Client Meshing Period Scheduling for WLAN Range Extension
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless local area networks (WLANs), client-to-client communication is inefficient as it typically requires messages to traverse through an access point (AP), limiting the range of coverage and not allowing direct communication between clients if either is not within hearing range of the AP.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where clients can communicate directly by using Infrastructure Mode (IMP) and Client Meshing Period (CMP) schedules, allowing tier 2 clients to communicate indirectly through tier 1 clients, expanding the network range and enabling communication even when the AP is out of range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If Direct Link Mode is used to allow direct client-to-client communication, then communication efficiency is improved, but the coverage range is limited because clients must be within hearing range of the AP to notify their existence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where clients can be indirectly connected to the network through other clients that are within range of the AP. This allows clients outside the AP's direct hearing range to communicate by relaying through intermediate clients, effectively extending the coverage range while maintaining efficient direct communication between connected clients.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested hierarchical structure where clients are organized into tiers based on their distance from the AP. Tier 1 clients are directly connected to the AP, while Tier 2 clients connect through Tier 1 clients, and so on. This nested arrangement allows the network to extend beyond the AP's direct coverage area while maintaining structured communication paths.
2Area of stationary object
If all clients communicate through the AP (two-hop communication), then the AP maintains centralized control and coverage is extended through infrastructure mode, but communication efficiency deteriorates due to the additional hop and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments communication paths into different types: Infrastructure Mode Periods for AP-mediated communication and Client Meshing Periods for direct client-to-client communication. This segmentation allows the system to choose the most efficient path for each communication scenario, using direct paths when possible to improve efficiency while relying on the AP for extended coverage when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic alternation between Infrastructure Mode Periods and Client Meshing Periods. During IMPs, clients communicate through the AP for extended coverage. During CMPs, clients engage in direct communication for improved efficiency. This periodic switching allows the system to balance between coverage extension and communication efficiency based on current needs.
3Area of stationary object
If Infrastructure Mode is used for extended coverage, then clients can communicate through the AP beyond direct range, but power consumption increases and interference is minimized only during specific periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces power consumption by implementing periodic Client Meshing Periods where clients engage in direct communication without involving the AP. During these CMPs, clients can communicate efficiently using lower power since they don't need to maintain continuous connections to the AP. The periodic structure allows clients to switch between low-power direct communication and AP-mediated communication as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous network functionality by maintaining both Infrastructure Mode Periods and Client Meshing Periods in a coordinated schedule. This continuity allows clients to always have a communication path available - either through the AP or through direct client-to-client links - ensuring that useful communication action continues without interruption while optimizing power usage.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for performing client to client communication in a wireless local area network are disclosed. At an ‘n’ tier client in the wireless local area network, a signaling message from an ‘n−1’ tier client is received wherein the signaling message comprises a first period, a second period, and a third period. Communicating with the ‘n−1’ tier client during the first period and communicating with the ‘n+1’ tier client during the third period. At an access point in the wireless local area network, an association table identifying clients in the wireless local area network is created and a first period for client to client communication based upon the association table and traffic in the wireless local area network is determined where the access point does not communicate with the clients during the first period.