Patent Description:
The present disclosure relates generally to wireless access points.

In computer networking, a wireless Access Point (AP) is a networking hardware device that allows a Wi-Fi compatible client device to connect to a wired network and to other client devices. The AP usually connects to a router (directly or indirectly via a wired network) as a standalone device, but it can also be an integral component of the router itself. Several APs may also work in coordination, either through direct wired or wireless connections, or through a central system, commonly called a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) controller. An AP is differentiated from a hotspot, which is the physical location where Wi-Fi access to a WLAN is available.

Prior to wireless networks, setting up a computer network in a business, home, or school often required running many cables through walls and ceilings in order to deliver network access to all of the network-enabled devices in the building. With the creation of the wireless AP, network users are able to add devices that access the network with few or no cables. An AP normally connects directly to a wired Ethernet connection and the AP then provides wireless connections using radio frequency links for other devices to utilize that wired connection. Most APs support the connection of multiple wireless devices to one wired connection. APs are built to support a standard for sending and receiving data using these radio frequencies.

<CIT> is directed to a method and system for switching a network application operating in a first communication mode to a second mode within a wireless local area network, comprising: judging whether mobile nodes are neighboring according to location information; when nodes are neighboring inquiring whether mobile nodes want to switch to second mode to run network applications; when all mobile nodes agree to switch to second mode, downloading and installing network application provided by the application server to one of the mobile nodes; configuring each of the mobile nodes with the communication parameters under the second mode; and switching all mobile nodes to the second communication mode to continue the previous network application.

<NPL>, describes a test-bed to research WLAN networks for large-scale sport venues. The high density of wireless clients in such venues requires new solutions, e.g. to use a hybrid operation mode that allows clients to switch to the ad-hoc operation mode of <NUM> when the AP is approaching its channel capacity or a few mobile clients in physical proximity want to exchange video files with each other. In this case, the clients perform the video file transfer, then switch back to infrastructure mode.

The invention is described by the embodiments related to <FIG> and <FIG>.

A hybrid relay for high density venues may be provided. First, a user density value at an Access Point (AP) disposed above a ground level may be determined. Then a user density value at an AP-relay disposed at the ground level may be determined. Next, it may be determined that a difference between the user density value at the AP and the user density value at the AP-relay is greater than a predetermined threshold. The AP-relay may then be switched from a sensor mode to an AP-relay mode in response to determining that the difference between the user density value at the AP and the user density value at the AP-relay is greater than the predetermined threshold.

Both the foregoing overview and the following example embodiments are examples and explanatory only, and should not be considered to restrict the disclosure's scope, as described and claimed.

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar elements. The following detailed description does not limit the disclosure. Instead, the proper scope of the disclosure is defined by the appended claims.

People may congregate in venues comprising, but not limited to, stadiums, concert halls, convention halls, or any place where many people may densely congregate. Venues may initially be empty, but may become dense with people (i.e., human bodies) as more and more people arrive. In these venues dense with people, a Radio Frequency (RF) environment may degrade asymmetrically toward an Access Point (AP). At ground level, however, the human bodies may act as RF absorption sinks, and RF signals may not travel far horizontally through the crowd. This is the reason why APs are on the ceiling, with directional antennas pointing downward.

In this environment, signals from user devices on the ground level (e.g., smartphones) may be detected by the AP above because human bodies may be between devices at ground level, not above the user devices. The result is that, from each user device's perspective at ground level, the channel utilization may be low, and the channel may be clear most of the time. This is because the user device may only detect a few other user devices at close range horizontally. From the AP's perspective, the channel utilization may be high and the channel may barely be usable because the AP detects all the user devices that reach the AP vertically. This phenomenon may be referred to as "quiet ground and noisy ceiling". In this situation, there may be a need to reduce the load of the AP by pushing client devices to other APs. However, the client devices tend to associate to an AP above because its signal may be the loudest.

Accordingly, consistent with embodiments of the disclosure, a hybrid relay process that uses sensors (i.e., AP-relays) for high density venues may be provided. As will be described in greater detail below, based on the RF environment and user policies, the sensor may be triggered into the role of AP-relay to serve clients, thus improving capacity and channel utilization at the AP.

