Access Point Message Flow Direction Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems lack efficient methods to manage data transfer during restricted access windows, which are reserved for specific groups of wireless stations, and fail to specify the type of communication permitted during these times, leading to inefficient network operation.
Innovation Solution
The system generates and transmits messages indicating a time period for communication with wireless devices, including an indicator for wireless communication flow direction, allowing for uplink, downlink, or bidirectional data transmission, and specifies whether non-associated stations can communicate during this period.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If restricted access windows are implemented to manage data transfer for specific groups of wireless stations, then network operation efficiency is improved, but the system lacks the capability to specify communication types during these periods, leading to management inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication management by introducing specific message types (NULL frames, CTS-to-self frames) that can be transmitted during restricted access windows. These segmented communication protocols allow different communication types (uplink, downlink, bidirectional) to be managed separately within the restricted access window framework, resolving the contradiction between improving network efficiency and managing communication complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing restricted access windows with pre-defined communication permissions before actual data transfer occurs. The system pre-configures which communication types are allowed during specific time periods, eliminating the need for real-time negotiation and reducing management complexity while maintaining high network efficiency.
2Reliability
If restricted access windows reserve communication channels for specific groups, then data transfer management is improved, but the lack of flow direction indicators causes ambiguous communication protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces flow direction indicators as intermediary elements within the communication protocol. These indicators act as mediators that carry specific information about whether uplink, downlink, or bidirectional communication is permitted during restricted access windows. This resolves the information loss by providing clear, structured protocol definitions that eliminate ambiguity in communication management.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system allows flexible communication during restricted access windows, then network adaptability is improved, but power saving mechanisms for access points are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by organizing communication into structured restricted access windows that occur at regular intervals. During these windows, specific communication types are permitted, and outside these windows, access points can enter low-power states. This periodic structure maintains network adaptability during active periods while enabling power saving during inactive periods, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and energy consumption.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for wireless communication are disclosed. In one aspect an access point includes a processor configured to generate a message identifying a time period during which the apparatus is to communicate data with one or more wireless devices, the message further including an indicator indicating a wireless communication flow direction during the time period. The access point further includes a transmitter configured to transmit the generated message.