Multi-path Wireless Data Transmission with Distributed MAC
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems using directional antennas and distributed Media Access Control (MAC), channel status deterioration due to blockages, such as humans or obstacles, leads to reduced data transmission rates and inability to select the path with the best channel status, resulting in inefficient data exchange.
Innovation Solution
The method involves managing channel status information for both direct and relay paths, selecting the path with the best link quality, and periodically verifying the availability of the previous path to ensure seamless data transmission through an available path with better channel status, using an apparatus with an association management unit, relay reservation management unit, data transceiving path selection unit, and channel status management unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a directional antenna and distributed MAC are used to achieve high-speed data exchange (3 Gbps), then data transmission speed is improved, but communication reliability deteriorates when channel blockage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between direct and relay paths based on real-time channel status monitoring. When blockage is detected, the system transitions from a static single-path configuration to a dynamic multi-path selection mechanism, choosing the best available path (direct or via relay) to maintain communication reliability while preserving high data exchange speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the transmission path parameter (direct vs. relay) based on channel conditions. By monitoring channel status and adjusting the selected path accordingly, the system maintains optimal performance - using direct path when available for maximum speed, and switching to relay path when blockage occurs to maintain reliability.
2Device complexity
If single-path data transmission is used to simplify the system, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to channel blockage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing both direct and relay paths during the connection setup phase. Path selection information is prepared in advance, and when blockage occurs, the system can quickly switch to the pre-configured relay path without needing to perform complex real-time path discovery or reconfiguration, thus maintaining low complexity while achieving high adaptability.
3Reliability
If path switching is implemented to improve reliability during blockage, then communication reliability is improved, but data transmission delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
By pre-establishing both direct and relay paths during connection setup, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming real-time path discovery when blockage occurs. The switch between paths uses pre-configured routing information, enabling rapid transition with minimal delay while maintaining high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from channel status monitoring to trigger timely path switching. By continuously monitoring channel conditions and immediately responding to blockage events with pre-prepared alternative paths, the system minimizes interruption time and maintains both reliability and speed.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an apparatus and method for transmitting and receiving data using multiple paths in a wireless communication system using a distributed Media Access Control (MAC). More particularly, provided is an apparatus and method for transmitting and receiving data that may select a path with a better channel status from multiple paths that include a direct path using a Line of Sight (LOS) and a relay path passing through a relay apparatus, in a wireless communication system that may transmit data via the LOS using a distributed MAC and a directional antenna.