Abstract:
A method is used for deployment of a wireless infrastructure. The method comprises deploying a plurality of access ports in a facility based on a layout that depends on a type of the facility. The method comprises receiving at least one parameter from at least one of the plurality of access points. The method comprises dynamically determining settings of the plurality of access points based on the at least one parameter.

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
     This application claims the priority to the U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/938,561, entitled “Deployment of a Wireless Infrastructure,” filed May 17, 2007. The specification of the above-identified application is incorporated herewith by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a deployment of a wireless infrastructure. Specifically, the deployment of the wireless infrastructure entails placement of network components in strategic locations. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In order to deploy a wireless infrastructure, prerequisites are necessary. For example, site surveys by qualified individuals are taken to examine the location in which the network is to be disposed. In another example, planning software is necessary. Planning software also requires qualified individuals to examine the location or have full knowledge about construction material and/or floor plans in which the network is to be disposed. These qualified individuals may use the planning software and the site survey to determine strategic locations to place thin access ports so that an efficient wireless infrastructure for the switched network may be established. However, the use of site surveys and/or planning software is costly. In addition, planning software may be ineffective to determine the strategic locations of access points in a volume space (3-dimensions) (e.g., multiple floors) due to the complexity. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a system and method for deployment of a wireless infrastructure. The method comprises deploying a plurality of access ports in a facility based on a layout that depends on a type of the facility. The method comprises receiving at least one parameter from at least one of the plurality of access points. The method comprises dynamically determining settings of the plurality of access points based on the at least one parameter. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows an exemplary method of deploying a wireless infrastructure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2   a  shows a first input screen according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2   b  shows a second input screen according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3   a  shows a first deployment of access ports according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3   b  shows a second deployment of access ports according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3   c  shows a third deployment of access ports according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4   a  shows an initial deployment of access ports according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4   b  shows a modified deployment of access ports from the initial deployment of  FIG. 4   a  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The exemplary embodiments of the present invention may be further understood with reference to the following description and the appended drawings, wherein like elements are referred to with the same reference numerals. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention describe a method for deploying and testing a wireless infrastructure. According to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the wireless infrastructure may be deployed without conventional requirements to successfully enable a network environment. The exemplary wireless infrastructure and exemplary deployment methods will be discussed in more detail below. 
       FIG. 1  shows an exemplary method  100  of deploying a wireless infrastructure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The method  100  will be described with reference to  FIGS. 2   a - b ,  FIGS. 3   a - c , and  FIGS. 4   a - b . The method  100  allows a user to set up a wireless network with little to no preparatory data such as site surveys and planning software. 
     In step  102 , access ports (APs) are deployed in a facility. The wireless network may be, for example, a switched wireless network. That is, the network may be maintained using a switch. The switch may be responsible for directing an exchange of data within the network. In this embodiment, the APs may be thin APs. Thin APs may merely relay any data that is incoming/outgoing to the switch. A published guideline may provide a layout for the deployment of the APs depending on the type of facility. The published guideline may include a set of layouts. The set of layouts may be an individual layout, multiple layouts, etc. for each type of facility. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is not limited to a switched wireless network or thin APs and these devices are used only for illustrative purposes. For example, the APs could be fully functional APs within a non-switched wireless network. 
     The layout of APs may be in a variety of configurations. For example, the configuration of APs may be in the form of a grid such as nine APs forming a 3×3 grid, 12 APs forming a 3×4 grid, 15 APs forming a 3×5 grid, etc. depending on the type of facility. Thus, an example for the configuration of APs may indicate, for example, to place an 802.11 radio every 40 feet for extensive voice usage in the facility, to place an 802.11 radio every 60 feet for a regular office space, etc. Exemplary configurations will be described with reference to  FIGS. 3   a - c . It should be noted that the use of APs is used to indicate points in which the network may be extended beyond the capabilities of a single server, etc. That is, those skilled in the art will understand that the APs shown in  FIGS. 3   a - c  may also be other devices that extend the coverage area of the network. For example, the term “radio” may be used as a generic identifier of the devices that extend the coverage area of the network. 
