Coordinated Access Point Resource Allocation in Wireless Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication networks lack efficient mechanisms for neighboring access points (APs) to collaborate and share resources, leading to interference and suboptimal utilization of time, frequency, and spatial resources in IEEE 802.11 networks.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for coordinating multiple access points (APs) in a wireless network, where a coordinator AP allocates resources to coordinated APs within a transmission opportunity (TXOP), forming groups based on resource-sharing capabilities and enablement status, using frames with an enablement field to signal resource allocation and usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If neighboring APs operate over the same channel independently, then each AP can transmit freely, but interference occurs and resource utilization is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the operations of multiple neighboring APs by forming a coordinated group that shares common resources (time, frequency, space) under a unified coordination mechanism. The coordinator AP manages resource allocation across all group members, transforming independent AP operations into a coordinated system that eliminates interference while improving overall resource utilization efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The coordinator AP acts as an intermediary between multiple neighboring APs, managing resource allocation and coordination. This intermediary entity receives resource requests from coordinated APs and allocates shared resources accordingly, enabling collaborative operation while preventing interference between APs.
2Productivity
If APs share common resources through coordination, then interference is reduced and resource utilization improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the coordination function by designating a specific coordinator AP within the group that assumes responsibility for resource management. This segmentation isolates the coordination complexity to a single entity rather than requiring all APs to implement full coordination logic, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining efficient resource sharing.
Solution Approach 2:
The coordinator AP performs multiple functions including resource allocation, coordination management, and interference prevention within the group. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional entity, the system achieves efficient resource sharing without proportionally increasing complexity across all APs.
3Productivity
If APs form coordinated groups based on capabilities and enablement status, then resource allocation becomes more efficient, but the overhead for capability assessment and group formation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having APs pre-assess and signal their capabilities and enablement status before actual resource allocation occurs. This preliminary information exchange enables the coordinator to efficiently form appropriate groups and allocate resources without needing to assess capabilities in real-time during resource allocation, thereby reducing the time overhead during active resource sharing.
Data Source
AI summary
To make effective the usage of wireless networks, and in particular IEEE 802.11 networks, it is described a method of coordinating communications comprising a group of access points, APs, sharing resources during a transmission opportunity, TXOP, gained by a first AP of the group, the first AP is configured to allocate resources to second APs of the group within the TXOP, wherein the group is formed based on the capabilities of the APs to share and/or use shared resources, and/or on the enablement status of the APs of their function to share and/or use shared resources.