<FIG> shows an operating environment <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, operating environment <NUM> may comprise a network controller <NUM>, a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) controller <NUM>, an Access Point (AP) <NUM>, an AP-relay <NUM>, and a plurality of client devices <NUM>. Network controller <NUM> may comprise an assurance component <NUM> and an automation component <NUM>. Assurance component <NUM> may comprise a network analytics component <NUM> and a sensor policy manager component <NUM>. Plurality of client devices <NUM> may comprise a first client device <NUM>, a second client device <NUM>, a third client device <NUM>, and a fourth client device <NUM>. WLAN controller <NUM> may control a WLAN of which AP <NUM> and AP-relay <NUM> are a part of.

Network controller <NUM> may provision and configure the WLAN devices by proactively monitoring, troubleshooting, and optimizing the WLAN. Full automation capabilities for provisioning and change management may be enhanced with intelligent analytics that pull telemetry data from locations in the WLAN. Radio Resource Management (RRM) processes may be performed by network controller <NUM> to provide real-time RF management of operating environment <NUM>. RRM processes may allow network controller <NUM> to continually monitor AP <NUM> and AP-relay <NUM>, for example, for the following: channel utilization, client count, signal strength between AP-relay <NUM> and other AP-relays, traffic load, interference, noise, coverage, and other information such as the number of nearby APs. Using this information, RRM processes on controller <NUM> may periodically reconfigure AP <NUM> and AP-relay <NUM> in operating environment <NUM> to improve efficiency by providing radio resource monitoring, AP-relay mode, transmit power control, dynamic channel assignment, and coverage hole detection and correction.

AP-relay <NUM> may operate in a sensor mode or in an AP-relay mode. In the sensor mode, AP-relay <NUM> may behave, for example, as an <NUM> a/b/g/n/ac/ax compliant (e.g., Wave <NUM>) sensor with internal antennas and an Ethernet backhaul that may also be capable of joining AP <NUM> as a client. In addition to running network tests like, Internet Protocol (IP) addressing, host reachability, Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS), and Email/Web/File Transfer Protocol (FTP) applications, AP-relay <NUM> in the sensor mode may also report the user device level view (e.g., ground level) to the RRM process running in operating environment <NUM>. In the AP-relay mode, AP-relay <NUM> may operate one of its two radios an AP serving the same Service Set Identifier (SSID) as AP <NUM> on another channel than AP <NUM>, while the other radio stays in client mode, connected to AP <NUM>. As will be described in greater detail below, AP-relay <NUM> may be switched from the sensor mode to the AP-relay mode to enhance the RRM processes.

First client device <NUM>, second client device <NUM>, third client device <NUM>, or fourth client device <NUM> may comprise, but is not limited to, a smart phone, a personal computer, a tablet device, a mobile device, a cable modem, a cellular base station, a telephone, a remote control device, a set-top box, a digital video recorder, an Internet-of-Things (IoT) device, a network computer, a mainframe, a router, or other similar microcomputer-based device. AP <NUM> and AP-relay <NUM> may be compatible with specification standards such as the <NUM> a/b/g/n/ac/ax specification standards for example.

Embodiments of the disclosure may leverage AP-relays (e.g., AP-relay <NUM>) that may be deployed in aforementioned high-density environments (i.e., venues dense with people). These AP-relays may be hybrid devices that may be intended to test the network as clients or serve as APs. For example, AP-relay <NUM> may be initially configured by network controller <NUM> as a client to AP <NUM>, and may exchange with AP <NUM> performance metrics. These performance metrics may be collected and stored in network analytics component <NUM>. The performance metrics may comprise, for example, channel utilization, count of frames (e.g., to and from client devices) with "retry" bit set, and count of frames for which acknowledgement was not detected. When sensor policy manager component <NUM> analyzes the performance metrics and determines channel utilization increased from AP <NUM>'s or AP-relay <NUM>'s viewpoint, sensor policy manager component <NUM> may signal automation component <NUM> to direct WLAN controller <NUM> to cause AP-relay <NUM> to switch to the AP-relay mode. In the AP-relay mode, a first one of AP-relay <NUM>'s two radios may be switched to the AP mode in which it serves the same SSID as AP <NUM> on another channel, while a second one of AP-relay <NUM>'s two radios stays in client mode, connected to AP <NUM>.