       FIG. 3   a  shows a first deployment  300  of APs according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. For example, in a warehouse, the layout may include six APs  301 - 306  in a 2×3 grid configuration. As shown, APs  301 ,  302  constitute a first column, APs  303 ,  304  constitute a second column, and APs  305 ,  306  constitute a third column. In addition, APs  301 ,  303 ,  305  constitute a first row and APs  302 ,  304 ,  306  constitute a second row. Also, as shown, the APs  301 - 306  are equidistant from a neighboring AP. That is, for example, AP  301  is a distance d from APs  302 ,  303 ; AP  303  is a distance d from APs  301 ,  305 ,  304 , etc. The distance d may be, for example, 50′, 75′, etc. The first deployment  300  also includes a switch  307  disposed within the facility towards an edge. The location of the switch  307  is only exemplary and the switch  307  may be located in other positions, as will be discussed below. This is a first exemplary configuration provided for the placement of APs. 
       FIG. 3   b  shows a second deployment  325  of APs according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. For example, in a warehouse, the layout may include five APs  326 - 330 . The configuration of the deployment  325  has a central AP  326  with the other four APs creating a substantial rectangle around the AP  326 . As shown, APs  327 ,  328  constitute a first column and APs  329 ,  330  constitute a second column. In addition, APs  327 ,  329  constitute a first row and APs  328 ,  330  constitute a second row. In contrast to the first deployment  300 , the deployment  325  shows that the APs may be different distances while maintaining a common distance with a central AP. That is, for example, AP  327  is a distance d 2  from AP  328  while a distance d 3  from AP  329 ; AP  330  is a distance d 2  from AP  329  while a distance d 3  from AP  328 . The distance d 2  may be, for example, 50′, 75′, etc. The distance d 3  may be, for example, 75′, 100′, etc. As illustrated, the distance d 3  is greater than the distance d 2 . Furthermore, the APs  327 - 330  is a distance d 1  from the central AP  326 . The distance d 1  may be, for example, 50′, 75′, etc. The second deployment  325  also includes a switch  331  disposed outside the facility. The location of the switch  331  is only exemplary and the switch  331  may be located in other positions, such as described in the first deployment  300  and as will be discussed below. This is a second exemplary configuration provided for the placement of APs. 
       FIG. 3   c  shows a third deployment  350  of APs according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. For example, in a warehouse, the layout may include three APs  351 - 353 . The configuration of the deployment  350  is substantially random. As shown, the APs  351 - 353  are disposed at random locations within the warehouse. In contrast to the first deployment  300  and the second deployment  325 , the deployment  350  shows that the APs may all be at different distances from one another. That is, for example, AP  351  is a distance d 4  from AP  352  while a distance d 5  from AP  353 ; AP  352  is a distance d 6  from AP  353 . The distance d 4  may be, for example, 40′, 60′, etc. The distance d 5  may be, for example, 100′, 125′, etc. The distance d 6  may be, for example, 75′, 100′, etc. The third deployment  350  also includes a switch  354  disposed within the facility towards a center position. The location of the switch  354  is only exemplary and the switch  354  may be located in other positions, as discussed above with reference to the first deployment  300  and the second deployment  325 . This is a third exemplary configuration provided for the placement of APs. 
       FIG. 4   a  shows an initial deployment  400  of APs  410 ,  415 ,  420 ,  425  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, the initial deployment may be a fourth exemplary deployment of the APs  410 ,  415 ,  420 ,  425 . In the initial deployment  400 , the APs  410 ,  415 ,  420 ,  425  are arranged in a 2×2 grid. A switch  405  is disposed in a center of the deployment. The APs  410 ,  415 ,  420 ,  425  may be equidistant from neighboring APs. For example, AP  410  may be equidistant from AP  415  and  420 . Furthermore, the APs  410 ,  415 ,  420 ,  425  may be equidistant from the centrally located switch  405 . The initial deployment  400  will be further described below. 
     It should be noted that, although not shown in the drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that one or more of the APs may be connected to the respective switch. For example, the APs  351 - 353  may be hard-wired into the switch  354 . In another example, only AP  351  may be connected to the switch  354 . The other APs  352 - 353  may be connected to the AP  351 . Those skilled in the art will also understand that the switch (e.g., switch  307 ,  331 ,  351 ) may be a network device arranged to perform a transparent bridge at a maximum speed capability of the hardware. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 1 , upon deploying the APs, the method  100  continues to step  108 . In step  108 , a determination is made whether the configuration satisfies coverage requirements for the proposed network. That is, once the APs are placed according to the layout in the published guideline, the APs may communicate with one another using initial power and channel settings to determine various parameters related to the wireless network. For example, the APs may determine their neighboring APs and the signal strengths that exist throughout the network. In another example, the APs may determine if there is a gap in coverage within the network area, e.g., an AP cannot communicate with a neighboring AP. The determination may be made, for example, by a wireless switch (e.g., switch  307 ,  331 ,  351 ). 
