METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND DEVICES FOR IDENTIFYING GEOLOCATIONS OF ACCESS POINTS IN WIRELESS NETWORKS

Methods, systems, and devices for selectively entering a standard power mode by an access point, using a geolocation obtained from a geolocation beacon. For example, an access point may be configured to provide wireless network service for a coverage area. The access point may include a processor configured to: attempt to obtain a signal transmitted wirelessly from a geolocation beacon comprising a geolocation; detect that the signal was not obtained from the geolocation beacon; obtain a geolocation from a controller configured to control at least some operations of the access point; provide the obtained geolocation to an Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) server; receive approval from the AFC server to enter a standard power mode; and enter the standard power mode.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to wireless networks and access points thereof, and more specifically relates to methods, systems, and devices for identifying geolocations of access points in wireless networks.

BACKGROUND

A wireless local area network (“WLAN”) refers to a network that operates in a limited area (e.g., within a home, school, store, campus, shopping mall, etc.) that interconnects two or more electronic devices using wireless radio frequency (“RF”) communications. Electronic devices belonging to users of a WLAN, such as smartphones, computers, tablets, printers, appliances, televisions, lab equipment and the like (herein “client devices”), can communicate with each other over the WLAN. Since wireless communications are used, the client devices can move throughout the area covered by the WLAN (e.g., as the users of the client devices move) and remain connected to the network. Most WLANs operate under a family of standards promulgated by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (“IEEE”) that are referred to as the IEEE 802.11 standards. WLANs operating under the IEEE 802.11 family of standards are commonly referred to as WiFi networks. Client devices that include a networking subsystem that includes a WiFi network interface can communicate over WiFi networks.

A WiFi network includes one or more access points (APs, also referred to as hotspots) that are typically installed at fixed locations throughout the area covered by the WiFi network. The WiFi network can include a single AP that provides coverage in a very limited area or may include tens, hundreds or even thousands of access points that provide in-building and/or outdoor coverage to a large campus or region. Client devices communicate with each other and/or with wired devices that are connected to the WiFi network through the APs. The APs may be connected to each other and/or to one or more controllers through wired and/or wireless connections. The WiFi network typically includes one or more gateways that may be used to provide Internet access to the client devices.

Each AP of a WiFi network may communicate with client devices in a location serviced by the access point using wireless communication that is compatible with an IEEE 802.11 standard. The wireless communication may occur according to different IEEE standards in different frequency bands that are made available by regulatory agencies. For example, some frequencies between 2401-2473 MHz are available in North America for some WiFi communication (e.g., IEEE 802.11b/g/n/ax). The 2401-2473 MHz frequency range is often referred to as the “2.4 GHz frequency band.” Similarly, some frequencies between 5.150-5.895 GHz are also available for WiFi communication (e.g. IEEE 802.11a/h/j/n/ac/ax communication). The 5.150-5.895 frequency range is referred to as the “5 GHz frequency band.”

In an effort to provide increased spectrum for wireless communication use, the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has recently made available frequencies in the range of 5.925-7.125 GHz available for use in IEEE 802.11ax and other WiFi communications. This frequency range is referred to as the “6 GHz frequency band.” Other countries are considering making, or have already made, some or all of the 6 GHz frequency band available for use to WiFi devices and networks. The relatively large size of the 6 GHZ frequency band may enable devices to use contiguous spectrum blocks, which may accommodate up to fourteen 80 MHz channels or seven 160 MHz channels. These wider channels may permit high-bandwidth applications, such as high-definition video streaming, cloud computing, and telepresence, as examples.

Prior to the FCC action, some individuals and organizations operated, and will continue to operate, fixed microwave links in the 6 GHz frequency band for, e.g., public utility control/management, emergency/police backhaul networks, cellular network backhaul, long distance telephone links, news gathering, or the like. Some television and radio uplinks for satellite service (e.g., “earth-to-space”) and some mobile satellite downlinks (e.g., “space-to-earth”) communication also occurs in the 6 GHz frequency band. Many of these already existing or incumbent users are licensed users, who have secured an exclusive right to transmit on an assigned frequency within a certain geographical area. One estimate is that there are over 50,000 licensed users of frequencies in the 6 GHz frequency band in the United States alone.

As part of the opening the 6 GHz frequency band for unlicensed use for WiFi communications, the FCC has promulgated requirements that are designed to protect these licensed incumbents from substantial interference by WiFi communications, which will be largely unlicensed. In greater detail, the 6 GHz frequency covers four separate sub-bands operating under unlicensed national information and infrastructure (U-NII) rules: U-NII-5, ranging from 5.925 GHz to 6.425 GHz; U-NII-6, ranging from 6.425 GHz to 6.525 GHz; U-NII-7, ranging from 6.525 GHz to 6.875 GHz; and U-NII-8, ranging from 6.875 to 7.125 GHz. The FCC has authorized all four sub-bands for indoor use by “low power” APs. Low power APs will be allowed to transmit indoors only with a maximum EIRP (Effective Isotropically Radiated Power) of 30 dBm (decibels per milliwatt), and client devices communicating with low power APs are limited to a maximum EIRP of 24 dBm. The FCC also requires that all low-power devices incorporate permanently attached integrated antennas to prevent the potential for users to replace an antenna of a device with a higher gain antenna and thereby generate interference.

