Carrier Aggregation Channel Segments for WLAN Bandwidth Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current carrier aggregation techniques for wireless local area networks (WLANs) waste bandwidth resources due to assigning larger aggregated bandwidth to legacy systems that cannot utilize the entire range, limiting network throughput.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that divides bandwidth channels into multiple channel segments with multiple primary channels, allowing different transmissions to access the network efficiently by using available and unused primary channels, and broadcasting their locations within the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If larger aggregated bandwidth is assigned to legacy systems, then bandwidth allocation is simplified, but bandwidth resource waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the aggregated bandwidth into multiple channel segments, each with its own primary channel. This allows legacy systems to use only the channel segment they need while newer systems can utilize multiple segments, preventing bandwidth waste while maintaining allocation simplicity for legacy devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic channel segment assignment where channel segments can be allocated differently based on system capabilities. Legacy systems receive static single-segment allocation for simplicity, while advanced systems dynamically receive multiple segments, optimizing bandwidth utilization without complicating legacy operations.
2Productivity
If multiple channel segments with multiple primary channels are implemented, then bandwidth utilization efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the aggregated bandwidth into independent channel segments with separate primary channels, the patent enables parallel transmissions without requiring complex coordination across the entire bandwidth. Each segment operates semi-independently, improving utilization while managing complexity through modular structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different channel segments can have different characteristics and allocation strategies optimized for specific purposes. This allows the system to apply different management approaches to different segments, improving overall efficiency while keeping each segment's management relatively simple.
3Adaptability or versatility
If legacy systems are assigned larger bandwidth, then compatibility is maintained, but network throughput is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates separate channel segments that can be allocated differently to legacy and modern systems. Legacy systems maintain compatibility by receiving traditional single-channel allocation, while modern systems utilize multiple segments for higher throughput, resolving the contradiction between compatibility and performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel segment structure serves multiple functions: it maintains legacy compatibility through traditional allocation while simultaneously enabling advanced multi-segment utilization for modern systems. This universal structure accommodates both legacy and advanced requirements within the same framework.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are provided herein for improving carrier aggregation for wireless networks. A plurality of bandwidth channels are assigned to a basic service set (BSS) for transmissions. Specifically, the bandwidth channels are divided into multiple channel segments corresponding to multiple primary or alternate primary channels. A channel segment possibly further includes one or more additional secondary channels. The locations of the primary or alternate primary channels that correspond to the channel segments of the BSS are then broadcasted in the network. When a station or AP receives this BSS information, it searches for an available primary or alternate primary channel of the BSS to begin transmission. Upon detecting an available primary channel or alternate primary channel that is not used for another transmission, the station or AP transmits data on the channel segment corresponding to the detected primary or alternate primary channel.