     The determination may be made with consideration of other factors. For example, these other factors may be entered into a program by the administrator.  FIG. 2   a  show a first input screen  200  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The screen  200  includes various input fields. For example, the input field  205  may indicate the type of facility. The input field  210  may indicate the selected layout for the type of facility. In one embodiment, the administrator may be restricted from entering the input field  210  until the input field  205  has been entered. The screen  200  also includes the input field  215  which indicates additional data that represents the other factors to be considered. This additional data may pertain to, for example, the extent of voice and/or data applications and the respective usage (e.g., heavy use, light use, etc.), the anticipated number of MUs to be disposed in the network, etc. 
     If the step  108  determines that the placement of APs does not satisfy the coverage requirements for the proposed network, the method  100  continues to step  110 . For example, with reference to  FIG. 4   a , the APs  410 ,  415 ,  420 ,  425  each include an operating area  411 ,  416 ,  421 ,  426 , respectively. As illustrated, the operating areas  411 ,  416 ,  421 ,  426  may be substantially circular as the operating areas radiate from the respective AP. Furthermore, the operating areas  411 ,  416 ,  421 ,  426  may refer to an area in which an MU disposed therein may connect to the wireless network. The APs  410 ,  415 ,  420 ,  425  may be operating at an initial setting (e.g., power, channel, etc.). The initial setting results in the operating areas  411 ,  416 ,  421 ,  426  for each AP  410 ,  415 ,  420 ,  425 , respectively. The initial settings for the APs  410 ,  415 ,  420 ,  425  result in coverage gaps for the proposed network. In particular, the coverage gaps may be disposed at corners of the network and substantially near the switch  405 . 
     In step  110 , proper power and/or channel settings are determined to satisfy the coverage requirements. For example, referring to  FIG. 4   a , a combination of the operating areas  411 ,  416 ,  421 ,  426  create the coverage gaps in the network. Thus, a proposed change is to increase the power setting for each of the APs  410 ,  415 ,  420 ,  425  so that each of the APs  410 ,  415 ,  420 ,  425  has enough power to send/receive signals to cover the gaps (e.g., increase power to cover more area). In another example, the channel in which the APs operate may be altered to satisfy the coverage requirements. With reference to  FIG. 4   a , the APs  410 ,  415 ,  420 ,  425  may be operating on channel  6 . However, an analysis of the network may indicate that the use of channel  6  creates static for voice applications. Thus, a proposed change is to use channel  5  to improve a quality for the voice applications. Once the appropriate power and/or channel settings are determined, the method  100  returns to step  108  where another determination is made whether the APs satisfy the coverage requirements for the network. Those skilled in the art will understand that the step  110  may be repeated if the APs do not satisfy the coverage requirements. That is, if an initial determination of a change in power and/or channel settings fails to satisfy the coverage requirements, a second determination is made to alter the initial determination. It should be noted that the use of power and channel settings is only exemplary. Those skilled in the art will understand that other parameters may also be altered. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 4   a , the initial deployment  400  may be modified.  FIG. 4   b  shows a modified deployment  450  of the APs  410 ,  415 ,  420 ,  425  from the initial deployment  400  of  FIG. 4   a  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The modified deployment  450  determined that the location of each AP is satisfactory and that a change in power and channel settings would satisfy the coverage requirements. Thus, the APs  410 ,  415 ,  420 ,  425  may operate at a modified power setting resulting in operating areas  411 ′,  416 ′,  421 ′,  426 ′. As illustrated, the operating areas  411 ′,  416 ′,  421 ′,  426 ′ cover the gaps that were creating from the initial operating areas  411 ,  416 ,  421 ,  426 . It should be noted that the modified operating areas may go beyond an area of the facility in which the network is to be disposed. Furthermore, the channels in which the APs  410 ,  415 ,  420 ,  425  operate may be altered to channel  5 . A determination may indicate that the use of channel  5  results in an improved use for voice applications. 
