Aggregated Block Acknowledgement for WLAN Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current WLAN technologies, specifically IEEE 802.11e, require separate block acknowledgments for each traffic identifier (TID), which limits efficiency in handling multiple traffic streams and increases latency, as they do not support aggregation of acknowledgments across different TIDs.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that provide a single block acknowledgement for multiple traffic identifiers using a multiple start sequence number and corresponding bitmap for each TID, allowing aggregation of acknowledgments, applicable to both immediate and delayed ACK cases, thereby reducing the need for multiple ACKs and enhancing data throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate block acknowledgments are sent for each traffic identifier (TID), then each traffic stream can be acknowledged individually, but the number of ACK frames increases and data throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate block acknowledgments for different traffic identifiers (TIDs) into a single aggregated block acknowledgment frame. This is achieved by including multiple TID information fields, each containing a TID identifier and corresponding bitmap, within one ACK frame structure. The merging reduces the number of ACK frames transmitted while maintaining individual acknowledgment accuracy for each traffic stream, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The aggregated block acknowledgment frame serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acknowledges multiple different traffic identifiers (TIDs) in a single frame, supports both immediate and delayed acknowledgment modes, and maintains backward compatibility with existing 802.11e standards. This multi-functionality allows the system to handle diverse traffic streams efficiently without requiring separate acknowledgment mechanisms for each TID, thus improving data throughput while preserving acknowledgment reliability.
2Reliability
If multiple ACK frames are transmitted for different TIDs, then each traffic stream receives proper acknowledgment, but the overhead and latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple acknowledgment operations into a single transmitted frame by aggregating TID-specific acknowledgment data. The aggregated block acknowledgment includes a frame control field, multiple TID information fields with bitmaps, and a FCS field, all contained within one frame structure. This consolidation reduces the time required to transmit multiple separate ACK frames while ensuring each traffic stream receives proper acknowledgment, thereby reducing latency without sacrificing reliability.
3Productivity
If block ACK is used for multiple TIDs, then efficiency increases, but the complexity of the ACK structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the acknowledgment information for multiple TIDs into distinct, standardized fields within the aggregated block acknowledgment frame. Each TID information field contains a TID identifier and a bitmap, creating a modular structure that is easier to process than a monolithic complex frame. This segmentation maintains productivity by enabling efficient handling of multiple TIDs while reducing complexity through structured organization and standardized field formats.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided to increase data throughput by aggregating block acknowledgements. Embodiments of these systems and methods provide a single block acknowledgement for multiple traffic identifiers in data communication with a communication station. One method includes providing a multiple start sequence number corresponding to each traffic identifier of a plurality of traffic identifiers and providing a bit map corresponding to each multiple start sequence number. The bit map indicates a block acknowledgement of packets corresponding to one traffic identifier of the plurality of traffic identifiers.