The elements described above of operating environment <NUM> (e.g., network controller <NUM>, WLAN controller <NUM>, AP <NUM>, AP-relay <NUM>, and plurality of client devices <NUM>) may be practiced in hardware and/or in software (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or in any other circuits or systems. The elements of operating environment <NUM> may be practiced in electrical circuits comprising discrete electronic elements, packaged or integrated electronic chips containing logic gates, a circuit utilizing a microprocessor, or on a single chip containing electronic elements or microprocessors. Furthermore, the elements of operating environment <NUM> may also be practiced using other technologies capable of performing logical operations such as, for example, AND, OR, and NOT, including but not limited to, mechanical, optical, fluidic, and quantum technologies. As described in greater detail below with respect to <FIG>, the elements of operating environment <NUM> may be practiced in a computing device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flow chart setting forth the general stages involved in a method <NUM> consistent with an embodiment of the disclosure for providing a hybrid relay for high density venues. Method <NUM> may be implemented using network controller <NUM>, WLAN controller <NUM>, AP <NUM>, or AP-relay <NUM>, any of which may be embodied by a computing device <NUM> as described in more detail below with respect to <FIG>. Accordingly, method <NUM> may be described with respect to computing device <NUM>. Ways to implement the stages of method <NUM> will be described in greater detail below.

Method <NUM> may begin at starting block <NUM> and proceed to stage <NUM> where computing device <NUM> determines a user density value at AP <NUM> disposed above a ground level. For example, as shown in <FIG>, AP <NUM> with a directional antenna may be disposed above ground level at the venue. A plurality of AP-relays (e.g., a first AP-relay <NUM>, a second AP-relay <NUM>, a third AP-relay <NUM>, and a fourth AP relay <NUM>) may be placed below the seats at the venue. AP-relay <NUM> may comprise one of the plurality of AP-relays.

A centralized management system (e.g., network controller <NUM>) may trigger AP-relay <NUM>'s mode based on AP <NUM>'s reported co-channel contention and overall load. The trigger framework, may work as follows. Initially (i.e., empty venue) network controller <NUM> may set each AP-relay into the sensor mode. The trigger for detection of "empty venue" may comprise low or no client device count on AP <NUM>, which may be the closest to AP-relay <NUM> (i.e., highest Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI)).

As people (e.g., client device users) enter the venue, AP-relay <NUM> may forward to AP <NUM> (i.e., the nearest AP), the Media Access Control (MAC) address of each detected client device along with its RSSI value (from AP-relay <NUM>'s viewpoint). As user density increases at the venue, the channel utilization on AP <NUM> also increases. AP <NUM> may provide network controller <NUM> performance metrics that may allow network controller <NUM> to determine the user density value at AP <NUM> at a given time. These performance metrics may comprise, but are not limited to, channel utilization on AP <NUM> and client device count on AP <NUM>.

From stage <NUM>, where computing device <NUM> determines the user density value at AP <NUM> disposed above the ground level, method <NUM> advances to stage <NUM> where computing device <NUM> determines a user density value at AP-relay <NUM> disposed at the ground level. For example, as user density increases at the venue, AP-relay <NUM> may provide network controller <NUM> performance metrics that may allow network controller <NUM> to determine the user density value at AP-relay <NUM> at a given time. These performance metrics may comprise, but are not limited to, MAC address count reported by AP-relay <NUM> and RSSI values between AP-relay <NUM> and other AP-relays, which may be indicative of crowd density between AP-relay locations.

