DL/UL Slot Configuration for Low Power Communication Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
In unlicensed band wireless communication systems, power consumption is high due to channel monitoring operations and transmission delays occur when uplink data units cannot be transmitted in downlink slots, leading to inefficient resource use.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allow for both downlink and uplink communications in a shared slot by configuring a DL/UL slot with specific timing and duration information, using a beacon and control signal to synchronize nodes and reduce power consumption by enabling UL transmission when no DL data is received within a predetermined period.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If channel monitoring operation is performed to identify operation frequency band, then communication reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reference node pre-configures and signals the operation frequency band information to the communication node through beacon frames before actual data transmission. This preliminary provision of frequency band information eliminates the need for continuous channel monitoring, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining communication reliability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If UL data unit transmission is delayed to next UL slot, then slot allocation rules are followed, but transmission delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic slot type configuration where DL/UL slots can be flexibly assigned based on actual communication needs. The access point can dynamically change slot types through beacon frames, allowing UL data units to be transmitted in previously DL-designated slots when needed, thus reducing transmission delay while maintaining overall system stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temporal parameter of slot functionality by allowing a slot to switch between DL-only, UL-only, and DL/UL combined modes. This parameter change enables the same time slot to serve different communication directions based on real-time requirements, eliminating unnecessary delays.
3Device complexity
If DL slot is used for only DL communication, then slot function clarity is maintained, but resource utilization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes DL slots universal by enabling them to function as DL/UL combined slots when UL data units need to be transmitted. The access point signals this dual-functionality through beacon frames, allowing the same slot to serve both downlink and uplink purposes, thereby improving resource utilization without significantly increasing system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An operation method of a device in a communication system includes receiving from a reference node a beacon including configuration information of a downlink/uplink (DL/UL) slot in a super frame # n; confirming a position of the DL/UL slot configured in the super frame # n based on the configuration information; and performing at least one of a DL reception operation and a UL transmission operation in the DL/UL slot. Also, UL communication and DL communication are allowed in the DL/UL slot, and n is an integer equal to or greater than 0.