Coordinated AP Link-Specific MCS for Cell-Edge Throughput
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In IEEE 802.11 wireless communications systems, cell-edge stations (CE STAs) experience lower physical data rates due to propagation losses, and there is no existing procedure to provide modulation and coding scheme (MCS) information from access points (APs) to CE STAs, leading to suboptimal data transmission.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a multiple access point channel bonding transmission technique where multiple APs coordinate to send data concurrently, allowing each AP to transmit a portion of the data and enabling link-specific MCS, with the master AP collecting CSI and allocating resource units to optimize data transmission to CE STAs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple APs use different MCS for each link to optimize data transmission, then the physical data rate for CE STAs is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for MCS information exchange and coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a master AP as an intermediary that collects CSI from all coordinated APs, determines the appropriate MCS for each link, and distributes this information to the CE STA. This mediator approach simplifies the overall system coordination by centralizing the decision-making process for MCS selection, avoiding the need for complex direct coordination between multiple APs and the STA.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the coordination function by designating one AP as the master and others as coordinated APs. The master AP handles the complex tasks of CSI collection, MCS determination, and information distribution, while coordinated APs focus on their specific link transmissions. This segmentation divides the overall complexity into manageable parts with clear responsibility allocation.
2Productivity
If a single AP transmits data to CE STA, then the device complexity is low, but the physical data rate is limited due to propagation losses at cell edge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the transmission capabilities of multiple APs to serve a single CE STA. By coordinating transmissions from multiple APs simultaneously, the system combines their signal strengths to overcome propagation losses that would limit a single AP's ability to provide high data rates to cell-edge stations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allowing each AP to use link-specific MCS tailored to its individual link conditions with the CE STA. This enables each transmission link to be optimized for its specific propagation characteristics, with closer APs using higher-order modulation and more distant APs using more robust modulation schemes.
3Productivity
If multiple APs transmit concurrently to CE STA, then the throughput is significantly improved, but the loss of information increases due to the need for MCS information exchange among APs and with STA
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the master AP collect CSI from all coordinated APs and determine the MCS information before the actual data transmission begins. This advance preparation ensures that all necessary MCS information is ready and distributed to the CE STA prior to concurrent transmissions, preventing information loss and ensuring proper reception.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where APs exchange CSI information with the master AP, which then uses this feedback to determine appropriate MCS values. This feedback loop ensures that the MCS selection is based on actual channel conditions, optimizing throughput while maintaining reliable communication.
Data Source
AI summary
Methodologies are presented that provide better uplink and downlink data throughput for cell-edge stations (CE STAs) in wireless networks. In downlink, two or more access points (AP) can work in concert to code a signal such that each AP sends a portion of the data during concurrent transmissions. To further enhance the data throughput of a CE STA, each link between the CE STA and one of the APs can have different characteristics or parameters, for example, a different modulation and coding scheme (MCS). The different characteristics or parameters are communicated to the CE STA through one of various signals sent to the CE STA to allow the CE STA to receive the portions of data over the differently configured links.