Beacon Data Extensions for Wireless Network Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for measuring received channel power indicator (RCPI) and perceived signal to noise indicator (PSNI) in wireless communications perform these parameters as single measurements, which is inefficient for network management.

Innovation Solution

Implementing periodic measurements of beacon request signals, allowing for dynamic data rate adjustment and improved network management by using measurement duration, channel number, and conditional reporting thresholds, applicable in IEEE 802.11 and 3GPP W-CDMA systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If single measurements of RCPI and PSNI are performed, then measurement simplicity is maintained, but network management efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork management efficiencyVSAvoidmeasurement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic measurements of RCPI and PSNI parameters at multiple time instances rather than single measurements. This periodic approach enables dynamic tracking of signal conditions, allowing the network to respond to changing wireless environments, thereby improving network management efficiency while the structured periodic nature maintains measurement simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic data rate adjustment based on periodic measurement results. The measurement configuration includes parameters such as measurement period, number of measurements, and thresholds that allow the system to adapt dynamically to signal conditions, improving productivity while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized dynamic adjustment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If periodic measurements are implemented, then network management efficiency is improved, but measurement traffic increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork management efficiencyVSAvoidmanagement traffic

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs configurable measurement parameters including measurement period, number of measurements per period, and reporting thresholds. By adjusting these parameters, the system can optimize the balance between network management efficiency and traffic generation, reporting measurements only when significant changes occur or at optimized intervals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements conditional reporting based on measurement thresholds and triggers. Measurements are reported to the network only when they meet specific criteria (e.g., exceeding thresholds, significant changes from previous measurements), which reduces unnecessary management traffic while maintaining effective network management through feedback-driven selective reporting

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If periodic measurements with conditional reporting are used, then handoff decisions are improved, but measurement and processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandoff decision reliabilityVSAvoidmeasurement processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-configures measurement parameters, thresholds, and reporting criteria before measurements begin. This preliminary configuration includes setting measurement periods, number of measurements, and threshold values that simplify subsequent processing by establishing clear decision rules in advance, improving handoff reliability without adding runtime complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the measurement and reporting process into distinct segments: measurement collection, threshold evaluation, and conditional reporting. This segmentation allows each function to be handled independently with dedicated logic, improving handoff decision reliability through systematic processing while keeping individual processing stages simple and manageable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS7710930B2Method and apparatus for network management using periodic measurements of indicators

Publication Date: 2010.05.04 INTEL CORP

AI summary

A beacon signal used in data communications, such as the IEEE 802.11, is provided with data extensions. The data extensions permit additional information to be provided by the beacon signal, thereby reducing the traffic overhead of the network. The data extensions further permit handoffs and handoffs based on offset values. Periodic beacon requests are made during connection between a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) and an access point (AP) on a WLAN. A Measurement Request field corresponding to a beacon request contains a measurement duration value and channel number for which the request applies. The beacon request permits a scan mode which includes “Active Scan” mode, “Passive Scan” mode and “Beacon Table” mode. In Active Scan mode, the measuring station (STA) transmits a probe request with a broadcast SSID. In Passive Scan mode, the measuring STA passively receives on the specified channel and return a beacon report containing one information element for each STA from which it detects a beacon or probe response. In Beacon Table mode, the measuring STA returns a beacon report containing the current contents of its beacon table without performing additional measurements.