Bidirectional TXOP Mechanism for WLAN Data Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current WLAN communication systems are limited in their ability to initiate and operate bidirectional transmit opportunities (TXOP) efficiently, as they primarily allow unidirectional data transmission, which is not suitable for applications requiring instantaneous high data rates in both directions, such as virtual reality and augmented reality.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a bidirectional TXOP mechanism where two independent communication channels are used, one for downlink and one for uplink data transmission, with a TXOP indicator initiating the bidirectional exchange and allowing data to be transmitted on one channel while listening for reception on the other, enabling simultaneous data exchange in both directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a unidirectional TXOP is used for data transmission, then the transmission mechanism is simple, but bidirectional data exchange cannot be achieved simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the TXOP into two separate unidirectional TXOPs, one for downlink data transmission and one for uplink data transmission. Each TXOP is managed independently with its own control frames and transmission opportunities, allowing bidirectional communication while maintaining operational simplicity through modular management
2Productivity
If a bidirectional TXOP is implemented with separate channels for downlink and uplink, then simultaneous bidirectional data exchange is enabled, but channel resource management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate unidirectional TXOPs into a single bidirectional TXOP structure, where the downlink and uplink TXOPs are nested within each other. This merging allows simultaneous bidirectional data exchange while sharing common control resources and management mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If a wideband TXOP is split into two channels, then bidirectional communication is enabled, but the complexity of channel allocation and coordination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns different quality characteristics to different channels within the bidirectional TXOP. The first channel is optimized for downlink transmission with specific modulation and coding schemes, while the second channel is optimized for uplink transmission. This local quality differentiation enables bidirectional communication while simplifying channel coordination through standardized quality profiles
Data Source
AI summary
A first communication device that is configured to bidirectionally exchange data with a second communication device comprises circuitry that is configured to initiate a bidirectional transmit opportunity (TXOP) by transmitting, to the second communication device, a TXOP indicator indicating that a wideband TXOP is split into two channels and indicating that a first channel is primarily to be used for transmission of data from the first communication device to the second communication device and a second channel is primarily to be used for transmission of data from the second communication device to the first communication device. Further, the first communication device transmits data to the second communication device on the first channel and listen for the reception of data from the second communication device on the second channel.