Ad-hoc Directional Communication in Contention Access Periods
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The IEEE 802.15.3c standard faces inefficiencies in medium access for high data rate transmissions due to bursty traffic and directional communication challenges, particularly in determining optimal antenna orientations for peer-to-peer communication in contention access periods.
Innovation Solution
A method involving monitoring the medium for availability during contention access periods, transmitting a common mode signaling frame to obtain access, and then transmitting data frames over a wireless channel, with optional antenna-pattern training for efficient directional communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network coordinator scheduling is used for medium access, then medium access control is provided, but access efficiency becomes very low for bursty traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic medium access by allowing devices to switch between scheduled access (for reliability) and contention-based access (for efficiency). The system adapts the access method based on traffic characteristics, enabling bursty traffic to use contention access while maintaining scheduled access for time-sensitive applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the medium access mechanism into different access modes: scheduled access for control traffic and contention access for data traffic. This segmentation allows each mode to optimize for its specific traffic type, improving overall system efficiency while maintaining reliability where needed.
2Power
If directional communication is used to achieve high data rates, then antenna gain is improved, but device complexity increases due to antenna orientation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary antenna pattern training before actual data transmission. During this training phase, devices determine optimal antenna orientations and beam directions in advance, storing this information for use during subsequent data transmissions. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex real-time orientation control during data transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces antenna pattern training sequences as an intermediary between device association and data transmission. These training sequences enable devices to establish optimal directional communication parameters without requiring complex real-time orientation adjustment mechanisms during actual data transfer.
3Productivity
If antenna pattern training is performed before data transmission, then directional communication efficiency is improved, but access time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial antenna pattern training by selecting a limited set of representative antenna patterns from the full codebook, rather than training with all possible patterns. This partial training approach achieves sufficient directional communication efficiency while significantly reducing the time required compared to exhaustive training.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs antenna pattern training during association phases or idle periods before active data transmission begins. By conducting training in advance during periods when the medium is already accessed or will be accessed soon, the system minimizes the impact of training time on actual data transmission efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to a method for efficient ad-hoc peer to peer communication in a contention access period, while antenna directions of communicating peers can point to each other. Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to a method for improved association of a device in a wireless network with a controller of the network.