BSRP Trigger Polling for Multi-AP WLAN Time Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Efficient resource utilization in wireless local-area networks (WLANs) is hindered by devices sharing resources with varying communication protocols and hardware limitations, necessitating improved methods for multi-AP coordination and network allocation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a radio architecture that includes WLAN and Bluetooth functionality, with integrated front-end module, radio IC, and baseband processing circuitry, enabling efficient polling of access points for time allocation requests and setting network allocation vectors (NAVs) to optimize resource usage across multiple bands and channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If devices share the same wireless resources, then resource utilization improves, but network congestion and collision increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wireless medium access into distinct time slots through coordinated TDMA scheduling across multiple access points. Each AP is assigned specific time windows to transmit management frames and poll devices, preventing simultaneous transmissions that cause congestion while maintaining efficient resource utilization through structured time division.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having access points exchange coordination information and establish timing schedules before actual data transmissions begin. The coordinated APs pre-negotiate time slot allocations and poll devices for buffer status reports in advance, allowing them to proactively manage resource allocation and prevent congestion before it occurs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple protocols and bands are supported, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a coordinated multi-AP system that operates as a unified entity supporting multiple IEEE 802.11 standards (ax, be, etc.) and protocols simultaneously. The system uses a common coordination mechanism that works across different protocol versions, allowing devices to communicate using their native protocol while the coordination layer maintains compatibility across all supported standards through standardized management frame exchanges.
3Productivity
If bandwidth utilization is increased, then data throughput improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing discontinuous transmission schedules where access points transmit management frames and poll devices at specific periodic intervals rather than continuously. Devices can enter low-power states during idle periods between scheduled transmissions, reducing power consumption while maintaining high bandwidth utilization during active transmission windows through efficient TDMA scheduling.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatuses, and computer readable media for polling APs for time allocation requests, where a first AP comprises processing circuitry configured to: decode, from a second AP, a BSRP trigger frame, the BSRP trigger frame comprising a user information field, the user information field comprising an AID field, the AID field indicating a first AP ID, and the BSRP trigger frame comprising a field, the field indicating a format for a response from the first AP, in response to the field indicating the format of the response from the first AP is to be a HT duplicate PPDU or a non-HT PPDU, encode, for transmission to the second AP, the non-HT duplicate PPDU or the non-HT PPDU, and in response to the field indicating the format of the response from the first AP is to be a PPDU, encode, for transmission to the second AP, the PPDU.