Cross-Band Network Access Using Preconfigured Scan Resources

Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless communication devices face inefficiencies in network scanning and energy consumption due to scanning multiple channels, and collisions occur when multiple devices operate on the same frequency band, particularly in WLAN networks.

Innovation Solution

A method for terminal devices to receive access resource information in a first frequency band to perform network access operations in a second frequency band, including time-domain, frequency-domain, or time-frequency-domain resources, with options for passive or active scanning, and network devices configuring and transmitting access resources and scanning procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If STA performs scanning on multiple channels to discover available network devices, then network access capability is improved, but scanning time and energy consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork access capabilityVSAvoidscanning time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The network device performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring and transmitting access resource information (including available channels, time windows, and access parameters) to the terminal device before the terminal needs to scan. This allows the terminal to skip extensive scanning and directly access the network using the pre-provided information, significantly reducing scanning time while maintaining full network access capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If STA performs scanning on multiple channels to discover available network devices, then network access capability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork access capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The network device performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring and transmitting access resource information (including available channels, time windows, and access parameters) to the terminal device before the terminal needs to scan. This allows the terminal to skip extensive scanning and directly access the network using the pre-provided information, significantly reducing scanning time while maintaining full network access capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Area of stationary object

If multiple devices work on the same frequency band, then network coverage is improved, but collision occurs during scanning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork coverageVSAvoidcollision

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The frequency band is segmented into multiple time-frequency resource blocks, with each block assigned to different network devices or access points. The network device transmits access resource information that specifies which time-frequency resources are available for access. This segmentation allows multiple devices to operate on the same frequency band simultaneously without collision, as each device operates on its assigned resource segment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The network device performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring and transmitting access resource information (including available channels, time windows, and access parameters) to the terminal device before the terminal needs to scan. This allows the terminal to skip extensive scanning and directly access the network using the pre-provided information, significantly reducing scanning time while maintaining full network access capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12543168B2Frequency band activating method, apparatus, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2026.02.03 ZTE CORP

AI summary

Methods and devices are provided for facilitating wireless communication. In one exemplary aspect, a method for a terminal device is provided. The method includes receiving access resource information at a first frequency band, wherein the access resource information indicates an access resource available for accessing a network device in a second frequency band; and performing a network access operation using the access resource at the second frequency band.