In the U-NII-5 and U-NII-7 bands only, “standard-power” APs will be able to operate both indoors and outdoors. Standard power APs will be allowed to transmit indoors and outdoors with a maximum EIRP of 36 dBm, and client devices communicating with low power APs are limited to a maximum EIRP of 30 dBm. Such increased power will advantageously enable greater distances between the AP and the client device, particularly in outdoor implementations but also with use indoors.

However, the increased power also increases the potential for interference with the incumbent licensed users of the 6 GHz frequency band. The FCC has therefore issued rules requiring that APs capable of operating in standard power mode must consult an Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) server to ensure non-interference prior to using the standard power levels. According to the FCC rules, when powering on, an AP must be capable of discovering its geolocation (such as the longitude, latitude and height above ground of the access point) automatically, and then report the geolocation and an uncertainty value to an AFC server. Based at least in part on the geolocation and uncertainty value, the AFC server may respond with a list of channels in the 6 GHz band of frequencies that the access point is permitted to use without causing interference issues to incumbent users in a vicinity or proximity to the AP. If the AP cannot ascertain its geolocation and/or does not receive a list of channels, then the AP may only operate in the low power mode.

SUMMARY

According to some aspects of the present disclosure, a geolocation beacon is provided. The geolocation beacon may include a processor, a positioning signal reception system, and a wireless signal transmission system. The processor of the geolocation beacon may be configured to identify a geolocation of the geolocation beacon using positioning signals received by the positioning signal reception system and transmit the geolocation using the wireless signal transmission system.

According to some aspects of the present disclosure, an access point is provided, with the access point configured to provide wireless network service for a coverage area. The access point may be configured to attempt to obtain a geolocation signal transmitted wirelessly from a geolocation beacon. The access point may be configured to detect that the geolocation signal was not obtained from the geolocation beacon, and may be configured to obtain a geolocation from a controller that is configured to control at least some operations of the access point. The access point may be further configured to provide the obtained geolocation to an Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) server. The access point may be configured to receive an approval from the AFC server to enter a standard power mode, and in response to the approval may enter the standard power mode.

According to some aspects of the present disclosure, an access point is provided, with the access configured to provide wireless network service for a coverage area. The access point may be configured to receive an access credential. The access point may be configured to obtain an encrypted geolocation signal transmitted wirelessly from a geolocation beacon. The access point may be configured to decrypt the encrypted geolocation signal and obtain a geolocation from the decrypted geolocation signal. The access point may be configured to provide the obtained geolocation to an Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) server.

The present disclosure is not limited to the aspects recited in this summary section, and other aspects and embodiments of the inventive concepts provided herein may be obtained from the drawings and the detailed description thereof that follow.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Providing each AP in a network with a geolocation positioning system receiver may be cost prohibitive, and in some instances (for example where the AP is installed indoors and outside a line of sight to a positioning system satellite) the AP may not be able to receive GPS or other positioning system signals to identify its geolocation.

Aspects of the present disclosure provide devices and communication techniques that may allow APs that do not include positioning system receivers to automatically determine a geolocation thereof. These capabilities may reduce the cost and complexity of the APs. In addition, the devices and communication techniques provided herein may enable APs to operate in standard power mode when indoors. For example, the methods, systems, and devices described herein may enable an AP to request approval from an AFC server (or other coordinating server) to operate in an unlicensed band of frequencies (such as a 6 GHz band of frequencies) when deployed indoors. Consequently, the communication techniques may enable use of the unlicensed band of frequencies, which may improve network communication performance.

FIG.1is a block diagram illustrating electronic devices and computer networking devices in a network100according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In the network100, one or more access points110may communicate with client devices120in a wireless network102, which may be a wireless local area network (WLAN). The access points110may be serviced by a switch network132that includes one or more network switches and/or routers130, which may facilitate access to a network (e.g., an external network)150. The network100may also include other computer networking devices (not shown) such as data planes or the like. The network100may also include one or more geolocation beacons170.

The access points110may communicate using wireless and/or wired communication (such as by using Ethernet or a communication protocol that is compatible with Ethernet) with the client devices120. Herein, wireless communication may include communication of packets or frames in accordance with a wireless communication protocol, such as an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard (sometimes referred to as ‘WiFi’. In the discussion that follows, WiFi is used as an illustrative example. For example, an IEEE 802.11 standard may include one or more of: IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11-2007, IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11-2012, IEEE 802.11-2016, IEEE 802.11ac, IEEE 802.11ax, IEEE 802.11ba, IEEE 802.11be, or other present or future developed IEEE 802.11 technologies. Other wireless interfaces and/or protocols may be used, such as Bluetooth, and unless stated otherwise, the present disclosure is not limited to a particular wireless communication standard, interface, or protocol.