Once computing device <NUM> determines the user density value at AP-relay <NUM> disposed at the ground level in stage <NUM>, method <NUM> continues to stage <NUM> where computing device <NUM> determines that a difference between the user density value at AP <NUM> and the user density value at AP-relay <NUM> is greater than a predetermined threshold. For example, with the venue dense with people, the RF environment may degrade asymmetrically toward AP <NUM>. At ground level, however, the human bodies may act as RF absorption sinks, and RF signals may not travel far horizontally through the crowd. In this environment, signals from user devices on the ground level may be detected by the AP <NUM> above because human bodies may be between the user devices at ground level. The result is that, from AP-relay <NUM>'s perspective at ground level and each user device's perspective at ground level, the channel utilization may be low, and the channel may be clear most of the time even though the actually density of users around AP-relay <NUM> may be high. This is because AP-relay <NUM> may only detect a few user devices at close range horizontally due to the human bodies acting as RF absorption sinks. From AP <NUM>'s perspective, however, the channel utilization may be high and the channel may barely be usable because AP <NUM> may detect all the user devices that reach AP <NUM> vertically. Network controller <NUM> may monitor the difference between the detected user density value at AP <NUM> and the detected user density value at AP-relay <NUM> and determined that it is greater than a predetermined threshold. In other words, the delta between the detected user density value at AP <NUM> and the detected user density value at AP-relay <NUM> grows as the venue fills with people.

After computing device <NUM> determines that the difference between the user density value at AP <NUM> and the user density value at AP-relay <NUM> is greater than the predetermined threshold in stage <NUM>, method <NUM> proceeds to stage <NUM> where computing device <NUM> switches AP-relay <NUM> from the sensor mode to the AP-relay mode in response to determining that the difference between the user density value at AP <NUM> and the user density value at AP-relay <NUM> is greater than the predetermined threshold. For example, AP <NUM> may progressively switch some AP-relays (e.g., AP-relay <NUM>) from the sensor mode to the AP-relay mode.

<FIG> illustrates actual user device density. As shown in <FIG>, AP-relay <NUM> may have the greatest user density around it, AP-relay <NUM> may have the least user density around it, and the user density around AP-relay <NUM> may be somewhere between. AP-relay <NUM>, for example, may comprise AP-relay <NUM> or AP-relay <NUM>. Because the human bodies around AP-relay <NUM> and AP-relay <NUM> may act as RF absorption sinks, the channel utilization may be low from AP-relay <NUM>'s and AP-relay <NUM>'s perspective at ground level, and the channel may be clear most of the time. Accordingly, AP-relay <NUM> and AP-relay <NUM> may report low user density values causing a delta between their user density values and that reported by AP <NUM> to be greater than the predetermined threshold. Consequently, network controller <NUM> may cause AP-relay <NUM> and AP-relay <NUM> to switch from the sensor mode to the AP-relay mode.

Network controller <NUM>, for example, may cause AP <NUM> to sends an instruction to each target AP-relay (e.g., AP-relay <NUM> and AP-relay <NUM>) to switch to AP-relay mode. The AP-relay mode may use a first radio in infrastructure mode (e.g., acting as an AP) with the same SSID as AP <NUM>, and a second radio as a client mode (e.g., connect to AP <NUM>). In some embodiments, the AP-relays may report to AP <NUM> (over its Over-the-Air (OTA) secure connection) each individual MAC address for the client devices, and AP <NUM> may forward to the AP-relays the credentials for target client devices that may need to be moved to the AP-relays.

AP <NUM> may then send a Base Service Set Transition Management (BTM) request to the clients closest (highest RSSI) to AP-relay <NUM>, instructing them to move to AP-relay <NUM>'s BSSID. AP-relay <NUM> may connect to AP <NUM> on a channel different from one that AP <NUM> uses to connect directly to client devices. AP-relay <NUM> may now serve as an AP to these close-by clients.

As shown in <FIG>, consistent with embodiments of the disclosure, AP-relays may operate at a different transmit (Tx) power level according to the number and the range of client devices that it now serves in the horizontal direction. AP-relay <NUM> may operate in the sensor mode. AP-relay <NUM> may operate in the AP-relay mode at a power level <NUM>. AP-relay <NUM> and AP-relay <NUM> may operate in the AP-relay mode at a power level <NUM>. The power level and the range may be instantiated by a relay-sub-function of the RRM, based on the AP-relay to AP-relay signal, and also based on each AP-relay client count, and the overall observed or projected gain of moving more clients to each AP-relay. Because traffic may be substantially horizontal, range may be short and collisions may be minimal.

