Distributed WLAN Response-Frame Processing for One-SIFS Replies
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless local area networks, the complexity of data transmission algorithms and the use of a distributed architecture with remotely separated baseband and radio frequency units can result in delays that prevent the access point from replying with a response frame within the required short interframe space (SIFS) after receiving a MAC frame.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a wired communication protocol to connect the baseband and radio frequency processing devices, allowing the baseband processing device to generate a target signal indicating the radio frequency processing device to immediately generate the response frame's first field, thereby reducing processing delays and enabling the system to reply within one SIFS.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the AP uses complex algorithms for data transmission to improve WLAN system performance, then the data transmission performance is improved, but the duration consumed by the AP to parse the MAC frame increases, preventing timely response
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the AP into two independent parts: a baseband processing device that handles complex algorithm processing and MAC frame parsing, and a radio frequency processing device that handles signal transmission. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function, reducing the overall time consumption for MAC frame parsing while maintaining complex algorithm performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wired communication interface as an intermediary between the baseband processing device and radio frequency processing device. This intermediary enables efficient coordination and data exchange between the two devices, ensuring that the radio frequency device can quickly access parsed MAC frame information without adding significant delay to the overall response time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the AP adopts a distributed architecture with remotely separated baseband and radio frequency units, then the system flexibility and scalability are improved, but an extra remote transmission delay is introduced, preventing timely response within SIFS
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a distributed architecture by segmenting the AP into separately located baseband processing device and radio frequency processing device, connected via wired communication interface. This segmentation enables flexible system deployment while the wired connection ensures low-latency communication between components.
Solution Approach 2:
The baseband processing device performs preliminary actions by parsing the MAC frame and determining whether a response frame needs to be sent before the radio frequency processing device needs to transmit. This preliminary processing reduces the burden on the radio frequency device and minimizes the overall response time despite the distributed architecture.
3Productivity
If the AP sends the response frame within one SIFS from the air interface end moment of the MAC frame, then the wireless communication efficiency is improved, but the processing complexity and time consumption increase for the AP
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the response frame transmission process into two independent parts: the baseband processing device generates and sends control information via the wired interface, while the radio frequency processing device independently handles the actual transmission. This segmentation reduces the processing complexity burden on any single device while maintaining high communication efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for replying with a response frame, an apparatus, and an AP system are disclosed. A radio frequency processing device receives a PPDU sent by an STA. The radio frequency processing device sends, to a baseband processing device by using a wired medium, a frame obtained based on the PPDU. The radio frequency processing device and the baseband processing device are remotely separated. In response to a target signal that is received by using the wired medium and that is from the baseband processing device, the radio frequency processing device generates a target field, and sends the target field to an air interface. The target field at least includes a first field of a response frame of the PPDU. The target signal is used to indicate the radio frequency processing device to immediately respond to the PPDU. The baseband processing device modulates the target signal for transmission on the wired medium, to indicate the radio frequency processing device to immediately respond to the PPDU. After receiving the target signal, the radio frequency processing device immediately generates the target field of the response frame, and sends the target field to the air interface. A delay of this process is relatively low, so that an overall delay of replying with the response frame by the AP system is relatively low.