Access Point QoS Scheduling via Physical Layer Preambles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless networks face challenges in efficiently managing Quality of Service (QoS) due to limitations in signaling mechanisms, which burden network traffic and lack flexibility and scalability, particularly in handling diverse data streams from different client stations with varying priority levels.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where an access point (AP) defines multiple Basic Service Set Identifiers (BSSIDs) corresponding to classes of service, with service parameters including priority levels, data streams, and unscheduled automatic power save delivery settings, allowing client stations to communicate based on these parameters without relying on traditional signaling mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional signaling mechanisms are used for QoS management, then QoS can be provided to data streams, but network traffic is burdened and the system lacks flexibility and scalability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the QoS signaling function from the traditional MAC layer signaling mechanism and relocates it to the physical layer through dedicated preamble sequences. This separation removes the burden of QoS signaling from network traffic while maintaining reliable QoS guarantees through physical layer signal detection and classification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical signaling system (MAC layer protocol exchanges) with a physical layer signal-based system. Instead of using complex MAC layer signaling to convey QoS information, the invention uses distinct physical layer preamble sequences that can be detected and classified directly at the physical layer, eliminating the need for complex signaling processing.
2Productivity
If multiple data streams from different client stations are handled with varying priority levels, then network resources can be optimized, but the signaling mechanism becomes less flexible and scalable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the QoS handling mechanism by creating separate preamble sequences for different priority levels and data stream types. Each client station is assigned specific preamble sequences based on its QoS requirements, allowing the system to optimize network resources for different traffic types while maintaining flexibility through the modular preamble-based structure that can accommodate new client types without redesigning the overall signaling system.
Data Source
AI summary
A system including a control module and a scheduling module. The control module is configured to define a plurality of basic service sets for an access point, where each of the basic service sets respectively corresponds to a class of service. The scheduling module is configured to schedule (i) first transmit times for the basic service sets to transmit data from the access point to a plurality of client stations and (ii) second transmit times for the plurality of client stations associated with the basic service sets to transmit data from the plurality of client stations to the access point. The first transmit times and the second transmit times are based on the class of service respectively associated with each of the basic service sets.