Distributed WLAN Channel Scanning for Low-Latency Roaming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Scanning a set of channels for wireless communication devices in low latency applications consumes time and resources, impacting the latency requirements of communications.

Innovation Solution

A wireless communication device splits a set of channels into subsets and distributes the scanning responsibilities among connected devices in proximity, transmitting control signaling for scanning and receiving measurement results from these devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a STA scans a set of channels to identify a different AP, then the STA can establish communication with a new AP, but the scanning process consumes time and resources that impact low latency communications

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAP connection reliabilityVSAvoidscanning time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the full set of channels into multiple subsets and distributes these subsets to different nearby devices for parallel scanning. This segmentation allows the scanning task to be completed faster by multiple devices simultaneously, reducing the overall scanning time while ensuring comprehensive channel coverage for reliable AP identification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs scanning operations in advance during idle periods before they are critically needed. By utilizing idle time for preliminary scanning, the system prepares channel information ahead of time, so when low latency communications need to occur, the scanning is already complete or in progress, minimizing impact on critical communications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If a STA scans all channels to ensure comprehensive AP identification, then the scanning accuracy is improved, but the time consumption increases and may be insufficient for low latency requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel scanning accuracyVSAvoidscanning speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the channel scanning task across multiple devices, with each device responsible for a specific subset. This allows comprehensive coverage (high precision) to be achieved through parallel execution, thereby increasing overall scanning speed without sacrificing accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the scanning capabilities of multiple nearby devices to achieve the scanning task. By merging resources and coordinating efforts across devices, the system achieves both comprehensive channel coverage and reduced overall scanning time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of time

If the STA performs channel scanning during active communication periods, then the scanning can be completed, but it impacts the low latency communications performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescanning completion timeVSAvoidcommunication performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent schedules scanning operations during periodic idle intervals rather than continuously or during active communication periods. This periodic approach allows scanning to occur at predetermined times when communication demands are lower, reducing impact on communication performance while still completing scans in a timely manner

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12581397B2Distributed wireless local area network scan for low latency applications

Publication Date: 2026.03.17 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

This disclosure provides methods, components, devices and systems for a distributed wireless local area network (WLAN) scan for low latency applications. Some aspects more specifically relate to a first wireless communication device, such as a station, splitting a set of channels to scan into different subsets for scanning by one or more connected wireless communication devices in proximity to the wireless communication device. The first wireless communication device may indicate one or more of the subsets of channels to the connected wireless communication device in proximity to the first wireless communication device for scanning, and the first wireless communication device may receive results of the scanning of the subset of channels from the connected wireless communication device.