Channel Access Method for Dense WLANs

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Solution Overview

Problem

In densely distributed wireless local area networks (WLANs), the severe contention for channels reduces the obtainable transmission opportunities (TXOPs) for stations (STAs), leading to increased buffer data and decreased channel access efficiency, especially in high-efficiency WLAN scenarios where downlink data exceeds uplink data.

Innovation Solution

A method where a first STA obtains a TXOP through contention or pre-allocation and sends indication information to a second STA, allowing the second STA to obtain a second TXOP, which can start before the first TXOP has elapsed, thereby reducing channel contention overhead and improving access rates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If STAs contend for channels using conventional EDCA mechanisms, then channel access follows standard protocols, but channel access rate decreases and contention overhead increases in densely distributed networks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel access rateVSAvoidcontention overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by allowing a first STA to obtain a TXOP and then indicate to a second STA that it can obtain a second TXOP before the first TXOP has elapsed. This advance indication enables the second STA to prepare for transmission without waiting for conventional contention, effectively performing the channel access action in advance and reducing overall contention overhead in densely distributed networks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Area of stationary object

If STAs densely distribute in WLAN networks, then network coverage increases, but channel contention becomes severe and TXOP acquisition reduces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork coverageVSAvoidTXOP acquisition

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the first STA as an intermediary that has already successfully obtained channel access. This intermediary STA transmits indication information to the second STA, allowing the second STA to inherit or obtain a TXOP without performing full contention. This mediator approach enables dense network deployment while maintaining efficient TXOP acquisition for multiple STAs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If APs configure high priority channel access parameters, then AP channel access priority improves, but contention cost still cannot be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAP channel access priorityVSAvoidcontention cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by enabling non-AP STAs to obtain TXOPs through indication from other STAs that have already secured channel access. This eliminates the need for repeated high-priority contention by APs, as STAs can inherit transmission opportunities through the indication mechanism, thereby reducing overall contention cost while maintaining efficient channel utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3139680B1Channel access method, system and computer readable storage medium

Publication Date: 2019.07.24 ZTE CORP

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AI summary

Disclosed is a channel access method. A first station acquires a first transmission time period and sends indication information to a second station in the first transmission time period, the indication information being used for informing the second station of acquiring a second transmission time period; and the second station acquires the second transmission time period and performs radio frame transmission in the second transmission time period. Also disclosed are a channel access system and stations.