{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853899","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9853899","title":"Method and system for controlling traffic in a wireless LAN","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2014-03-27T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04L","H04L","H04L","H04W","H04W","H04W","H04W"],"num_claims":13,"abstract":"Embodiments provide a traffic control system for WLAN access points. The traffic control system works in dependence on a first input-user priority (supplied by an authentication server). This allows different service levels to be provided to different classes of customer. In addition, the traffic control system polices and/or shapes traffic based on a second input—a modulation rate detector, which measures the modulation rate at which each connected client is sending its traffic, and uses it to indirectly cause fairer use of the available air interface capacity (e.g. by causing TCP streams to back off when they detect packet loss). Finally, for some embodiments where public Wi-Fi is being delivered through private Wi-Fi access points, the traffic control system is to manage the air interface utilization split between public and private WiFi users, to ensure that private users do not have their Wi-Fi air interface network capacity unduly impaired by public users."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Method and System for Controlling Traffic in a Wireless Lan patent introduces a traffic control system designed for WLAN access points that enhances network performance by managing traffic based on user priority and modulation rates. The core innovation lies in its ability to provide differentiated service levels to various customer classes by using a first input user priority supplied by an authentication server. Simultaneously, it polices and shapes traffic based on a second input, which is a modulation rate detector that measures the modulation rate at which each connected client sends traffic. This indirectly promotes fairer use of the available air interface capacity, causing TCP streams to back off when packet loss is detected.\n\nThis system is particularly useful in scenarios where public Wi-Fi is delivered through private Wi-Fi access points. The invention manages the air interface utilization split between public and private Wi-Fi users, ensuring that private users are not unduly impaired by public users. This approach helps maintain a consistent and reliable network experience for all users, regardless of their access level.\n\nThe business value of this technology stems from its ability to optimize network resources and improve user satisfaction. By prioritizing traffic and preventing congestion, network operators can provide a better service to their customers, leading to increased customer loyalty and revenue. The market opportunity for this innovation is significant, as wireless networks continue to grow in importance and the demand for reliable and efficient connectivity increases. This approach provides a substantial competitive advantage for businesses offering Wi-Fi services.\n\nOverall, the Method and System for Controlling Traffic in a Wireless Lan patent offers a comprehensive solution for managing wireless network traffic and improving network performance. Its ability to dynamically adjust traffic flow based on user priority and modulation rates makes it a valuable tool for network operators looking to optimize their networks and provide a better user experience.","layman_explanation":"The Method and System for Controlling Traffic in a Wireless Lan patent addresses the common problem of slow and unreliable Wi-Fi, especially in crowded environments like public hotspots or shared networks. Existing solutions often fall short because they treat all users equally, regardless of their needs or the quality of their connection.\n\nThis innovation works by intelligently managing network traffic based on two key factors: user priority and connection speed. Imagine a highway where some cars are given priority access, like emergency vehicles, while others are asked to adjust their speed to prevent congestion. Similarly, this system prioritizes users based on their service level (e.g., paying customers get faster speeds) and monitors the connection speed of each device. If a device is hogging bandwidth or experiencing a poor connection, the system adjusts its traffic flow to ensure fairness and prevent network slowdowns.\n\nThis matters because it significantly improves the user experience, especially in environments where network resources are limited. Businesses can offer premium Wi-Fi services to paying customers, while ensuring that all users have a reasonable level of connectivity. This can lead to increased customer satisfaction, loyalty, and revenue. From an investment perspective, this technology offers a competitive advantage for businesses that rely on wireless connectivity. It also opens up opportunities for licensing and partnerships with equipment manufacturers and software vendors.\n\nLooking ahead, this technology has the potential to be integrated into a wide range of wireless devices and networks. As the demand for reliable and high-speed connectivity continues to grow, innovations like this will become increasingly important. The market adoption timeline will depend on factors such as regulatory approvals, industry standards, and the availability of compatible hardware and software. For investors, this represents a promising opportunity to capitalize on the growing demand for wireless network optimization solutions.","technical_analysis":"The Method and System for Controlling Traffic in a Wireless Lan patent details a comprehensive approach to wireless network traffic management. At its core, the system utilizes a two-pronged approach: user priority and modulation rate detection. The system's architecture involves an authentication server that provides user priority information. This allows the system to differentiate between users based on their service level agreements, such as premium subscribers versus free users.