Access Point RU Allocation via Recurring Signal Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in allocating resource units (RUs) efficiently due to interference issues, particularly multipath fading, which are not effectively addressed by current methods that rely solely on sounding processes for channel conditions.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an access point (AP) determining a pattern of recurring signal quality for each resource unit (RU) based on historical data, allowing it to predict interference patterns and allocate RUs accordingly, thereby reducing interference and improving communication efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If resource units are allocated to multiple stations simultaneously, then communication throughput is improved, but interference between stations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by analyzing and allocating resource units based on station-specific channel conditions. Each station receives RUs tailored to its unique multipath fading characteristics, allowing simultaneous communications to coexist with reduced interference. The AP determines recurring signal quality patterns for each station-RU combination and allocates RUs locally optimized for each station's environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by determining recurring signal quality patterns through historical sounding data before actual data transmission. The AP collects channel state information over multiple time instances, identifies multipath fading patterns, and pre-determines optimal RU allocations. This preliminary pattern recognition enables the system to proactively avoid interference-prone allocations rather than reactively correcting them.
2Measurement precision
If sounding processes are performed frequently to detect channel conditions, then allocation accuracy is improved, but system overhead and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by performing sounding processes at intervals to capture recurring multipath fading patterns rather than continuously. The system collects channel state information at multiple time instances spaced apart, identifies periodic patterns in the signal quality, and uses these patterns for allocation decisions. This periodic approach reduces overhead while maintaining accuracy by leveraging the temporal regularity of multipath effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by having stations transmit null data packets (NDPs) as part of the sounding process, which automatically provide channel state information to the AP. The stations themselves generate the measurement data needed for allocation decisions through their normal operation, reducing the need for additional dedicated measurement infrastructure or complex coordination overhead.
3Speed
If resource units are allocated based on instantaneous channel conditions, then responsiveness is improved, but reliability under multipath fading deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by determining recurring signal quality patterns through historical sounding data before actual data transmission. The AP collects channel state information over multiple time instances, identifies multipath fading patterns, and pre-determines optimal RU allocations. This preliminary pattern recognition enables the system to proactively avoid interference-prone allocations rather than reactively correcting them.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using historical sounding results to inform future allocation decisions. The AP maintains records of signal quality measurements across multiple time instances and uses this feedback loop to identify recurring patterns. Each allocation decision is informed by accumulated historical data, creating a feedback mechanism that continuously improves reliability while maintaining responsiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an access point is configured with a plurality of resource units (RUs). Each RU is configured to use a frequency range that differs from frequency ranges used by the other RUs. The access point determines a pattern of recurring signal performance over time. For each RU of the plurality of RUs, the pattern indicates the recurring signal performance with respect to a station when the station is located in a given physical location. The access point allocates one or more of the RUs for communicating with the station. The pattern is used for avoiding allocation of any of the RUs for which the station is predicted to experience strong multipath fading or other destructive interference.