Adaptive TIM Setup Policy for Dense Wireless Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
In dense wireless communication environments, the existing method for setting the Traffic Indication Map (TIM) bit in power-save mode leads to high frame collision rates, inefficient medium utilization, and excessive power consumption due to simultaneous access attempts by multiple devices, resulting in suboptimal performance.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive scheme where the access point dynamically sets the TIM bit only for a selected subset of devices based on available transmission time, prioritizing them based on quality of service, power-save mode type, and round robin priority, thereby optimizing medium access and reducing unnecessary device wakefulness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the TIM bit is set for all client devices in power-save mode, then all devices can receive buffered data, but frame collision rate increases and medium utilization becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the set of all client devices into multiple groups, where only one group is notified via TIM bit in each beacon interval. This segmentation prevents all devices from contending for medium access simultaneously, thereby reducing frame collisions while maintaining reliable data delivery to all devices across different beacon intervals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts which client devices are notified by the TIM bit based on current medium conditions and device states. The AP can flexibly select different subsets of devices in different beacon intervals, optimizing medium utilization while ensuring all devices eventually receive their buffered data.
2Reliability
If the TIM bit is set for all client devices in power-save mode, then all devices can access buffered data, but power consumption increases due to devices staying awake
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting client devices into different groups notified at different beacon intervals, the patent enables devices to remain in low-power sleep mode longer, waking up only when their specific beacon interval arrives. This reduces overall power consumption while ensuring all devices receive their data reliably.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic notification of different device groups in alternating beacon intervals. This periodic action allows devices to synchronize their wake-up cycles with their assigned notification intervals, reducing unnecessary wake-ups and power consumption while maintaining reliable data delivery.
3Productivity
If beacon interval is extended to serve all devices, then medium access opportunities increase, but devices may stay awake receiving no data, increasing power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the notification process so that different device groups are notified in different beacon intervals. This allows the beacon interval to remain at standard durations while still providing adequate medium access opportunities for all devices, as each device wakes up only during its assigned notification interval rather than staying awake for the entire extended interval.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples pertaining to adaptive traffic indication map (TIM) setup policy for client devices in power-save mode in a dense environment are provided. An apparatus may determine an amount of available time for access to a transmission medium. The apparatus (e.g., access point) may select a subset of one or more communication devices from a plurality of communication devices (e.g., client devices) associated with the apparatus based at least in part on the amount of available time. The apparatus may also signal to the selected subset of the one or more communication devices to cause the one or more communication devices to switch from a first mode to a second mode. The apparatus may further transmit buffered data to at least one communication device of the subset of one or more communication devices during the available time.