Network controller <NUM> may set the AP-relay AP-side channel to optimize coverage while minimizing potential co-channel interference between AP-relays along with AP-relay Tx power level. The AP-relay may use, for example, its second radio in <NUM>. 11ax Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) mode to forward the client devices traffic to and from AP <NUM>. Several AP-relays may connect to the same AP <NUM>. AP <NUM> may allocate Resource Units (RUs) to each AP-relay in range based on their client device load. As AP <NUM> and the AP-relay operate in <NUM>. 11ax OFDMA mode and are not mobile, Multi-User, Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output (MU-MIMO) may be used for Uplink (UL) and Downlink (DL) throughput optimization. In parallel, as horizontal traffic may be hybrid (i.e., some client devices may be <NUM>. 11ax, others may not, and only some <NUM>. 11ax client devices may be able to leverage OFDMA or MU-MIMO), vertical bandwidth capability may be much larger than the requirements for the horizontal bandwidth. As the channel utilization on the AP to AP-relay decreases, AP-relays may be progressively returned to the sensor mode, thus allowing the system to scale and maintain endpoint connection performances even at traffic peaks.

Accordingly, a hybrid relay process that uses AP-relays for high density venues may be provided. Based on the RF environment and user policies, AP-relay <NUM> may be triggered from a sensor mode to an AP-relay mode in which it takes on the role of an AP to serve clients, thus improving capacity and channel utilization at AP <NUM>.

Once computing device <NUM> switches AP-relay <NUM> from the sensor mode to the AP-relay mode in response to determining that the difference between the user density value at AP <NUM> and the user density value at AP-relay <NUM> is greater than the predetermined threshold in stage <NUM>, method <NUM> may then end at stage <NUM>.

<FIG> shows computing device <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, computing device <NUM> includes a processing unit <NUM> and a memory unit <NUM>. Memory unit <NUM> may include a software module <NUM> and a database <NUM>. While executing on processing unit <NUM>, software module <NUM> performs processes for providing a hybrid relay for high density venues as described above with respect to <FIG>. Computing device <NUM>, for example, may provide an operating environment for network controller <NUM>, WLAN controller <NUM>, AP <NUM>, AP-relay <NUM>, or plurality of client devices <NUM>. Network controller <NUM>, WLAN controller <NUM>, AP <NUM>, AP-relay <NUM>, and plurality of client devices <NUM> may operate in other environments and are not limited to computing device <NUM>.

Computing device <NUM> may be implemented using a Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) access point, a cellular base station, a tablet device, a mobile device, a smart phone, a telephone, a remote control device, a set-top box, a digital video recorder, a cable modem, a personal computer, a network computer, a mainframe, a router, a switch, a server cluster, a smart TV-like device, a network storage device, a network relay devices, or other similar microcomputer-based device. Computing device <NUM> may comprise any computer operating environment, such as hand-held devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable sender electronic devices, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. Computing device <NUM> may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices. The aforementioned systems and devices are examples and computing device <NUM> may comprise other systems or devices.

Embodiments of the disclosure may comprise a method for providing a hybrid relay for high density venues. The method may comprise determining, by a computing device, a user density value at an Access Point (AP) disposed above a ground level; determining a user density value at an AP-relay disposed at the ground level; determining that a difference between the user density value at the AP and the user density value at the AP-relay is greater than a predetermined threshold; and switching the AP-relay from a sensor mode to an AP-relay mode in response to determining that the difference between the user density value at the AP and the user density value at the AP-relay is greater than the predetermined threshold.

Determining the user density value at the AP may comprise determining the user density value at the AP based on channel utilization on the AP. Determining the user density value at the AP may comprise determining the user density value at the AP based on client device count on the AP. Determining the user density value at the AP-relay may comprise determining the user density value at the AP-relay based on the number of user devices detected by the AP-relay. Determining the user density value at the AP-relay may comprise determining the user density value at the AP-relay based on a signal strength detected between the AP-relay and another AP-relay.

Switching the AP-relay from the sensor mode to the AP-relay mode may comprise causing the AP-relay to use a first radio in the AP-relay to communicate with user devices and to use a second radio in the AP-relay to communicate with the AP.