In some embodiments, the access points110may include physical access points and/or virtual access points that are implemented in software in an environment of an electronic device or a computer. In some embodiments, the access points110may communicate with each other via wired or wireless connections (e.g., via the switch network132or via wireless signals126). The wired and/or wireless communication among access points110in wireless network102may occur via a network (such as an intra-net, a mesh network, point-to-point connections and/or the Internet) and may use a network communication protocol, such as Ethernet. In some embodiments, the access points110may be arranged in a mesh configuration, such as where a direct wired or wireless connection between an access point110and a network switch130of the switch network132is absent, and the access point110instead communicates indirectly with the switch network132and/or the network150via an intermediate access point110.

As can be seen inFIG.1, wireless signals126-1(represented by a jagged line) are transmitted from a radio112-1in access point110-1. These wireless signals may be received by radio122-1in a client device120-1. Wireless signals126-2(represented by a jagged line) are transmitted from the radio122-1in the client device120-1. These wireless signals may be received by the radio112-1in the access point110-1. Each of the radios112and122may be configured to generate and/or receive radio frequency signals in one or more wireless communication frequency bands (e.g., the 2.4 GHz frequency band, the 5 GHz frequency band, the 6 GHz frequency band, and so on). Although only one radio112/122is shown in each of the access points110and client devices120, it may be understood that in some embodiments multiple radios112/122may be present, each configured to generate and/or receive signals in different frequency bands.

Each of the client devices120may be, for example, any network-capable electronic device, including (as non-limiting examples) a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a subnotebook/netbook, a server, a computer, a mainframe computer, a cloud-based computer, a tablet computer, a smartphone, a cellular telephone, a smartwatch, a wearable device, a consumer-electronic device, a portable computing device, an access point, a transceiver, a controller, a radio node, a router, a switch, communication equipment, a wireless dongle, test equipment, and/or another electronic device. As seen inFIG.1, some client devices120(e.g., client device120-3) may not be part of the wireless network102, and may instead be directly coupled with a network switch130of the switch network132.

The switch network132may include one or more network switches and/or routers130. In some embodiments, the one or more network switches and/or routers130may include a stack of multiple switches or routers (which are sometimes referred to as ‘stacking units’). As an example, a network switch130-1may include a number of communication interfaces or ports (not shown) in communication with one or more electronic devices. During operation, a first of the communication interfaces may receive a packet or other data container from a first electronic device (e.g., a client device120, an access point110, another networking switch130). The packet may then be processed and forwarded to a second port associated with a second electronic device. The network switch and/or router130may be a layer-2 or layer-3 network switch or router. The switch network132, and the network switches130thereof, may be coupled to access points110of the wireless network102via wired links134.

The controller140may be configured to perform configuration operations and/or management operations that control functionality of the access points110and network switches130. For example, the controller140may define flow definitions comprising packet processing rules and corresponding actions and promulgate these rules to the network switches130of the switch network132. As another example, the controller140may manage the access points110, for example by providing various configuration information, controlling settings, routing information, authorization/authentication information, or the like. The controller140may communicate with the access point110and/or network switches130via one or more logical links142, which in some embodiments may at least partially overlap the wired links134. The controller140may be configured to offer a single user interface accessible via a web browser, command prompt, or the like, via which control commands may be entered.

In some embodiments, the controller140may be connected via physical links with one or more of the access points110or the network switches130(and may be part of the switch network132). In some embodiments, the controller140may be one of the network switches130. In some embodiments, the controller140may be a cloud-based controller140that may be operating at a location relatively remote from the switch network132and the network switches130thereof. The cloud-based controller140may communicate with the network switches130via a network150. The controller140may be configured to receive commands from a remote device152, which in some embodiments may be a laptop computer or other device similar to a client device120that is operated by a network administrator to perform configuration of the network100. In some embodiments, more than one controller140may be present in the network100. In some embodiments, the network switches130may be at locations relatively remote from one another, and may communicate with each other via a network, such as the network150.

The network150may be a layer-2 or layer-3 network, and may include one or more local area networks (LANs), campus area networks (CANs), wide area networks (WANs), metropolitan area networks (MANs), and/or the Internet. The network150may be separated from the switch network132by a firewall160, which may monitor network traffic that is incoming to and outgoing from the switch network132and decide whether to permit or prohibit various traffic based on one or more security rules.

The geolocation beacon170may be configured to receive geolocation positioning signals from a geolocation positioning system, and may be configured to broadcast or transmit wireless signals that include a geolocation identified from the geolocation positioning signals. The access points110may be configured to receive the wireless signals transmitted from the geolocation beacon170, obtain the geolocation therefrom, and provide the geolocation to an AFC server as part of powering on of the access point or as part of entering a standard power mode.

FIGS.2A and2Bare block diagrams illustrating examples of geolocation beacons200and250according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, which may be used as the geolocation beacon170ofFIG.1.

Referring now toFIGS.2A and2B, a geolocation beacon200/250may include a housing202, which may be affixable to a surface (not shown) such as a window or wall. The housing202may include therein a power source210, such as a battery212(FIG.2A) or power converter262(FIG.2B). The power source210may be coupled to a microprocessor205. The geolocation beacon200/250may also include a positioning system receiver220coupled to a positioning system antenna222, and a wireless signal transmission system230. The positioning system receiver220and/or wireless signal transmission system230may also be coupled to the power source210. In some embodiments, the power source210may be or may include an internal (non-accessible) battery or an external battery, and which in some embodiments may be rechargeable.

