AP Slot Re-Farming for Unused TDMA Time Reallocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless network systems face inefficiencies due to unused slot times in slot-based scheduling, particularly in video codecs with variable bit-rates, leading to wasted resources and inflexible re-farming opportunities.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where excess slot times are re-farmed through wireless exchanges among neighboring Access Points (APs) to allocate resources efficiently, using techniques like TDMA and SR, based on buffered traffic priority and wireless protocols such as IEEE 802.11 and IEEE 802.16.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If slot-based scheduling is used in wireless networks, then network access control is simplified, but excess slot time is wasted when traffic volume is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic slot time reallocation where APs can flexibly adjust their allocated slot times based on actual traffic conditions. When an AP has less traffic than expected, it releases the excess slot time through wireless exchanges with neighboring APs, allowing the scheduling system to adapt dynamically to varying traffic demands and eliminate wasted time resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of slot time allocation from fixed to variable. By introducing mechanisms that allow APs to exchange and reallocate slot times based on actual traffic conditions, the system transforms static scheduling parameters into dynamic ones, optimizing resource utilization while maintaining scheduling simplicity.
2Device complexity
If fixed slot allocation is used, then scheduling complexity is reduced, but re-farming opportunities are inflexible and lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables APs to autonomously manage their own slot time allocations and engage in wireless exchanges with neighboring APs to reallocate excess slot time. This self-service mechanism allows each AP to independently adjust its schedule based on local traffic conditions without requiring complex centralized control, thereby maintaining simplicity while gaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the slot time allocation into flexible units that can be independently exchanged between APs. By dividing the fixed allocation into tradable time segments, the system allows granular reallocation of resources while maintaining the overall simplicity of the scheduling framework.
3Reliability
If slot time is allocated based on worst-case traffic, then reliability is ensured, but resource utilization is reduced due to excess allocation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary slot time allocation based on worst-case traffic scenarios to ensure reliability, then introduces a subsequent reallocation phase where APs exchange excess slot times based on actual traffic conditions. This two-stage approach first guarantees reliability through conservative allocation, then optimizes productivity by eliminating waste through wireless exchanges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where APs continuously monitor their actual traffic volumes and use this information to trigger slot time reallocations. When an AP detects that its allocated slot time exceeds actual needs, it initiates wireless exchanges to release excess time, creating a closed-loop system that balances reliability guarantees with optimal resource utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
Excess slot-time re-farming may be provided. A slot allocation may be received by a first Access Point (AP). Next, excess time in the slot allocation may be determined. Then wireless exchanges may be used to allocate the excess time in the slot allocation to a second AP.