Buffer Status Report Trigger Frame Scheduling for Wireless Collision Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in transmitting buffer status information (BSR) frames, particularly in densely populated environments, leading to increased overhead and reduced throughput due to collision risks in DCF-based schemes and time-consuming polling in PCF-based schemes, as well as unnecessary resource allocation in PSMP-based schemes.

Innovation Solution

The method involves defining a BSR phase where stations transmit BSR frames using dedicated and contention sub-slots, with the AP broadcasting a BSR trigger action frame to schedule transmission, allowing stations to detect and transmit in either dedicated or contention sub-slots, reducing collisions and improving resource allocation efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If DCF-based transmission scheme is used, then stations can access channel autonomously, but collision occurs frequently in densely located environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautonomous channel accessVSAvoidcollision probability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The channel access process is segmented into two distinct phases: a contention-based initial access phase and a scheduled transmission phase. Stations first contend for channel access to obtain transmission opportunities, then transmit data during allocated time slots without further contention, thereby separating the collision-prone access phase from the reliable transmission phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary channel access contention before actual data transmission. Stations compete for transmission opportunities in advance, and once a station successfully contends for the channel, its transmission rights are established before data transfer begins, preventing collisions during the actual data transmission phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If PCF-based transmission scheme is used, then collision is avoided, but much time is required to sequentially poll all stations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision avoidanceVSAvoidpolling time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of polling all stations sequentially as in traditional PCF, the system allows multiple stations to contend for channel access simultaneously in the initial phase. This partial polling approach where not all stations need to be individually polled reduces the overall polling time while still ensuring fair channel access opportunities for all stations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges the contention-based access mechanism with the scheduled transmission mechanism. By combining the competitive nature of DCF with the structured approach of PCF, the system achieves both collision avoidance during data transmission and reduced polling time through simultaneous contention opportunities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If PSMP-based transmission scheme is used, then multiple users can transmit uplink signals, but unnecessary resource allocation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuplink transmission capacityVSAvoidresource allocation overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Stations autonomously determine their own transmission opportunities through contention-based access in the initial phase, without requiring the AP to allocate specific resources to each station. This self-service approach allows multiple users to transmit simultaneously while eliminating the need for detailed resource allocation signaling, thereby reducing overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of resource allocation from station-specific dedicated allocation to shared contention-based allocation. By transitioning from a regime where each station receives individually allocated resources to one where stations compete for shared channel access, the system maintains multi-user transmission capability while reducing allocation overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If backoff time period is lengthened to reduce collision probability, then channel access reliability improves, but channel is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision reductionVSAvoidchannel idle time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary contention-based access where stations compete for channel opportunities before actual data transmission. By front-loading the collision potential into this initial access phase, the system resolves channel access rights in advance, allowing subsequent data transmission to proceed without further collisions or backoff delays, thereby minimizing total channel idle time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system rushes through the channel access contention phase quickly by allowing multiple stations to attempt simultaneous access, accepting that some collisions may occur during this brief initial period. Once access rights are determined through this rapid contention process, the actual data transmission proceeds without interruption, skipping over what would otherwise be lengthy backoff periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

Data Source

PatentEP3171630B1Method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving buffer status information in wireless communication system
Publication Date: 2020.03.11 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3171630B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3171630B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3171630B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a 5G or pre-5G communication system to be provided in order to support higher data rates after a 4G communication system, such as an LTE system. A method for receiving buffer status information by an access point in a wireless communication system is provided. In the method, a contention sub-slot and a dedicated sub-slot are determined for each station connected to the access point, a data trigger action frame is generated based on a first element including allocation information on the dedicated sub-slot to be used by a related station in a buffer status report (BSR) phase where each of the stations transmits buffer status information to the access point, the generated data trigger action frame is broadcasted to the stations, and a BSR frame transmitted based on the data trigger action frame is received from each of the stations.