while covering large areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic load balancing where station-to-access-point assignments are not fixed but continuously adjusted based on current network conditions. The network controller dynamically reassigns stations between access points according to real-time availability information, transforming the static network configuration into a dynamic adaptive system.
2Reliability
If stations connect to the access point with the best signal to noise ratio, then the connection quality is improved, but the load distribution across access points deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Before stations connect to access points based on signal quality, the network controller performs preliminary actions by collecting availability information from all access points and pre-calculating optimal assignments. This preliminary load balancing action ensures that stations are directed to access points that both have good signal quality and available capacity, preventing overload before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The network controller acts as an intermediary between stations and access points. Instead of stations directly selecting access points based solely on signal-to-noise ratio, the network controller mediates this selection by considering both signal quality metrics and current load conditions, then directing stations to the most appropriate access point.
3Productivity
If load balancing is implemented by having access points send disconnection messages, then the load distribution is improved, but the connection establishment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of waiting for access points to become overloaded and then sending disconnection messages, the system performs preliminary load balancing by collecting availability information in advance and proactively assigning stations to appropriate access points before overload occurs. This prevents the need for time-consuming reconnection procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical push-based load balancing mechanism (where overloaded access points actively disconnect stations) with a more efficient information-based approach. The network controller uses information about access point availability to guide station connections, substituting the forceful disconnection mechanism with intelligent routing decisions.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for load balancing in a wireless local area network (WL) with at least two access points (AP1, AP2, AP3). For this purpose, an application (AW) is loaded from an on-board server (OB) and installed on the user-specific output unit (AE) (2). When multimedia information content is requested via the user-specific output unit (AE), the application (AW) scans all other access points (AP2, AP3) available to the user-specific output unit (AE) and then sends availability information to the on-board server (OB) (3). Based on the availability information, the on-board server (OB) then checks the bandwidth of these access points (AP2, AP3) and selects a second access point (AP2) (4).