Adapting BSS Basic Rate Set for Wi-Fi Uplink Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Wi-Fi systems face inefficiencies in Basic Service Set (BSS) rate management, leading to suboptimal coverage and downlink throughput due to transmit power mismatches between access points (APs) and subscriber stations (STAs), resulting in packet losses and reduced uplink capabilities.
Innovation Solution
Adapting the BSS Basic Rate Set by determining a transmission power metric for STAs associated with the AP, modifying data rates based on this metric, and transmitting the modified rate set to ensure sufficient uplink power for corresponding downlink transmissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a fixed high data rate is used in the BSS Basic Rate Set, then downlink throughput is improved, but uplink reliability deteriorates due to ACK frame transmission failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the BSS Basic Rate Set adaptive rather than fixed. The Access Point dynamically adjusts the basic data rates based on observed uplink transmission success rates. When ACK frame failures are detected, the system automatically modifies the basic rate set to include lower rates that are more reliable for uplink transmissions, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining high downlink throughput and ensuring uplink reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the Access Point monitors uplink transmission performance, specifically ACK frame reception success rates. Based on this feedback, the system determines whether to modify the BSS Basic Rate Set. This closed-loop feedback allows the system to automatically adapt to changing channel conditions and power mismatch scenarios, resolving the contradiction by adjusting rates based on actual transmission reliability observations.
2Reliability
If transmit power is increased at STAs to improve uplink coverage, then uplink reliability is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the data rate parameters in the BSS Basic Rate Set rather than changing transmit power parameters at the STA. The Access Point adjusts the basic data rates to values that are more suitable for the actual uplink power capabilities of STAs. This approach improves uplink reliability by matching rates to power capabilities without requiring STAs to increase their transmit power, thereby avoiding increased device complexity and power consumption at the STA side.
3Reliability
If transmit power is increased at STAs to improve uplink coverage, then uplink reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the basic data rates in the BSS Basic Rate Set to match the actual uplink power capabilities of STAs. By selecting lower basic rates that are more reliably supported by the STA's transmit power, the system improves uplink reliability without requiring STAs to increase their transmit power. This avoids the associated increase in energy consumption at the mobile STA, resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy usage.
Data Source
AI summary
Adaption of a Basic Service Set (BSS) Basic Rate Set for a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) Access Point (AP) may be achieved by, for example, determining a transmission power metric for one or more Subscriber Stations (STAs) associated with the AP, modifying one or more data rates in the BSS Basic Rate Set for the AP based on the transmission power metric, and transmitting the modified BSS Basic Rate Set to the one or more STAs.