Coordinated Spatial Reuse in Wireless Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless network technologies face inefficiencies in spatial reuse due to the inability to coordinate power levels among Access Points (APs) in densely populated areas, leading to interference and reduced throughput when multiple APs attempt to transmit on the same channel.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method for coordinated spatial reuse (C-SR) where APs measure and report Received Signal Strength Indicators (RSSI) to determine optimal transmit power levels, allowing simultaneous data transmission on the same channel without significant interference by adjusting power levels and scheduling transmissions based on measured signal-to-interference ratios (SIRs).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple APs transmit data simultaneously on the same channel without coordination, then spatial reuse efficiency is improved, but interference between transmissions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the power level parameter dynamically based on detected interference conditions. APs adjust their transmit power levels according to the interference environment, allowing simultaneous transmissions while maintaining acceptable interference levels. This is implemented through coordinated power adjustment mechanisms where APs exchange information about their transmission parameters and adapt accordingly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where APs monitor the wireless medium for ongoing transmissions and adjust their behavior based on detected signal conditions. APs use clear channel assessment (CCA) and received signal strength indicator (RSSI) measurements to determine whether to transmit or defer, creating a feedback loop that coordinates transmissions without centralized control.
2Device complexity
If APs use fixed transmit power levels, then device complexity is reduced, but network throughput decreases in dense environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static fixed power levels to dynamic power adjustment. APs continuously adapt their transmit power based on real-time detection of overlapping BSS transmissions and interference conditions. This dynamic behavior allows the network to optimize throughput in dense environments while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized adjustment rules.
3Reliability
If APs wait for channel idle before transmitting, then collision avoidance is achieved, but transmission delays increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action through advance reservation mechanisms. APs use trigger frames to solicit uplink transmissions from stations, allowing the AP to secure the channel for a transmission opportunity (TXOP) before actual data transmission begins. This preliminary channel reservation reduces waiting time while maintaining collision avoidance through coordinated access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic channel assessment and structured transmission opportunities. Instead of continuous waiting, APs perform periodic clear channel assessments and utilize structured TXOPs with trigger frames that create predictable transmission patterns. This periodic approach reduces average transmission delays while maintaining reliability through regular interference checks.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention are drawn to methods and electronic devices capable of performing coordinate spatial reuse for wirelessly transmitting data on a channel in coordination with another wireless AP operating an overlapping BSS using the same wireless channel. The device can perform RSSI measurements and generate Per-RU RSSI reports including the RSSI measurements information for transmission to another wireless AP. The RSSI measurement can be performed by the device based on power levels detected when receiving TB PPDUs transmitted by wireless STAs responsive to trigger frames, for example. Based on the Per-RU RSSI report, a wireless AP can be configured to transmit data to an associated wireless STA without causing significant interference when another AP of the overlapping BSS is also transmitting, and can schedule frames for transmission from associated wireless STAs accordingly.