Access Point Coordination via Time Slot Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless networks, multiple access points distributed across an area often interfere with each other when transmitting simultaneously, leading to congestion and reduced network efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Access points are assigned to control groups, with a leader that divides transmission opportunities into time slots and schedules transmissions based on signal metrics and priority, communicating these schedules over a separate wired or wireless network to coordinate simultaneous or separate transmissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple access points transmit messages simultaneously to provide network coverage, then network coverage is improved, but transmission interference and congestion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transmission opportunity into multiple time slots, allowing different access points to transmit in different time periods. This temporal segmentation enables multiple access points to share the same spatial coverage area without simultaneous transmission interference, resolving the contradiction between network coverage and transmission interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic time slot assignments where access points transmit in alternating time periods rather than simultaneously. This periodic action pattern allows continuous network coverage while eliminating harmful interference by ensuring only one access point transmits at a time within each time slot.
2Productivity
If access points transmit simultaneously to maintain network coverage, then connectivity is improved, but network congestion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the transmission opportunity into discrete time slots, segmenting the total data transmission volume across multiple time periods. This allows the network to maintain connectivity by scheduling transmissions in a structured manner while preventing congestion by limiting the quantity of data transmitted simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary actions by having access points report their transmission requirements and priorities before the actual transmission occurs. The controller then schedules transmissions based on these preliminary reports, ensuring optimal allocation of transmission opportunities and preventing congestion before it occurs.
3Productivity
If centralized coordination is implemented to manage access points, then transmission efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by having access points autonomously report their transmission requirements, priorities, and signal metrics to the controller. The controller then automatically schedules transmissions based on these reports without requiring complex manual coordination, reducing system complexity while maintaining transmission efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where access points continuously report signal metrics and transmission status to the controller. This feedback loop enables the controller to dynamically adjust transmission schedules based on actual network conditions, improving transmission efficiency while keeping the coordination system simple through automated responses to feedback.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes determining whether a first access point of a plurality of access points and a second access point of the plurality of access points should communicate simultaneously over a shared channel in a first network and in response to determining that one of the plurality of access points won contention of a transmission opportunity for the shared channel, dividing the transmission opportunity into a plurality of time slots. The method also includes scheduling transmissions of the first and second access points into the plurality of time slots according to the determination whether the first and second access points should communicate simultaneously over the shared channel and communicating, to the second access point and over a wired network or a second network different from the first network, an indication of whether the second access point should communicate during a first time slot of the plurality of time slots.