The positioning system receiver220and positioning system antenna222may be configured to receive positioning system signals from one or more global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), such as the Global Positioning System (GPS), GLONASS, Galileo, BDS, and so on. In some aspects, the positioning system receiver220and positioning system antenna222may be configured to receive positioning system signals from regional navigation satellite systems, such as NAVIC or QZSS. The positioning system receiver220may then use the received positioning system signals to identify a geolocation of the geolocation beacon200/250. For example, the positioning system receiver220may be programmed to identify a latitude, longitude, and altitude or height (as non-limiting examples) from a plurality of positioning system signals received at the positioning system receiver220, and derive a geolocation from the identified latitude, longitude, and altitude or height (as non-limiting examples). In some embodiments, the geolocation may include or may be associated with an uncertainty value (e.g., the identified geolocation is accurate to within 5 meters). In some embodiments, the positioning system receiver220may provide the received positioning system signals to the microcontroller205and the microcontroller205may be programmed to itself identify the geolocation (e.g., a latitude, longitude, altitude or height, uncertainty) from a plurality of positioning system signals received via the positioning system receiver220.

The microcontroller205may receive the identified geolocation (or the received positioning system signals) and provide the identified geolocation to the wireless signal transmission system230. In some embodiments, as discussed further below, the microcontroller205may encrypt the identified geolocation using an encryption key or encryption credential prior to providing the geolocation to the wireless signal transmitter230. The microcontroller205may establish a communication session between the geolocation beacon200/250and the access point110.

As seen inFIG.2A, in some embodiments the wireless signal transmission system230may be or include a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacon240and Bluetooth-enabled antenna242, which may periodically transmit Bluetooth signals that include the identified geolocation. In some embodiments, the packets transmitted by the BLE beacon240(via the Bluetooth-enabled antenna242) may include a transmission power, which may be used by the access point110in calculating a distance from the geolocation beacon200using a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) distance formula.

As seen inFIG.2B, in some embodiments the wireless signal transmission system230may be or include a WiFi signal transmitter280and WiFi-enabled antenna282. The WiFi signal transmitter280may periodically transmit WiFi signals that include the identified geolocation and include information from the microcontroller205for identification by the access point110as geolocation-containing WiFi signals. For example, the WiFi signals may be specially-formatted, marked, or tagged for identification by the access point110. In some embodiments, the packets transmitted by the WiFi signal transmitter280(via the WiFi-enabled antenna282) may include a transmission power, which may be used by the access point110in calculating a distance from the geolocation beacon250using a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) distance formula.

A WiFi signal transmitter may provide a WiFi signal having increased energy or signal power as compared with the BLE beacon240ofFIG.2A, thus increasing a range or distance between the geolocation beacon250and the access point110, at the expense of the geolocation beacon250having increased power consumption requirements that are serviced by the power converter262.

In some embodiments, a geolocation beacon may be provided with other wireless signal transmitters230that are configured to transmit (and, in some embodiments receive) signals in one or more of a variety of protocols or formats, at one or more different frequencies, and so on. In some embodiments, a geolocation beacon (wireless signal transmission system230thereof) may include both a WiFi transmitter280and a BLE beacon240, and one or more antennas operable in frequency ranges to communicate signals from the WiFi transmitter280and BLE beacon240.

FIGS.3A,3B, and3Care diagrams illustrating examples of positioning of geolocation beacons170within environments that includes access points110, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As seen inFIG.3A, in some embodiments, geolocation beacons170may be provided along exterior walls of an installation environment300so as to provide coverage for access points110in the installation environment300. Although one result of the positioning of geolocation beacons170relative to access points110shown inFIG.3Ais that each access point110is within a communication range171of a geolocation beacon170, the positioning ofFIG.3Amay not be practical in many situations, as many of the access points110may not be located within a distance of the exterior wall or window of the installation environment300so as to be in range of the geolocation beacons170. The positioning ofFIG.3Amay also result in increased expense, as multiple geolocation beacons170may be required.

Accordingly, and pursuant to some embodiments of the present inventive concepts, a first access point110-1may provide a geolocation obtained from a geolocation beacon to a second access point110-2. The geolocation may be provided to the second access point110-2via the controller140(or directly from the first access-point110-1to the second access point110-2if the access points110are in communication with each other).

FIG.3Billustrates an example in which at least one access point (e.g., a second access point110-2) are within a communication range171-1of a geolocation beacon170-1, but other access points (e.g., a first access point110-1or a fourth access point110-4) are not within the communication range171-1. Systems and methods of the present disclosure may provide that the second access point110-2may provide obtained geolocation to the controller140(e.g., via a logical link114-3). The controller140may then provide the geolocation to the first access point110-1or other access points, such that the other access points110may then consult the Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) server as part of entering a standard power mode using the geolocation obtained by the second access point110-2.