The method may further comprise causing the AP-relay to operate at different transmit power levels according to the number and the range of client devices that the AP-relay serves in a horizontal direction.

Embodiments of the disclosure may comprise a system for providing a hybrid relay for high density venues. The system may comprise a memory storage and a processing unit disposed in an Access Point (AP), the processing unit coupled to the memory storage, wherein the processing unit is operative to: determine a user density value at an Access Point (AP) disposed above a ground level; determine a user density value at an AP-relay disposed at the ground level; determine that a difference between the user density value at the AP and the user density value at the AP-relay is greater than a predetermined threshold; and switch the AP-relay from a sensor mode to an AP-relay mode in response to determining that the difference between the user density value at the AP and the user density value at the AP-relay is greater than the predetermined threshold.

The processing unit may be operative to determine the user density value at the AP based on channel utilization on the AP. The processing unit may be operative to determine the user density value at the AP based client device count on the AP. The processing unit may be operative to determine the user density value at the AP-relay based on the number of user devices detected by the AP-relay. The processing unit may be operative to determine the user density value at the AP-relay based on a signal strength detected between the AP-relay and another AP-relay.

The processing unit may be operative to cause the AP-relay to use a first radio in the AP-relay to communicate with user devices and to use a second radio in the AP-relay to communicate with the AP. The processing unit may be further operative to cause the AP-relay to operate at different transmit power levels according to the number and the range of client devices that the AP-relay serves in a horizontal direction.

Embodiments of the disclosure may comprise a computer-readable medium that stores a set of instructions which when executed perform a method comprising: determining a user density value at an Access Point (AP) disposed above a ground level; determining a user density value at an AP-relay disposed at the ground level; determining that a difference between the user density value at the AP and the user density value at the AP-relay is greater than a predetermined threshold; and switching the AP-relay from a sensor mode to an AP-relay mode in response to determining that the difference between the user density value at the AP and the user density value at the AP-relay is greater than the predetermined threshold.

Determining the user density value at the AP may comprise determining the user density value at the AP based on channel utilization on the AP. Determining the user density value at the AP may comprise determining the user density value at the AP based client device count on the AP. Determining the user density value at the AP-relay may comprise determining the user density value at the AP-relay based on the number of user devices detected by the AP-relay. Determining the user density value at the AP-relay may comprise determining the user density value at the AP-relay based on a signal strength detected between the AP-relay and another AP-relay.

Embodiments of the disclosure, for example, may be implemented as a computer process (method), a computing system, or as an article of manufacture, such as a computer program product or computer readable media. The computer program product is a computer storage media readable by a computer system and encoding a computer program of instructions for executing a computer process. The computer program product may also be a propagated signal on a carrier readable by a computing system and encoding a computer program of instructions for executing a computer process. Accordingly, the present disclosure may be embodied in hardware and/or in software (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.). In other words, embodiments of the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product on a computer-usable or computer-readable storage medium having computer-usable or computer-readable program code embodied in the medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system. A computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be any medium that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

Embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced via a system-on-a-chip (SOC) where each or many of the elements illustrated in <FIG> may be integrated onto a single integrated circuit. Such an SOC device may include one or more processing units, graphics units, communications units, system virtualization units and various application functionality all of which may be integrated (or "burned") onto the chip substrate as a single integrated circuit. When operating via an SOC, the functionality described herein with respect to embodiments of the disclosure, may be performed via application-specific logic integrated with other components of computing device <NUM> on the single integrated circuit (chip).

Claim 1:
A method comprising:
determining (<NUM>), by a computing device (<NUM>), a user density value at an Access Point AP (<NUM>), disposed above a ground level,
determining (<NUM>) a user density value at an AP-relay (<NUM>) disposed at the ground level;
determining (<NUM>) that a difference between the user density value at the AP and the user density value at the AP-relay is greater than a predetermined threshold; and
switching (<NUM>) the AP-relay from a sensor mode to an AP-relay mode in response to determining that the difference between the user density value at the AP and the user density value at the AP-relay is greater than the predetermined threshold.