Coordinated Beamforming Group Formation for Overlapping BSS Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication networks face challenges in efficiently forming groups for coordinated beamforming (C-BF) to suppress interference between devices, particularly in scenarios where basic service sets (BSSs) overlap, lacking effective mechanisms for group formation, sounding, and C-BF transmissions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a null data packet announcement (NDPA) by a sharing AP to indicate a sounding occasion and common parameters for joint null data packet transmissions, monitoring for feedback, and transmitting coordinated beamforming based on the feedback, which may include identifiers and tokens to facilitate group formation and C-BF.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple access points operate independently in overlapping BSSs, then each AP can function autonomously, but interference between devices increases and network performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges operations of multiple independent access points into a coordinated beamforming group. APs that were operating autonomously are now combined into a cooperative system where they share channel state information and coordinate their transmissions to serve multiple stations simultaneously, reducing interference while maintaining operational effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a coordination mechanism as an intermediary between independent APs. Through NDPA frames and feedback protocols, APs exchange information about their transmissions and receive feedback from stations, enabling them to adjust their beamforming vectors to minimize interference without requiring direct peer-to-peer coordination
2Measurement precision
If traditional sounding mechanisms are used without coordination, then each AP can obtain channel state information independently, but the overhead increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines sounding operations of multiple APs into a single coordinated process. Instead of each AP performing separate sounding sequences with individual NDPA frames and feedback exchanges, the coordinated group performs joint sounding where APs share common channel state information, reducing the overall time and overhead required
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal sounding mechanism that serves multiple APs simultaneously. A single sounding sequence can be used by multiple APs in the coordinated group to obtain channel state information for their respective stations, making the sounding process multi-functional and efficient
3Adaptability or versatility
If coordinated beamforming is implemented without standardized protocols, then customization is possible, but device compatibility and interoperability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal coordinated beamforming protocol based on existing Wi-Fi standards that can be adopted by any compliant access point and station. The protocol uses standardized frame structures (NDPA, feedback frames) and procedures that ensure compatibility across different vendors and implementations while providing coordinated functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes predetermined rules and procedures for coordinated beamforming operations. The NDPA frame format, feedback timing, and beamforming vector exchange protocols are predefined in the standard, allowing devices to know in advance how to participate in coordinated operations without requiring real-time negotiation
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides methods, components, devices and systems for techniques for coordinated beamforming (C-BF). Some aspects more specifically relate to C-BF group formation, C-BF sounding and C-BF transmission to suppress interference between device. In some examples, a sharing AP may transmit a null data packet announcement (NDPA). The NDPA may indicate a sounding occasion and one or more common parameters for a first null data packet (NDP) transmission for a joint sounding. The sharing AP may transmit, during the sounding occasion, the first NDP in accordance with the one or more common parameters. The sharing AP may monitor for a joint sounding feedback associated with first NDP transmission and associated with a second NDP transmission during sounding occasion from a shared AP. The sharing AP may transmit, based on the joint sounding feedback, a C-BF transmission.