Capability-Based Multi-Access Point Coordination Group Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Wi-Fi networks lack efficient mechanisms for multi-access point coordination, leading to suboptimal network management and organization.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for exchanging Multi-Access Point Coordination (MAPC) parameter set data between nodes to establish and modify MAPC groups, enabling coordinated features through management frames, authentication, and association processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multi-access point coordination mechanisms are implemented, then network management and organization are enhanced, but device complexity and implementation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coordination mechanism is segmented into distinct functional modules including capability advertisement, group formation, and coordinated operation execution. Each module handles a specific aspect of MAPC, making the overall system more manageable and easier to implement despite the increased functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal coordination framework that can accommodate multiple types of coordinated features (uplink coordinated transmission, downlink coordinated transmission, uplink coordinated reception, downlink coordinated reception) through a single standardized interface and message exchange protocol, reducing the need for separate implementation mechanisms for each feature type.
2Reliability
If comprehensive MAPC capability information is exchanged between nodes, then coordination effectiveness is improved, but information exchange overhead and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential capability information needed for coordination (support for uplink coordinated transmission, downlink coordinated transmission, uplink coordinated reception, downlink coordinated reception) from the full set of possible node capabilities, reducing information exchange overhead while maintaining coordination effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The capability information is transformed into a standardized parameter format with defined fields and structures, allowing for efficient encoding, transmission, and processing. The information is parameterized to include only relevant coordination capabilities rather than exhaustive node specifications.
3Reliability
If authentication and association processes are implemented for MAPC group formation, then network security and trust are improved, but setup time and protocol complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Authentication and association information are exchanged and established in advance during the group formation phase, before coordinated operations begin. This preliminary setup ensures security requirements are met without requiring additional authentication steps during time-critical coordinated transmissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the authentication and association processes with the MAPC group formation procedure, combining multiple functions into a single integrated workflow. This reduces the total time required compared to performing authentication, association, and group formation as separate sequential operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus, method and computer program is described comprising receiving, at a first node of a wireless communication network, MAPC parameter set data from one or more other nodes of the wireless communication network, wherein each MAPC parameter set data comprises MAPC capabilities information identifying one or more MAPC features supported by the respective other node and details of supported functionality for each identified supported MAPC feature; exchanging information for establishing or modifying an MAPC group with one or more of said other nodes, said MAPC group usable for defining co-ordination between nodes of the MAPC group; and executing one or more features defined by one or more management frames received from one or more of said other nodes in accordance with the defined co-ordination.