As another example,FIG.3Cillustrates an example in which at least one access point (e.g., a second access point110-2) is within a first communication range171-1of a first geolocation beacon170-1and at least one access point (e.g., a fourth access point110-4) is within a second communication range171-2of a second geolocation beacon170-2, but other access points (e.g., a seventh access point110-7or a ninth access point110-9) are not within a communication range171of any geolocation beacon170. Systems and methods of the present disclosure may provide that each access point110within a communication range171of a geolocation beacon170may provide an obtained geolocation to the controller140(e.g., via a respective logical link114). In the example ofFIG.3C, the controller may then receive multiple geolocations (e.g., multiple geolocations from multiple different geolocation beacons). The controller140may then provide a selected geolocation instance to access points110requesting geolocations from the controller140, such that the other access points110may then consult the Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) server as part of entering a standard power mode using the geolocation obtained by an access point110in a communication range171of a geolocation beacon170. In some embodiments, the controller140may select a geolocation instance that is received from a neighbor access point110that is nearest to the requesting access point110. In some embodiments, the controller140may select a geolocation instance received from an access point110that has the highest degree of certainty (e.g., is indicated to be a most accurate geolocation instance).

FIGS.4A and4Bare a flow diagrams illustrating aspects of communicating geolocation information from a geolocation beacon170to access points110, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG.7is a flowchart illustrating some operations in a method of acquiring and transmitting of a geolocation by a geolocation beacon170, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring toFIG.4A and7, a geolocation beacon170may acquire positioning system signals using the geolocation positioning system receiver220and geolocation positioning system antenna222, and then use the positioning system signals to identify a geolocation of the geolocation beacon170(operation406ofFIG.4A and7). The identified geolocation may be transmitted, for example using a specific transmission format or packet (operation410ofFIG.4A and7). In some embodiments, the geolocation may be provided as a latitude, longitude, and altitude (or height from ground or sea level). The transmission of the geolocation may include transmission of an uncertainty value associated with the geolocation.

In some embodiments, a security mechanism may be used to secure or encrypt the geolocation that is transmitted from the geolocation beacon170and received by the access points110. The usage of a security mechanism may ensure that an access point110does not receive an improper or incorrect geolocation (e.g., from an unintended or malicious source of geolocation data). Referring toFIG.4B and7, a geolocation beacon170may be instructed to generate encryption credentials, such as a public and private key pair, passphrase, or other encryption credentials (operation402ofFIG.4B and7). As discussed in detail below, the geolocation beacon170may transmit a portion of the encryption credentials (e.g., the public key) to a controller140, which may be configured to receive (or obtain) and then disseminate or publish the received encryption credentials to the access points110for use in decrypting encrypted communications that are transmitted by the geolocation beacon170(operation502ofFIG.4B). The access points110may be configured to receive and then store the encryption credentials received (or obtained) from the controller140for use in decrypting encrypted communications that are transmitted by the geolocation beacon170(operation504ofFIG.4B).

The geolocation beacon170may acquire positioning system signals using the geolocation positioning system receiver220and geolocation positioning system antenna222, and then use the positioning system signals to identify a geolocation of the geolocation beacon170(operation406ofFIG.4B and7). In some embodiments, the geolocation may be stored as coordinates, such as latitude, longitude, and altitude (or height from ground or sea level). In some embodiments, the geolocation may include or be associated with an uncertainty value. The geolocation may be encrypted using a portion of the encryption credentials (e.g., the private key), resulting in an encrypted geolocation (operation408ofFIG.4B and7). The encrypted geolocation may be transmitted using the wireless signal transmission system230of the geolocation beacon170(operation410ofFIG.4B and7).

In some embodiments, and regardless of whether the encryption scheme discussed above is used, the geolocation beacon (e.g., microcontroller205thereof) may be configured to instantiate a retransmit timer, and identify an expiration of the retransmit timer (operation412ofFIG.7). When the retransmit timer expires (“Y” branch of operation412ofFIG.7), the geolocation beacon170may be configured to retransmit the acquired geolocation. Otherwise, (“N” branch of operation412ofFIG.7) the geolocation beacon170may refrain from retransmission of the geolocation.

In some embodiments, and regardless of whether the encryption scheme discussed above is used, the geolocation beacon (e.g., microcontroller205thereof) may be configured to instantiate a refresh timer, which may be implemented separately from the retransmit timer discussed above. The geolocation beacon may identify an expiration of the refresh timer. When the refresh timer expires, the geolocation beacon170may be configured to acquire new positioning system signals and identify a (potentially new) geolocation of the geolocation beacon170. The geolocation beacon170may then begin to broadcast or transmit a new geolocation that is corresponding to the new positioning system signals. Prior to expiration of the refresh timer, the geolocation beacon170may refrain from reacquisition of positioning system signals. The use of the refresh timer may be helpful in situations in which the geolocation beacon170is moved throughout an environment (e.g., so that access points110may receive the wireless signals transmitted by the geolocation beacon170).

