Access Point Working Mode Switching for Interference Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems using unlicensed spectra, dense deployments of access points (APs) and stations (STAs) lead to increased channel contention, resulting in reduced Media Access Control (MAC) efficiency and mutual interference, especially when APs with overlapping coverage areas operate on the same channel without coordination.
Innovation Solution
A method where a first access point determines the working mode of a second access point with overlapping coverage, switching it from a non-coordinated scheduling mode to contention or in-slot contention ISC mode to reduce interference, by broadcasting specific frames and determining packet loss rates and contention success rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If scheduling mode is introduced into unlicensed spectrum WLAN system, then MAC efficiency is improved, but mutual interference between non-coordinated access points increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic working mode switching where access points can transition between scheduling mode and contention mode based on real-time detection of neighboring APs' modes. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain high MAC efficiency when scheduling is feasible while avoiding mutual interference when APs are non-coordinated, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and harmful factors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where each access point detects the working mode of neighboring APs through sensing information frames and adjusts its own mode accordingly. This feedback loop enables the system to respond to interference conditions and switch to contention mode when necessary, preventing mutual interference while maintaining scheduling mode benefits when conditions permit
2Productivity
If two access points with overlapping coverage use scheduling mode on the same channel, then resource allocation is optimized, but neither can work normally due to mutual interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables access points to dynamically switch from scheduling mode to contention mode when non-coordinated scheduling mode is detected in neighboring cells. This dynamic mode change ensures that while resource allocation efficiency is maintained through scheduling where possible, reliability is preserved by falling back to contention mode when mutual interference prevents normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the working mode parameter of access points based on detected conditions. When interference is detected through sensing information frames indicating non-coordinated scheduling mode in neighboring areas, the system changes the operational parameter from scheduling mode to contention mode, allowing both APs to work normally despite overlapping coverage
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes determining, by a first access point, a working mode of a second access point, where a coverage area of the first access point overlaps a coverage area of the second access point, and where the working mode includes a non-coordinated scheduling mode, a coordinated scheduling mode, a contention mode, or an in-slot contention ISC mode. The method further includes initiating, by the first access point, a working mode switching procedure when it is determined that the working mode of the second access point is the non-coordinated scheduling mode, where the working mode switching procedure is used to switch the working mode of the second access point to the contention mode or the ISC mode.