Coordinated AP Group Scheduling Across Overlapping WLAN Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless local area networks (WLANs) with multiple access points (APs), the limited availability of large-bandwidth channels leads to conflicts when APs operate on overlapping channels, reducing channel utilization.
Innovation Solution
A coordinated communication method among APs is implemented, where a first AP sends a coordinated frame to establish a group, indicating a coordinated operation within an effective time period exceeding the TXOP, allocating frequency and time resources to avoid conflicts and improve channel utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple APs operate on large-bandwidth channels with overlapping coverage areas, then channel bandwidth is increased, but channel utilization is reduced due to conflicts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large-bandwidth channel into multiple sub-channels or frequency resources, and divides the effective time period into multiple time resources. APs in the coordinated group are allocated different frequency resources and/or time resources, allowing simultaneous operation without conflicts while maintaining large bandwidth utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the first AP determines frequency resources and time resources for other APs based on current network conditions, data volumes, and channel status. This dynamic adjustment optimizes channel utilization while preventing conflicts among APs operating on large-bandwidth channels.
2Measurement precision
If coordinated group is frequently established in WLAN, then coordination accuracy is improved, but network resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a coordinated group that remains valid throughout an effective time period exceeding the TXOP duration. Once APs are included in the coordinated group, they continue to operate under coordinated resource allocation without repeatedly establishing new groups, reducing overhead while maintaining coordination accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary resource allocation when the coordinated group is first established, allocating frequency resources and time resources to APs for the entire effective time period. This preliminary action eliminates the need for frequent group re-establishment and associated overhead, reducing network resource consumption while maintaining coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for coordinated communication between multiple access points, and a storage medium are disclosed. The method includes: A first access point (AP) sends a coordinated frame to an AP in a coordinated group. The coordinated frame indicates at least one AP in the coordinated group and the first AP to perform a coordinated operation within an effective time period. The coordinated group includes a plurality of APs operating on the same channel. The first AP is an AP that obtains an access opportunity for the channel in the coordinated group. A time length of the effective time period exceeds a time length of a transmit opportunity (TXOP). According to this application, channel utilization can be improved.