\n\nThe modulation rate detector is a crucial component of this system. It continuously monitors the data transmission speed of each connected client. This is achieved by analyzing the signal strength and quality of the wireless connection. The detected modulation rate is then used to indirectly influence TCP streams, encouraging them to back off when packet loss is detected. This mechanism prevents individual devices from monopolizing network resources, leading to a fairer distribution of bandwidth.\n\nThe implementation of this system requires careful consideration of several factors. The modulation rate detector must be highly accurate to ensure that traffic shaping decisions are based on reliable data. The system must also be scalable to handle a large number of concurrent users and devices. Integration with existing network infrastructure is another key consideration.\n\nFrom a code-level perspective, the system likely involves a combination of software and hardware components. The software component would be responsible for implementing the traffic shaping algorithms and managing the flow of data packets. The hardware component would consist of the modulation rate detector and other network interface devices.\n\nThe system's performance characteristics are also critical. The traffic shaping algorithms must be efficient to minimize latency and overhead. The system must also be resilient to network congestion and other adverse conditions. Overall, the Method and System for Controlling Traffic in a Wireless Lan patent offers a robust and scalable solution for managing wireless network traffic and improving network performance.","business_analysis":"The Method and System for Controlling Traffic in a Wireless Lan patent presents a significant market opportunity within the rapidly expanding wireless networking sector. As the demand for reliable and high-speed wireless connectivity continues to surge, effective traffic management solutions become increasingly valuable. This invention addresses a critical need by optimizing network resources and improving user experience.\n\nThe market opportunity size for this technology is substantial. The global Wi-Fi market is projected to reach billions of dollars in the coming years, driven by the proliferation of mobile devices, the growth of IoT, and the increasing adoption of cloud-based services. Within this market, the demand for traffic management solutions is expected to grow at an even faster rate, as network operators seek to maximize the efficiency and performance of their wireless networks.\n\nThe competitive advantages of this innovation are clear. By prioritizing traffic based on user priority and modulation rates, the system can provide a superior user experience compared to traditional traffic management solutions. The system's ability to manage the air interface utilization split between public and private users is also a key differentiator.\n\nThe revenue potential for this technology is significant. Network operators can use the system to offer premium Wi-Fi services to paying customers, generating additional revenue streams. The system can also be licensed to equipment manufacturers and software vendors, creating further revenue opportunities.\n\nThe business models enabled by this technology are diverse. Network operators can offer tiered service levels, with premium users receiving preferential treatment. Equipment manufacturers can integrate the system into their access points and other networking devices. Software vendors can develop and sell traffic management software based on this technology.\n\nFrom a strategic positioning perspective, this innovation positions its adopters as leaders in the wireless networking market. By implementing this technology, businesses can differentiate themselves from their competitors and attract customers who value reliable and high-speed connectivity.\n\nROI projections for this technology are highly favorable. By optimizing network resources and improving user experience, the system can increase customer loyalty, reduce churn, and generate additional revenue. The initial investment in implementing the system is quickly recouped through increased revenue and reduced operating costs.","faqs":null,"topics":["wireless traffic control","Wi-Fi optimization","network congestion","bandwidth management","modulation rate detection","method","system","controlling"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Method and System for Controlling Traffic in a Wireless Lan - Patent US-9853899","description":"Discover how the Method and System for Controlling Traffic in a Wireless Lan optimizes wireless networks by prioritizing traffic and improving bandwidth allocation. Full patent analysis and technical details.","keywords":["wireless traffic control","Wi-Fi optimization","network congestion","bandwidth management","modulation rate detection","user priority","patent","patent US-9853899"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853899","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853899","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Method and system for controlling traffic in a wireless LAN\" (US-9853899). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853899","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853899","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9853899","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-30T04:22:48.777Z"}