AP Coexistence with Different Bandwidths via Signal Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless local area networks (WLANs), the coexistence of basic service sets (BSSs) with different channel bandwidths leads to channel access opportunities being lost due to signal collisions, particularly when long range STAs initiate transmission without sensing short range STAs, resulting in increased overhead from longer RTS and CTS signals.
Innovation Solution
An operating method for access points (APs) and stations that involves detecting signals with different channel bandwidths, establishing BSSs based on these detections, and reporting the establishment to adjacent BSSs, using channel-bonding and beacon signals with specific transmission periods and power settings to optimize coexistence, including the use of shorter beacon signals and optimized RTS/CTS signals to reduce overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If long range RTS signal and CTS signal are used to protect short range data transmission, then collision between long range STA and short range STAs is avoided, but overhead increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different signal formats for different ranges: short range RTS/CTS signals (20 MHz non-HT format) are used for short range STAs, while long range RTS/CTS signals are used for long range STAs. This allows each STA to use the appropriate signal format for its range, avoiding the need for all STAs to use the longer overhead format.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the bandwidth parameter of RTS/CTS signals based on the range of the STA. Short range STAs use 20 MHz bandwidth for RTS/CTS, while long range STAs use wider bandwidth. This parameter change allows the system to optimize between collision protection and overhead by matching signal characteristics to transmission range requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If bandwidth duplicate mode is used to support STAs using various bandwidths, then all STAs can receive data, but transmission power per unit bandwidth decreases as in-use bandwidth increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bandwidth into multiple channels and uses channel bonding to combine them. By detecting signals on individual channels and bonding compatible channels, the system can support multiple bandwidth configurations (20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz) while maintaining appropriate power levels on each bonded channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal BSS establishment mechanism that works across multiple bandwidth configurations. The AP can establish BSSs with different bandwidths (20, 40, 80, 160 MHz) using the same detection and channel bonding procedures, making the system adaptable to various bandwidth requirements while managing power efficiently.
3Productivity
If channel bandwidth of AP is used for BSS establishment, then efficient data transmission is achieved, but coexistence with narrower bandwidth BSSs becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection of signals with different bandwidths before establishing the BSS. The AP scans channels and detects both wideband and narrowband signals, then uses this information to make informed decisions about BSS establishment and channel bonding, ensuring coexistence with neighboring BSSs of different bandwidths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback from signal detection results to adjust BSS establishment decisions. By continuously monitoring the wireless environment for signals with different bandwidths and reporting BSS establishment to adjacent BSSs, the system adapts its configuration to maintain coexistence while optimizing data transmission efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An operating method of an access point (AP) for a coexistence of basic service sets (BSSs) having different bandwidths includes detecting at least one of a first signal having a channel bandwidth of the AP and a second signal having a channel bandwidth narrower than the channel bandwidth of the AP, establishing a BSS having the channel bandwidth of the AP, based on a result of the detecting, and reporting the establishment of the BSS to an adjacent BSS.