As can be seen inFIGS.4A and4B, an access point110(e.g., a first access point110-1) may receive a wireless transmission including an identified geolocation from the geolocation beacon170, which may be unencrypted (operation505ofFIG.4A) or encrypted (operation506ofFIG.4B). When an encryption scheme is used, the access point110may then decrypt the encrypted geolocation data using the stored encryption credentials (operation506ofFIG.4B). The access point110may store the provided geolocation (operation508ofFIGS.4A and4B), and provide the geolocation to an AFC server (operation510ofFIGS.4A and4B).

In some embodiments, prior to providing the geolocation to the AFC server, the access point110may attempt to calculate an offset distance between the geolocation beacon170and the access point110. As a non-limiting example, the offset distance may be calculated using a difference between the transmission power of the signal transmitted by the geolocation beacon170and a signal strength of the signal received by the access point110. The uncertainty value transmitted to the AFC server by the access point110may include a sum of the uncertainty value generated or calculated (and transmitted) by the geolocation beacon170, and the offset distance between the geolocation beacon170and the access point110that is calculated by the access point110.

As discussed above, at least in part on the geolocation and uncertainty value, the AFC server may respond with a list of channels in the 6 GHz band of frequencies that the access point110is permitted to use without causing interference issues to incumbent users in a vicinity or proximity to the access point110.

However, as can be seen inFIGS.4A and4B, and with reference to the discussion ofFIGS.3A-3Cabove, in some embodiments and situations, not all access points110may be within a communication range171of the geolocation beacon170, and thus not all access points110may receive the wireless signals transmitted by the geolocation beacon170. For example, inFIGS.4A and4B, a first access point110-1may receive the wireless signals transmitted by the geolocation beacon170, while a second access point110-2may not receive the wireless signals transmitted by the geolocation beacon170.

FIG.5is a flow diagram illustrating aspects of receiving geolocation information at a first access point and communicating the same to a second access point via a controller according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG.5illustrates the transmission of the geolocation from the geolocation beacon170discussed in operations402-410ofFIGS.4A,4B, and7, andFIG.5also illustrates the optional obtaining and transmission of encryption access credentials by the controller140and the storage of the same by the access points110in operations502and504discussed above.

In addition to the first access point110-1providing the geolocation to the AFC server, the first access point110-1may also provide the geolocation to the controller140(operation512). In some embodiments where the encryption mechanism discussed above is used, the first access point110-1may provide the decrypted geolocation, while in some embodiments the first access point110-1may provide the geolocation as an encrypted geolocation.

The controller140may receive and store a geolocation from a first access point110-1(operation514). For example, the controller140may store the received geolocation in a memory, and may associate the stored geolocation with the first access point110-1.

During an initialization or powering on of the second access point110-2, the second access point110-2may detect that it has not received a wireless signal that includes a geolocation from a geolocation beacon170(operation516). The second access point110-2may then request a geolocation from the controller140(operation518). The controller140may identify and transmit a geolocation stored by the controller140to the second access point110-2(operation520). The second access point110-2may then provide the geolocation to an AFC server (operation510).

As discussed above, when an access point reports its geolocation to an AFC server, it must also provide an uncertainty value to the AFC server. Accordingly, in some embodiments, prior to providing the geolocation to the AFC server, the second access point110-2may attempt to calculate an offset distance between the first access point110-1and the second access point110-2. As a non-limiting example, the offset distance may be calculated using a precoded or hard-coded distance between the first and second access points110-1and110-2. As another example, the second access point110-2may use various network characteristics or parameters to identify an approximate distance between the first and second access points110-1and110-2. The uncertainty value transmitted to the AFC server by the access point110may include a sum of the uncertainty value generated or calculated (and transmitted) by the geolocation beacon170, a first offset distance between the geolocation beacon170and the first access point110-1that is calculated by the first access point110-1, and a second offset distance between the first access point110-1and the second access point110-2that is calculated by the second access point110-2.

FIG.6is a flowchart illustrating some operations in a method600of identifying a power mode to use in an access point110, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Reference is made toFIGS.4A,4B, and5. The method600may begin (e.g., may be executed or performed by a process of an access point110) at an initiation, start-up, or power-on state of the access point110.

The access point110may attempt to obtain a geolocation from a geolocation beacon (operation610). For example, the access point110may listen (using a Bluetooth-enabled receiver and/or WiFi antenna) for a wireless signal transmitted from a geolocation beacon. The access point may attempt to obtain the geolocation from the geolocation beacon for a period of time and/or for a number of attempts that may be selectable. Although increasing the number of attempts or a length of time to try and obtain a signal from the geolocation beacon170may improve a likelihood that the access point110does in fact receive such a wireless signal from the geolocation beacon170, the access point110may not be able to service clients thereof (e.g., client devices120ofFIG.1) while attempting to obtain the geolocation from the geolocation beacon170, and thus a time or number of attempts may be selected to balance various factors.

