Methods and devices for balancing the load on access points in wireless local area networks
AssigneeAlcatel Lucent
InventorsYigal Bejerano, Seungjae Han
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Abstract
The load on access points (APs) in wireless, local area networks (WLANs) is minimized using a number of methods and associated devices. One method minimizes the load of the most congested APs while a second balances the load on both congested and uncongested APs using an optimal min-max (priority) load balanced solution. The optimal solution is obtained without requiring complex modifications, among other things. Both methods include adjustments to the transmission power levels of AP beacon messages to reduce congestion, but do not require adjustments to the transmission power levels of AP data traffic channels.
Claims26
A method for balancing loads within a wireless network comprising:
- changing a current power level of one or more beacon messages transmitted by one or more access points (APs) in the network while at the same time maintaining a current power level of one or more data traffic channels of the APs.
A system for balancing loads on access points (APs) within a wireless network, the system comprising at least one controller operable to:
- change a current power level of one or more beacon messages transmitted by one or more APs in the network while at the same time maintaining a current power level of one or more data traffic channels of the APs.
method for balancing loads within a wireless network comprising:
- computing a set of congested APs;
- iteratively reducing a power level of a beacon message of each AP in the set provided no AP within the set is operating at a minimal power level;
- after each iteration, measuring a current congestion load and comparing the current load to a previously stored congestion load;
- storing the current congestion load and reduced power levels when the current load is less than the previously stored load;
- and
- setting the power level of each AP to a level associated with a last stored, reduced power level.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.