Beacon-Signaled TWT Scheduling for Low-Latency WLAN Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless LAN systems face challenges in efficiently performing multi-link operations for frame transmission and reception with low latency requirements, particularly when simultaneous transmission or reception is not possible.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for configuring a Target Wake Time (TWT) service period (SP) for low latency operations, using a beacon frame with a request type field to indicate low latency operations, and incorporating a quiet information element to protect this period, ensuring only low-latency frames are transmitted during this time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If multi-link operations are performed for frame transmission and reception, then communication speed and reliability are improved, but latency increases when simultaneous transmission is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring TWT (Target Wake Time) service periods in advance. The access point schedules specific time windows when stations can transmit frames, allowing low-latency communication to be prepared ahead of time. This prevents latency issues during actual transmission by having time slots already allocated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the transmission timeline into distinct TWT service periods. Instead of continuous transmission, the communication is divided into scheduled intervals where specific stations can transmit. This segmentation allows multiple links to operate independently at different times, reducing interference and latency when simultaneous transmission is not possible.
2Productivity
If TWT service period is configured for low latency operation, then frame transmission efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional configuration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the TWT configuration universal by allowing the access point to broadcast TWT service period information to multiple stations simultaneously. The same configuration mechanism works for different station types and scenarios, reducing the need for individualized complex configurations for each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where stations respond to TWT configuration requests and the access point adjusts schedules based on station capabilities and traffic conditions. This feedback loop simplifies configuration by allowing automatic adaptation rather than manual tuning of complex parameters.
3Reliability
If quiet information element is added to protect TWT period, then transmission stability is improved, but beacon frame size and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the protection function into a separate quiet information element that can be independently managed. Instead of embedding protection mechanisms throughout the entire beacon frame, the quiet element is extracted as a specific component that only affects the relevant TWT period, reducing overall processing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The quiet information element operates periodically during TWT service periods, activating protection only when needed. This periodic action rather than continuous protection reduces the processing burden on beacon frames while maintaining transmission stability during critical low-latency windows.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a method for transmitting a frame of a wireless communication system. A non-AP STA receives a beacon frame comprising a request type field from an AP and can receive a downlink frame or transmit an uplink frame in accordance with a specific field value included in the beacon frame. Here, the request type field comprises a specific field for indicating a target wake time (TWT) for a low latency operation, and, if the value of the specific field is set as a first specific value, a broadcast TWT service period (SP) is a TWT SP for the low latency operation.