AP-Controlled Relay Frames for Wireless LAN Range and Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless LAN systems face challenges in improving transmission reliability, reducing latency, and enhancing throughput, particularly in scenarios involving range limitations and obstacles, which are not adequately addressed by current IEEE 802.11 standards such as VHT, HE, and EHT.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for transmitting and receiving relay frames through a relay STA controlled by an AP, involving the exchange of request and response frames to facilitate data transmission, with ID information for identifying destination STAs, thereby improving signal reception quality and reducing latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If direct transmission between AP and STA is used, then transmission simplicity is maintained, but transmission reliability deteriorates due to range limitations and obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a relay STA as an intermediary node between the AP and the target STA. The relay STA receives signals from the AP and forwards them to the target STA, enabling communication in scenarios where direct transmission is blocked or too weak. This mediator approach directly resolves the contradiction by improving reliability through signal relaying while maintaining relatively simple transmission structure through standardized frame formats and protocols.
2Reliability
If relay transmission is implemented, then reception quality (SNR) is improved, but system complexity increases due to additional relay nodes and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the relay STA to perform multiple functions: it acts as a normal STA when receiving signals from the AP, and as a transmitter when forwarding signals to the target STA. The same hardware components (antenna, RF unit, baseband processor) are utilized for both reception and transmission roles. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to improve reception quality through relaying while avoiding additional dedicated hardware, thus controlling system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies existing IEEE 802.11 frame structures by adding specific fields (such as relay-related identifiers and control bits) rather than creating entirely new frame formats. This parameter change approach allows the system to support relay transmission with enhanced reception quality while maintaining compatibility with existing protocols and minimizing the increase in system complexity.
3Length of moving object
If relay operation is added to extend coverage, then transmission range is improved, but latency increases due to additional transmission hops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes relay connections and pre-configures transmission paths before actual data transmission occurs. The relay STA is selected and prepared in advance, and the necessary signaling and coordination are completed prior to data transfer. This preliminary action allows the system to extend transmission range through relay nodes while minimizing latency during actual data transmission, as the relay path is already established and optimized.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and a device for transmitting or receiving a relay frame in a wireless LAN system are disclosed. A method performed by a first station (STA) in a wireless LAN system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise the steps of: receiving, from an access point (AP), a request frame related to initiation of a relay operation targeted at one or more second STAs; transmitting a response frame for the request frame to the AP; receiving a PPDU including data based on the relay operation from the AP; and transmitting the PPDU including the data to the one or more second STAs. The request frame may comprise ID information for identifying the one or more second STAs as destinations of the relay operation.