Dynamic CCA Threshold Adjustment for Wireless Channel Contention

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Solution Overview

Problem

The fixed Clear Channel Assessment (CCA) threshold in the 802.11 protocol reduces communication efficiency due to malfunctions when channels are occupied maliciously, making it difficult for nodes to contend effectively.

Innovation Solution

An access point dynamically adjusts its CCA threshold based on parameter information received from another access point, including the number of active nodes and transmit power, to optimize channel assessment and improve communication efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a fixed CCA threshold is used in the 802.11 protocol, then the channel assessment mechanism is simple to implement, but communication efficiency deteriorates when channels are maliciously occupied

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCCA threshold mechanism complexityVSAvoidcommunication efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic CCA threshold adjustment by allowing access points to modify their CCA thresholds based on received parameter information from neighboring access points. The threshold is no longer fixed but adapts to changing channel conditions, particularly when malicious occupation is detected, thereby resolving the contradiction between simplicity and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the CCA threshold parameter dynamically based on received parameter information including quantity of active nodes and transmit power. By adjusting this critical parameter in response to channel conditions, the system maintains simple implementation while improving communication efficiency under varying conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If a fixed CCA threshold is used, then the implementation is straightforward, but channel contention capability deteriorates under malicious channel occupation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplementation easeVSAvoidchannel contention capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where access points exchange parameter information about channel conditions and active nodes. This feedback enables each access point to adjust its CCA threshold based on actual channel status, improving channel contention capability while maintaining straightforward implementation through standardized message exchange.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Each access point autonomously adjusts its own CCA threshold based on received parameter information, without requiring centralized control. This self-service approach maintains implementation simplicity while improving reliability through distributed adaptation to channel conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If dynamic CCA threshold adjustment is implemented, then communication efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidCCA threshold adjustment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the CCA threshold adjustment function into distinct components: receiving parameter information from neighboring access points, processing this information according to predefined rules, and adjusting the threshold accordingly. This segmentation manages complexity by breaking down the dynamic adjustment process into manageable, standardized steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Measurement precision

If dynamic CCA threshold adjustment is implemented, then channel assessment accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel assessment accuracyVSAvoidthreshold adjustment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the CCA threshold based on received parameter information about channel conditions and active nodes. This dynamic approach improves channel assessment accuracy by adapting to real-time conditions while managing complexity through systematic adjustment rules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3182792B1Method for adjusting clear channel assessment threshold, and access point
Publication Date: 2020.10.21 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3182792B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3182792B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6
  • EP3182792B1 patent drawingFigure 7~11

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for adjusting a clear channel assessment threshold and an access point. The access point includes: a receiving unit, configured to receive parameter information sent by another access point, where the parameter information sent by the another access point indicates a current channel occupation status of a basic service set in which the another access point is located; and an adjustment unit, configured to adjust a clear channel assessment CCA threshold of the access point according to the parameter information sent by the another access point. In the embodiments of the present invention, an access point adjusts a CCA threshold of the access point according to parameter information that is sent by a different access point and that indicates a current channel occupation status. Therefore, the CCA threshold of the access point can be adjusted dynamically, and communication efficiency is improved.