Extensible framework for mitigating interference problems in wireless networking

Abstract

Described is an architecture comprising a flexible and extensible framework embodied in a robust coexistence service that couples sensed RF spectrum (interference) data to modules that process the data into dynamic feedback information used to mitigate network communication problems caused by the interference. Via a driver, spectrum sensor hardware is connected to the framework running on a computing device, where the condition and quality of various wireless networking channels are assessed by external modules plugged into the framework. Modules comprise include a classifier component that examines the sensed-data and classifies it, and an application program that processes the classified data, possibly for mitigation. Mitigation-related information is fed to a feedback mechanism to adjust network parameters to avoid the sensed interference. The robust coexistence service also distributes control data corresponding to the mitigation information to other remote computing devices in the wireless network for use in mitigating their interference problems.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application is related to the following co-pending U.S. patent applications filed concurrently with this application, which are assigned to the assignee of the present invention and are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety: [0003] "Protocol for Exchanging Control Data to Mitigate Interference Problems in Wireless Networking," U.S. Patent Application No. ______; and [0004] "Use of Separate Control Channel to Mitigate Interference Problems in Wireless Networking (using a separate control channel to mitigate interference problems in wireless networking)", US Patent Application No. ______. technical field [0005] The present invention relates generally to computer systems, and more particularly to wireless networks for computer networks. Background technique [0006] Wireless local area networks (WLANs) are growing rapidly in both homes and businesses. Such wireless networks can be used for web br...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

As wireless connectivity spreads, for any given location, the likelihood of radio frequency (RF) activity from other and overlapping bands within the wireless networking band increases, causing interference to a greater percentage of wireless network users

[0007] Additionally, since wireless networks operate in unlicensed bands in the 2.4GHz and 5GHz of the RF spectrum, many other RF devices are also transmitting information (or noise) on these frequencies, causing interference to WLAN communications

Examples of various sources and types of interference seen by a home wireless network can include microwave ovens, which cause slower periodic interference; cordless phones, which cause a type of interference known as "slow hopper"; Bluetooth headsets; Wearable headsets (causing fast frequency-hopping interference); digital spread spectrum (DSS) cordless phones, which caused constant custom waveform interference; and wireless surveillance cameras, which caused constant standard waveform interference

In addition, other nearby WLANs operating on the same channel, such as neighbors' WLANs can also cause interference

[0008] As can be appreciated, RF interference in a wireless network results in a significant reduction in available data rate and / or range, resulting in a poor user experience

While tech-savvy users may be able to alleviate periodically occurring interference problems by reconfiguring networked equipment to operate on another channel, many sources of interference transmit intermittently, and thus, even if a problem is resolved by changing to another channel problem, however another problem may occur intermittently that is more difficult to detect and resolve

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