Fortinet, Inc.
SDN (software-defined networking) controller for self-provisioning of a wireless communication network using coordination of data plane behavior to steer stations to preferred access points

Abstract:

A wireless communication network is self-provisioned using coordination of data plane behavior to steer stations to preferred access points. To do so, a policy concerning traffic flow for the wireless communication network is received. Data plane traffic flow is monitored at each of the plurality of access points distributed around the wireless communication network. At some point, it may be determined the data plane traffic flow at a first access point from needs to be reduced based on the data plane traffic flow relative to the policy. In response, a station is steered to a preferred access point using OpenFlow rules to affect data plane routing decisions at the access point (e.g., drop, delay, or reprioritize packets).