Unlicensed Carrier Transmission Pattern for Fair Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing wireless communications systems, the fairness of occupying an unlicensed carrier by multiple devices is not ensured due to the time contention method used for transmitting data frames, where some devices consistently fail to obtain time resources, preventing them from accessing the carrier.
Innovation Solution
A method where a first device determines a transmission pattern by analyzing the occupancy ratio of the unlicensed carrier of other devices, selecting time resources based on this pattern to transmit data frames, ensuring fair access by occupying the carrier according to the determined pattern.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If time contention method is used for transmitting data frames on unlicensed carrier, then devices can access the carrier in a distributed manner, but fairness of occupying the unlicensed carrier by multiple devices cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic sensing and transmission patterns where devices alternately sense the channel and transmit data frames in a cyclic manner. This periodic structure ensures that each device gets scheduled turns to access the unlicensed carrier, preventing any single device from monopolizing the resource while maintaining distributed access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment mechanisms where devices can adapt their transmission patterns based on channel conditions and fairness metrics. The system dynamically balances between contention-based access and scheduled access, allowing fairness to be maintained while preserving the flexibility of distributed operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all data frames are transmitted in time contention manner, then devices can independently access the carrier, but some devices can never obtain time resource through contention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transmission opportunities into different types: contention-based transmissions and scheduled transmissions. Devices can use contention mechanisms for initial access and scheduled transmissions for guaranteed resource allocation. This segmentation ensures that devices which fail to acquire resources through contention can still access the carrier through scheduled opportunities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a scheduling mechanism as an intermediary that mediates between devices and the unlicensed carrier. This intermediary allocates time resources to ensure fair distribution, preventing scenarios where some devices are permanently blocked from accessing the carrier while maintaining the option for independent contention-based access.
3Reliability
If transmission pattern is determined based on occupancy ratio of other devices, then fairness can be ensured, but device complexity increases due to pattern determination and coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where devices monitor the occupancy ratios of other devices and adjust their transmission patterns accordingly. This feedback loop enables automatic fairness adjustment without complex centralized coordination, as each device independently adapts its behavior based on observed channel conditions and other devices' transmission patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables devices to self-determine their transmission patterns based on locally observed occupancy ratios and fairness criteria. Each device independently calculates its own scheduling parameters without requiring complex inter-device coordination, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining fairness through decentralized self-organization.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for transmitting a data frame and a device. The method includes: determining, by a first device, a transmission pattern of the first device, where the transmission pattern includes a quantity and positions of occupied data frames and a quantity and positions of idle data frames in one transmission period; and occupying, by the first device, an unlicensed carrier according to the transmission pattern of the first device, to transmit a data frame of the first device. According to the embodiments of the present invention, fairness of occupying an unlicensed carrier by multiple devices can be ensured.