     It should be noted that the steps  108  and  110  may be combined into a single step. For example, upon deployment of the APs in step  102 , the wireless switch may run a dynamic AP power and channel determination algorithm. This process may be automatic or dictated by an administrator. The APs may attempt to transmit/receive signals. Each AP may also attempt to establish a wireless client session with the other APs. Consequently, data such as an AP-to-AP beacon table, received signal strength indication (RSSI), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), a retry count for each AP to another AP, etc. may be collected. Using this data, dynamic AP power and channel determination algorithms may select proper power and channel settings for each AP. 
     Once the APs satisfy the coverage requirements for the network (i.e., step  108 ), the method  100  continues to step  112 . In step  112 , a determination is made whether a minimum standard for additional parameters are met.  FIG. 2   b  shows a second input screen  220  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The screen  220  includes an input  225  that allows the user to enter additional operating standards or requirements to which the network is to operate. For example, a desired standard for the network is for wireless devices disposed within the network to be connected at least at a certain rate (e.g., 54 Mbps). Another example of an operating requirement may be that the user desires that quality of service (QoS) voice communications are supported. It should be noted that the additional operating requirements may affect both the layout and the settings of the APs (steps  108 - 112 ). Thus, using the configuration previously determined and the power and channel settings in step  110  or initial settings, the determination may be made. If step  112  determines that the minimum standards are not met, the method returns to step  110  to determine another power and/or channel settings that would additionally satisfy the minimum standards. However, when the method returns to step  110 , the method first determines if the new power and/or channel settings satisfy the coverage requirements set out in step  108 . 
     For example, with reference to the modified deployment  450  of APs of  FIG. 4   b , the modified deployment  450  may satisfy the minimum standards that were entered. That is, the increased power setting and the change to channel  5  may also satisfy the minimum standards. In another example, the modified deployment  450  may not satisfy the minimum standards. One of the minimum standards may be a predetermined level of connectivity. The operating areas  411 ′,  416 ′,  421 ′,  426 ′ may result in the predetermined level of connectivity for MUs disposed closer to the APs  410 ,  415 ,  420 ,  421 . However, outlying MUs may result in a lower level of connectivity than the predetermined level. Thus, a proposed change is to further increase the power setting of the APs  410 ,  415 ,  420 ,  425 . 
     It should be noted that the steps  108 - 112  may be combined into a single step to determine power and/or channel settings using a substantially similar process described above with reference to the combination of steps  108 - 110 . It should also be noted that other parameters of the AP may be set to accomplish the goals based on the input data. For example, specific authentication or association procedures may be set, etc. The exemplary steps  108 - 112  may be performed by the APs themselves, by a wireless switch to which the APs are connected, or by another network device such as a network server, network appliance, etc. In the case where the AP is a thin client, it is more likely that the control of the power, channel settings, etc. will be made by a separate device such as a wireless switch. Once the APs satisfy the coverage requirements and the minimum standards, the method continues to step  114 . In step  114 , the wireless network is activated. 
     It should also be noted that the method  100  may include additional steps to cover the contingencies for additional problems that may occur while setting up the network. For example, once a determination is made in step  110  for power and/or channel settings, a determination may be made if the current configuration of APs allows the coverage requirements and/or the minimum standards to be met. If the configuration can meet the requirements and/or standards, the method  100  would return to step  108 . However, in a case where the configuration cannot satisfy the requirements and/or standards, the method  100  may return to step  106  where another configuration is ascertained. Furthermore, the method  100  may determine that different types of APs may be necessary to accomplish the requirements and/or standards. For example, the 802.11 radios may be inadequate for the facility and may require stronger radios, etc. 
     Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of the APs disposed within the facility is only exemplary. There may arise situations where the disposition of APs within the facility cannot satisfy the requirements and/or standards. Therefore, a possible solution is to locate the APs outside the perimeter of the facility (e.g., where coverage of a loading dock is required by the user). Thus, the method  100  may incorporate a configuration where the APs are disposed within the facility, outside the facility, or a combination thereof. 
     Thus, the exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide for a simplified manner of laying out and initializing a wireless network without the costs of a site survey. The exemplary embodiments also provide a user with an optimized wireless network with a proper number and location of APs or other wireless devices. 
     Those skilled in the art will understand that the above described exemplary embodiments may be implemented in any number of manners, including as a separate software module, as a combination of hardware and software, etc. For example, the method  100  may be a program containing lines of code that, when compiled, may be executed on a processor. 
     It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made in the present invention, without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.