The access point110may then identify or determine whether a wireless signal was obtained from a geolocation beacon (operation620). If a wireless signal was received (“Y” branch from operation620), then the access point110may obtain a geolocation from the wireless signal (operation625) and provide the obtained geolocation to the AFC (operation650). The obtaining of the geolocation from the geolocation beacon170may include the operations505or506and508discussed above, or operations similar to those previously discussed, and duplicate description thereof is omitted here in favor of the previously-provided description. The providing of the obtained geolocation to the AFC server may include operation510discussed above, and may also include the calculating and providing of the offset distance discussed previously.

If a wireless signal was not received from the geolocation beacon (“N” branch from operation620), then the access point110may attempt to obtain a geolocation from the controller140(operation630). The attempting to obtain the geolocation from the controller140may include the operations516and518discussed above, or operations similar to those previously discussed, and duplicate description thereof is omitted here in favor of the previously-provided description. If a geolocation was received from the controller140(“Y” branch from operation640), then the access point110provides the obtained geolocation to the AFC (operation650), which may include the calculating and providing of the offset distance discussed previously.

Subsequent to a geolocation being provided to the AFC server, the AFC server may respond with either an approval or a non-approval to use standard power mode, and the access point110may examine the response from the AFC server (operation660). If the AFC server approves the use of the standard power mode (“Y” branch from operation660), then the access point110may enter the standard power mode (operation680). On the other hand, if the AFC server does not approve the use of the standard power mode (“N” branch from operation660), then the access point110may enter a low power mode (operation670). The access point may also enter the low power mode if it is unable to receive a geolocation from the controller140(“N” branch from operation640).

In some embodiments, the access point110may be configured to instantiate a watchdog timer, and identify an expiration of the watchdog timer (operation690). When the watchdog timer expires (“Y” branch of operation690), the access point110may be configured to begin the process ofFIG.6and attempt to obtain a new geolocation from a geolocation beacon170or a controller140. Otherwise, (“N” branch of operation690ofFIG.6) the access point110may refrain from attempting to acquire a new geolocation. In some embodiments, the access point110may instantiate the watchdog timer and attempt to obtain new geolocation only when operating in the low power mode. In some embodiments, the access point110may instantiate the watchdog timer having a first duration when operating in the low power mode, and having a second duration when operating in the standard power mode. The first duration may be shorter than the second duration.

FIG.8is a flowchart illustrating some operations in a method of receiving and distributing a geolocation by a controller140, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, a geolocation beacon170may transmit a portion of the encryption credentials (e.g., a public key) to a controller140, which may be configured to receive (or obtain) and then disseminate or publish the received encryption credentials to the access points110for use in decrypting encrypted communications that are transmitted by the geolocation beacon170(operation502). Subsequently, the controller140may receive a geolocation from a first access point110-1(operation512-1). The controller140may store the received geolocation in a memory, and may associate the stored geolocation with the first access point110-1(operation512-2). The controller140may receive a request from a second access point110-2, which has detected that it has not received a wireless signal that includes a geolocation from a geolocation beacon170(operation518).

The controller140may identify the first access point110-1as a nearest neighbor of access point110-2that is in range of a geolocation beacon170(operation520-1). For example, the controller140may be aware of a layout of the access points110-1and110-2in relation to each other, either physically and/or having coverage areas that are nearest to each other. The controller140may be aware of handoffs or reassociations of client devices120that move from the first access point110-1to the second access point110-2. In some embodiments, the first access point110-1may provide to the controller140a list of access points110that are known nearest neighbors to the first access point110-1, and the controller140may compare the list with the stored geolocations and associated access points110. The controller140may identify and transmit a geolocation (which may be encrypted or unencrypted) that is stored by the controller140to the second access point110-2(operation520-2).

In addition to the example environments and layouts provided above with respect toFIGS.3A-3C, other example environments and layouts are considered herein in which signals from a first and second geolocation beacon170may be used to identify a geolocation of an access point110with increased resolution or certainty.FIGS.9A-9Care diagrams illustrating examples of positioning of geolocation beacons within environments that includes access points, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As can be seen inFIG.9A, in some embodiments, an access point110(such as a second access point110-2) may be within a communication range171-1of a first geolocation beacon170-1, and also within a communication range171-2of a second geolocation beacon170-2. The access point110-2may receive a first geolocation from the first geolocation beacon170-1, and may also receive a second geolocation from the second geolocation beacon170-2. In some embodiments, an access point110may be configured to select one of the first geolocation or the second geolocation (e.g., select from among the first geolocation and the second geolocation a geolocation having a higher certainty value or lower uncertainty value). In some embodiments, the access point110-2may generate a derived geolocation using the first and second geolocation. For example, the access point110-2may calculate an intersectional area formed from an intersection between a first area centered about the first geolocation (and having a radius based on the uncertainty value of the first geolocation), and a second area centered about the second geolocation (and having a radius based on the uncertainty value of the second geolocation). The access point110-2may calculate a geolocation at an approximate center point of the intersectional area as the derived geolocation.

As another example, as can be seen inFIG.9B, in some embodiments, a third access point110-3may receive a first geolocation (or a portion of a first geolocation) received by a first access point110-1from a first geolocation beacon170-1, and also receive a second geolocation (or a portion of a second geolocation) received by a second access point110-2from a second geolocation beacon170-2. The third access point110-3may use the first and second geolocation to calculate or determine an approximate geolocation of the third access point110-3.

