Adaptive RTS/CTS Control for Wireless Throughput Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing RTS/CTS mechanism in wireless networks has inefficiencies due to fixed packet size thresholds, leading to reduced data rate and throughput in environments with hidden nodes, as it fails to adaptively enable or disable the mechanism based on actual scenario conditions.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for adaptive RTS/CTS enablement/disablement, where the state is changed based on measured packet error rates and thresholds, allowing dynamic adjustment of the RTS/CTS mechanism to optimize channel utilization and throughput by enabling or disabling it according to the current error rate conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the RTS/CTS mechanism is enabled using a fixed packet size threshold, then hidden node problems are solved in environments with small packets, but data transmission failure rate increases and throughput decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission success rateVSAvoidthroughput

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the RTS/CTS mechanism state changeable based on measured packet error rates. The system transitions between enabled and disabled states dynamically according to channel conditions, rather than using a fixed configuration. This allows the system to adapt to varying environmental conditions and optimize both reliability and throughput.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of RTS/CTS enablement status based on measured packet error rates. By monitoring the packet error rate and comparing it against thresholds, the system adjusts the RTS/CTS mechanism state accordingly, transforming a static configuration into a dynamically adjustable parameter that responds to actual channel conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the RTS/CTS mechanism is disabled to increase throughput, then channel utilization improves, but data transmission fails in environments with hidden nodes

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovethroughputVSAvoiddata transmission success rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by continuously measuring the packet error rate and using this information to control the RTS/CTS mechanism state. The system monitors transmission outcomes and adjusts its behavior based on the measured error rates, creating a closed-loop control system that balances throughput and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by autonomously determining when to enable or disable the RTS/CTS mechanism based on its own measurements of packet error rates. The node independently monitors its transmission environment and makes decisions about mechanism enablement without external control, optimizing performance based on local conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the RTS/CTS mechanism is enabled frequently, then hidden node conflicts are reduced, but waiting time and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollision avoidanceVSAvoidwaiting time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by enabling the RTS/CTS mechanism only when necessary, based on measured packet error rates exceeding certain thresholds. Rather than continuously enabling the mechanism, the system activates it partially - only in conditions where hidden node conflicts are detected - thereby reducing unnecessary waiting time and power consumption while maintaining collision avoidance when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Device complexity

If a fixed packet size threshold is used to control RTS/CTS, then the mechanism is simple to implement, but it cannot adapt to different environmental conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol mechanism simplicityVSAvoidenvironmental adaptation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the mechanical fixed-threshold system with a measurement-based control system. Instead of relying on a predetermined packet size threshold, the system uses electronic measurement of packet error rates to control RTS/CTS enablement. This replacement maintains implementation simplicity while dramatically improving environmental adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20240098788A1Method, device and non-transitory computer readable medium for RTS/CTS adaptive enablement/disablement

Publication Date: 2024.03.21 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A method and device for RTS/CTS adaptive enablement/disablement are provided. The method for RTS/CTS adaptive enablement includes changing a first state to a second state in response to determining that a first packet error rate satisfies a condition, the first packet error rate being measured in the first state, and each of the first state and the second state corresponding to a different one of an RTS/CTS enabled state and an RTS/CTS disabled state, and determining whether to change from the second state to the first state based on a second packet error rate and a threshold, the second packet error rate being measured in the second state.