Partial Virtual Bitmap Segmentation for High-Density Station Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network channel access control systems face challenges in supporting a large number of stations efficiently, leading to increased beacon duration times and channel congestion, particularly in 'smart grid' applications that require supporting 6000 or more stations with limited channel bandwidth.
Innovation Solution
A medium access control device is configured to manage data transmission to multiple stations by determining data type and station groupings, generating partial virtual bitmaps, and segmenting them into fragments to stagger downlink and uplink times, minimizing congestion and access delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If an access point supports a large number of stations (6000 or more) in a single channel, then network coverage and station capacity are improved, but beacon duration times increase and channel congestion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the virtual bitmap into multiple fragments and transmits them across different beacon periods. Instead of including the complete bitmap for all 6000+ stations in a single beacon, the access point divides the bitmap data into multiple parts (first fragment, second fragment, etc.) and distributes them across successive beacons. This segmentation directly reduces the duration of individual beacon transmissions while ensuring all stations receive their required information over time.
2Quantity of substance
If an access point supports a large number of stations (6000 or more) in a single channel, then network coverage and station capacity are improved, but channel congestion and access delays increase
Solution Approach 1:
By fragmenting the bitmap transmission across multiple beacon periods, the patent reduces the time each station must remain awake to receive its data indication. Stations can return to sleep mode earlier after receiving their specific fragment, reducing overall channel occupancy time and minimizing congestion. This segmentation approach allows the access point to support more stations without proportionally increasing channel contention and access delays.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a medium access control device receiving data for N of M stations transmitted from an access point to the N stations. A multicast module determines whether the received data includes first data, and to which grouping(s) of the M stations the access point is to transmit the first data. A unicast module determines whether the received data includes second data, and to which ones of the N stations the access point is to transmit the second data. A bitmap module generates a PVB including a first identifier for the grouping(s) of the M stations and second identifiers for the ones of the N stations. A segmentation module generates segmentation information indicating whether to divide the PVB into fragments. A message control module transmits a TIM indicating bit states of the first identifier and the second identifiers to ones of the N stations based on the segmentation information.