As another example, as can be seen inFIG.9C, in some embodiments, a third access point110-3may receive a calculated geolocation from the controller that is based on a first geolocation received by a first access point110-1from a first geolocation beacon170-1, and also based a second geolocation (or a portion of a second geolocation) received by a second access point110-2from a second geolocation beacon170-2. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the geolocation received by the third access point110-3may differ from the first geolocation received by the first access point110-1from the first geolocation beacon170-1and the second geolocation received by the second access point110-2from the second geolocation beacon170-2.

FIG.10is a flowchart illustrating some operations in a method of identifying a power mode to use in an access point110, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The access point110may receive a first geolocation from a first geolocation beacon (operation1001). For example, the access point110may listen (using a Bluetooth-enabled receiver and/or WiFi antenna) for a wireless signal transmitted from a geolocation beacon170. The access point110may attempt to obtain the geolocation from the geolocation beacon for a period of time and/or for a number of attempts that may be selectable, as discussed above. The access point110may also receive a second geolocation from a second geolocation beacon (operation1003).

Using the first and second geolocations, the access point110may determine a more certain geolocation from the first and second geolocations (operation1005). As discussed above, in some embodiments, this may include selecting between the first and second geolocations, or calculating or generating a derived geolocation from the first and second geolocations.

The access point may provide the more certain geolocation being provided to the AFC server (with an offset value as discussed above) (operation1007), and the AFC server may respond with either an approval or a non-approval to use standard power mode. The access point110may examine the response from the AFC server (operation660). If the AFC server approves the use of the standard power mode (“Y” branch from operation660), then the access point110may enter the standard power mode (operation680). On the other hand, if the AFC server does not approve the use of the standard power mode (“N” branch from operation660), then the access point110may enter a low power mode (operation670).

FIG.11is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device1100in accordance with some embodiments. The electronic device1100may be, for example, one of the access points110or one of the client devices120illustrated inFIG.1, the network switches130illustrated inFIG.1, the controller140ofFIG.1, the geolocation beacon170ofFIG.1, and other electronic devices described herein. The electronic device1100includes a processing subsystem1110, a memory subsystem1112, and a networking subsystem1114. Processing subsystem1110includes one or more devices configured to perform computational operations. Memory subsystem1112includes one or more devices for storing data and/or instructions. In some embodiments, the instructions may include an operating system and one or more program modules which may be executed by processing subsystem1110.

Networking subsystem1114includes one or more devices configured to couple to and communicate on a wired and/or wireless network (i.e., to perform network operations), including: control logic1116, an interface circuit1118and one or more antennas1120(or antenna elements). WhileFIG.11includes an antenna1120, in some embodiments electronic device1100includes one or more nodes, such as nodes1108, e.g., a connector, which can be coupled to one or more antennas1120that are external to the electronic device1100. Thus, electronic device1100may or may not include the one or more antennas1120. Networking subsystem1114includes at least a networking system based on the standards described in IEEE 802.11 (e.g., a WiFi networking system).

Networking subsystem1114includes processors, controllers, radios/antennas, sockets/plugs, and/or other devices used for coupling to, communicating on, and handling data and events for each supported networking system. Note that mechanisms used for coupling to, communicating on, and handling data and events on the network for each network system are sometimes collectively referred to as a ‘network interface’ for the network system. Moreover, in some embodiments a ‘network’ or a ‘connection’ between the electronic devices does not yet exist. Therefore, electronic device1100may use the mechanisms in networking subsystem1114for performing simple wireless communication between the electronic devices, e.g., transmitting frames and/or scanning for frames transmitted by other electronic devices.

Processing subsystem1110, memory subsystem1112, and networking subsystem1114are coupled together using bus1128. Bus1128may include an electrical, optical, and/or electro-optical connection that the subsystems can use to communicate commands and data among one another.

Electronic device1100can be (or can be included in) any electronic device with at least one network interface. For example, electronic device1100can be (or can be included in): a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a subnotebook/netbook, a server, a computer, a mainframe computer, a cloud-based computer, a tablet computer, a smartphone, a cellular telephone, a smartwatch, a wearable device, a consumer-electronic device, a portable computing device, an access point, a transceiver, a controller, a radio node, a router, a switch, communication equipment, a wireless dongle, test equipment, and/or another electronic device.

The operations performed in the communication techniques according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware or software, and in a wide variety of configurations and architectures. For example, at least some of the operations in the communication techniques may be implemented using program instructions1122, operating system1124(such as a driver for interface circuit1118) or in firmware in interface circuit1118. Alternatively or additionally, at least some of the operations in the communication techniques may be implemented in a physical layer, such as hardware in interface circuit1118.

Embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the disclosure are shown. The inventive concepts may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on” another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” another element, there are no intervening elements present. It will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (i.e., “between” versus “directly between”, “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent”, etc.).

Aspects and elements of all of the embodiments disclosed above can be combined in any way and/or combination with aspects or elements of other embodiments to provide a plurality of additional embodiments.