AP Coordination Frames for WLAN Announcement Interval Scheduling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless local area network (WLAN) technologies lack a specific procedure for announcement transmission intervals (ATIs) in AP coordination scenarios, leading to inefficiencies and interference between multiple access points (APs).

Innovation Solution

A communication method and apparatus that involves a first AP generating an indication frame to coordinate interaction procedures with second APs and stations (STAs) in ATIs, using scheduling modes to ensure timely and comprehensive service demand management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If multiple APs are densely deployed to expand coverage, then network coverage is improved, but interference between APs increases and service coordination becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork coverageVSAvoidinterference between APs
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary coordination mechanism where APs exchange capability information and coordinate service delivery through structured communication protocols. This intermediary approach allows multiple APs to operate in dense deployments while managing interference through coordinated resource allocation and service assignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal coordination framework that enables multiple APs to perform diverse functions (service delivery, interference management, resource allocation) through a common protocol structure. This multi-functional approach allows the system to handle various coordination scenarios uniformly, reducing complexity despite dense AP deployment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If AP coordination procedures are established to reduce interference, then service quality is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice qualityVSAvoidcoordination procedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the coordination procedure into distinct phases: capability information exchange, service demand identification, and coordinated service delivery. Each phase has specific protocols and message structures, reducing overall complexity by breaking down the coordination process into manageable, standardized steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter-based coordination where APs exchange structured capability information (parameters) that define their service abilities. By changing and adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system achieves reliable service quality while maintaining manageable complexity through parameterized control rather than complex procedural logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If structured interaction protocols are implemented for AP coordination, then service delivery efficiency is improved, but communication overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice delivery efficiencyVSAvoidcommunication overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by having APs exchange capability information in advance before actual service delivery is needed. This pre-coordination allows the system to establish service assignments and resource allocations beforehand, improving service delivery efficiency while reducing the need for extensive real-time communication during actual service provision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12526789B2Communication method and apparatus
Publication Date: 2026.01.13 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • US12526789B2 patent drawing
  • US12526789B2 patent drawing
  • US12526789B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A communication method and apparatus are provided, which relate to the field of communication technologies, to determine an interaction procedure in an ATI in an AP coordination scenario. The method includes: A C-AP generates a first indication frame, where the first indication frame indicates an interaction procedure between an M-AP, the C-AP, and a STA in the ATI; and the C-AP sends the first indication frame to a plurality of M-APs, so that the plurality of M-APs perform the interaction procedure in the ATI based on the first indication frame.