Automatic Retransmission Signaling for Adaptive WLAN Stations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless local area networks lack a unified solution for implementing an automatic retransmission function that accommodates the varying capabilities and communication qualities of stations, leading to the discarding of potentially useful information in incorrectly received data packets.

Innovation Solution

A notification mechanism using automatic retransmission enable instructions is introduced to inform stations whether to enable or disable the automatic retransmission mechanism, allowing for configuration of an automatic retransmission buffer and specifying conditions for enabling or disabling the function, including timing and redundancy information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the automatic retransmission mechanism is enabled for all stations, then data transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity increases and not all stations can support it

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidstation capability complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic configuration of the automatic retransmission mechanism by introducing a configuration message that allows the access point to enable or disable the function for specific stations based on their capabilities and channel conditions. This transforms a static all-or-nothing approach into a dynamic, adaptable system where the retransmission mechanism is activated only when and where it is beneficial.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by enabling the automatic retransmission mechanism selectively for specific stations rather than uniformly across all stations. The access point determines which stations should have the function enabled based on their individual capabilities and the quality of their communication links, thereby optimizing performance without unnecessarily complicating stations that do not require or support the feature.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If incorrectly received data packets are discarded, then transmission accuracy is maintained, but useful information is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission accuracyVSAvoiduseful information loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of incorrectly received packets (which traditionally would be discarded) into a beneficial resource by storing these packets in a buffer. The buffer allows the station to retain potentially useful information from incorrectly received packets, which can later be combined with retransmitted packets to recover the original data, thereby transforming waste into value.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary action by pre-configuring buffers in stations before incorrect packets are received. These buffers are prepared in advance to store incorrectly received packets, enabling the system to capture and preserve useful information before it would otherwise be lost. This proactive preparation facilitates subsequent combination processing with retransmitted packets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If the automatic retransmission function is enabled without configuration messages, then implementation is simpler, but stations cannot adapt to different retransmission requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplementation simplicityVSAvoidretransmission mechanism adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic adaptability through configuration messages that allow the access point to control the automatic retransmission function on a per-station basis. This adds a layer of flexibility where stations can adapt their behavior according to their capabilities and channel conditions, while the access point maintains centralized control to manage the overall system efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The configuration message serves as an intermediary between the access point and stations, conveying the necessary instructions for enabling or disabling the automatic retransmission function. This intermediary mechanism allows the system to maintain relative simplicity while achieving adaptability, as the configuration message carries all the necessary control information without requiring complex negotiation or negotiation protocols between stations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3852293B1Method for implementing automatic retransmission function and related station
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 ZTE CORP
  • EP3852293B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP3852293B1 patent drawingFigure 5
  • EP3852293B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

Provided by the present application are a method for implementing an automatic retransmission function and a related station. The method comprises: a first station sending a first message, the first message carrying automatic retransmission enabling information, and the automatic retransmission enabling information being used to indicate to turn on or shut off an automatic retransmission function.