Cell-Free Communication AP Mode Allocation for Cluster Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cell-free communication systems face challenges in power consumption due to the dynamic nature of access point clusters and interference in boundary regions, leading to inefficiencies in wireless communication.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to classify access points into cluster and non-cluster types, with dynamic operation mode adjustments for non-cluster APs, including downstream-only, upstream-only, and sleep modes, based on geographical distribution and cluster changes, minimizing power consumption through strategic mode allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all APs continuously transmit and receive wireless signals to ensure communication coverage, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation mode adjustment for APs based on their cluster status. When an AP is excluded from a cluster, it transitions from full-duplex mode (transmitting and receiving) to either upstream-only mode, downstream-only mode, or sleep mode. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain communication reliability for active clusters while reducing power consumption for excluded APs that no longer need full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different operation modes to different APs based on their local conditions and cluster membership status. Cluster APs maintain full transmit and receive capabilities, while non-cluster APs are assigned specific modes (upstream-only, downstream-only, or sleep) based on their geographical distribution and communication needs. This localized quality adjustment ensures each AP operates with appropriate functionality to maintain overall system reliability while minimizing unnecessary power consumption.
2Productivity
If APs are dynamically assigned to clusters to optimize communication efficiency, then communication quality is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the AP population into distinct categories: cluster APs and non-cluster APs, with further subdivision of non-cluster APs into upstream-only, downstream-only, and sleep modes. This segmentation allows the system to manage complexity by treating different AP groups with different operation rules, simplifying the control logic compared to managing each AP individually while still achieving optimized communication efficiency through cluster-based organization.
3Area of stationary object
If APs in boundary regions are activated to improve coverage, then communication coverage is improved, but interference from neighboring cells increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from cluster formation and AP exclusion decisions to dynamically adjust operation modes. When APs are excluded from clusters due to boundary conditions or interference concerns, the system feeds back this status information and automatically transitions these APs to reduced-power modes. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain coverage in boundary regions while automatically suppressing interference by deactivating full transmit/receive functionality on APs that would cause neighboring cell interference.
Data Source
AI summary
The method includes: executing, when first APs that are changed from a cluster AP to a non-cluster AP due to a change of a cluster occurs, first processing on processing target APs including the first APs and a second AP that is the non-cluster AP satisfying a predetermined condition in relation to the first APs, and thereby determining, as an operation mode of the processing target APs. The first processing includes: selecting one first processing target AP from the processing target APs, and determining a downstream-only mode as the operation mode of the one first processing target AP, and determining a upstream-only mode or a sleep mode as the operation mode of a second processing target AP that is different from the one first processing target AP and is among the processing target APs.