Access Point Backward Compatibility Large Bandwidth Wireless Network

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing IEEE 802.11 WLAN channelization schemes face compatibility issues due to center frequency deviations, preventing seamless expansion and communication between devices using different channelization solutions, especially in frequency bands like 5GHz, where a more effective channelization scheme cannot be easily integrated with conventional ones.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced where an Access Point (AP) alternately sends and receives wireless frames on channels belonging to different channelization sets using time division multiplexing, configuring time windows and channel parameters to ensure backward compatibility, allowing devices to switch between channelization sets dynamically based on load conditions and traffic proportions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a more effective channelization scheme is adopted to improve frequency band utilization, then channel utilization efficiency is improved, but compatibility with conventional channelization schemes deteriorates due to center frequency deviation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel utilization efficiencyVSAvoidcompatibility with conventional channelization schemes

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic channel switching where the AP can alternately switch between conventional channelization sets and more effective channelization sets based on traffic conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize channel utilization when using effective channelization while maintaining compatibility with conventional devices when needed, thus resolving the contradiction between efficiency and compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the working channel parameter dynamically by switching between different channelization sets. The AP configures different channel parameters (center frequencies, bandwidths) based on traffic proportions and device capabilities, allowing it to achieve high channel utilization with effective channelization when appropriate while falling back to conventional channelization for compatibility when required

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If devices use different channelization schemes to optimize their performance, then individual device performance is improved, but communication between devices deteriorates due to inability to communicate in conventional ways

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindividual device performanceVSAvoidcommunication reliability between devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The AP is designed with multi-functionality to support both conventional channelization sets and more effective channelization sets. It can serve as a universal access point that accommodates devices with different channelization capabilities, allowing high-performance devices to use effective channelization while ensuring communication reliability with conventional devices through the AP's ability to switch between channelization modes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The AP acts as an intermediary between devices using different channelization schemes. It translates and mediates communications between devices on different channelization sets, enabling devices optimized for effective channelization to communicate reliably with conventional devices by having the AP switch to appropriate channelization modes for each interaction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2635061B1Method for achieving backward compatibility in large bandwidth wireless network, and access point

Publication Date: 2018.10.10 ZTE CORP

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AI summary

The present disclosure discloses a method for achieving backward compatibility in a large bandwidth wireless network and an Access Point (AP) for solving the technical problem of compatibility between a more effective channelization solution and a plurality of existing channelization solutions. The technical solution of the disclosure is implemented on the basis of time division multiplexing and frequency division multiplexing, and under the time division multiplexing mode, the AP sends/receives wireless frames on channels belonging to a first and a second channelization set respectively and alternately in terms of time according to a communication protocol; and under the frequency division multiplexing mode, the AP independently configures time window parameters and the corresponding main and/or secondary channel parameters on the channels which belong to the first and second channelization sets and are non-overlapped in the frequency domain, and sends/receives the wireless frames. By way of the above solution of the disclosure, the wireless station can establish a large bandwidth wireless network supporting backward compatibility.