Adaptive TWT Parameter Tuning for WLAN Power-Latency Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication methods fail to effectively estimate data transceiving time with or without congestion for Target Wake Time (TWT) parameter design, leading to potential latency issues and inefficient power consumption in wireless local area networks (WLANs).
Innovation Solution
A method for estimating data transceiving time and adjusting TWT parameters by mapping PHY layer data rates to effective higher layer rates, considering network congestion and re-transmission rates, to jointly determine optimal TWT service period and interval, minimizing power consumption while ensuring bounded latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If TWT parameters are set with fixed intervals and service periods, then power consumption is reduced, but latency increases and QoS cannot be guaranteed for time-sensitive applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making TWT parameters adaptive rather than fixed. The system continuously monitors network conditions (congestion level, data rates, packet loss) and dynamically adjusts TWT wake intervals and service period durations. This allows the system to optimize power consumption during low-traffic periods while reducing latency during high-traffic or time-sensitive application periods, resolving the contradiction between power savings and latency guarantees.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the access point and stations exchange information about network conditions, traffic patterns, and QoS requirements. Based on this feedback, TWT parameters are continuously refined and adjusted. The system uses observed data rates, congestion levels, and application requirements to feedback into TWT parameter optimization, enabling the system to adapt to changing conditions and balance power consumption against latency requirements.
2Use of energy by moving object
If TWT parameters are optimized for power efficiency, then battery life extends, but network congestion and re-transmissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback loops where network conditions including congestion levels and re-transmission rates are continuously monitored. When congestion or re-transmissions are detected, the system adjusts TWT parameters to increase service period durations or frequency, thereby improving reliability. Conversely, when network conditions are good, the system can extend wake intervals to maximize power efficiency. This feedback-driven adaptation resolves the contradiction between power efficiency and network reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes TWT parameters (wake interval, service period duration, offset) based on observed network conditions. When network reliability deteriorates due to congestion or high re-transmission rates, the system adjusts parameters to increase communication frequency and duration. When power efficiency is the priority and network conditions are favorable, parameters are adjusted to extend wake intervals. This dynamic parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between power efficiency and network reliability.
3Loss of time
If stations wake up frequently to ensure low latency, then QoS is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making wake frequency adaptive rather than static. The system determines optimal wake intervals based on real-time network conditions, traffic patterns, and application QoS requirements. During periods of high traffic or time-sensitive applications, the system increases wake frequency to reduce latency. During low-traffic periods, it extends wake intervals to conserve power. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between latency performance and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes TWT parameters including wake interval and service period duration based on observed data rates, congestion levels, and QoS requirements. The system uses these parameter changes to balance latency and power consumption - extending wake intervals when power efficiency is priority and reducing them when low latency is required. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between latency and power consumption.
4Productivity
If TWT service periods are extended to handle more data, then throughput increases, but latency for individual packets increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making service period duration adaptive rather than fixed. The system adjusts service period length based on real-time traffic conditions, packet sizes, and latency requirements. For time-sensitive applications or when individual packet latency is critical, the system uses shorter, more frequent service periods. For bulk data transfer where total throughput is the priority, it uses longer service periods. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between throughput and packet latency.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods and apparatuses for updating a target wake time (TWT) service period and interval. The apparatuses include a communication device comprising a transceiver and a processor. The transceiver is configured to transmit and receive higher layer data packets in a TWT operation during a time period. The processor is configured to determine, based on PHY data rates during the time period, effective higher layer data rates, estimate an initial data transceiving time based on the effective higher layer data rates and total lengths of the data packets, adjust the initial data transceiving time to obtain a higher layer data transceiving time based on an estimated network congestion level, an estimated re-transmission rate, and a total amount of TWT overhead during the time period, and determine a new TWT service period and interval based on the higher layer data transceiving time.