DUT Transmission Rate Control via Operating Mode Notifications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling the transmission rate of devices under test in wireless communication networks, particularly those adhering to IEEE 802.11 standards, face challenges in efficiently testing all available bandwidths and spatial streams without getting stuck at low modulation and coding schemes, leading to prolonged test times.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using Operating Mode Notifications to adjust the operating bandwidth and spatial stream capabilities of the device under test, allowing for real-time analysis and adjustment of the modulation and coding scheme, while employing acknowledgement suppression techniques to avoid getting stuck at low settings, and utilizing corrupted or valid frame check sequences to influence the device's transmission rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If acknowledgement notifications are suppressed to reduce MCS index, then the DUT reduces its MCS index, but the DUT gets stuck at the lowest MCS index and cannot be controlled to operate at higher MCS indexes with lower bandwidth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (operating mode notification and bandwidth adaptation indication) that mediates between the test equipment and DUT to control transmission rate. This intermediary allows precise control of MCS index by providing explicit instructions to the DUT, avoiding the problem of the DUT getting stuck at lowest MCS index while enabling testing at specific higher MCS indexes with lower bandwidths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from implicit acknowledgement suppression to explicit operating mode notifications with bandwidth adaptation indications. This parameter change enables versatile control of MCS index by allowing the test equipment to specify exact bandwidth and spatial stream configurations, thereby controlling the DUT to operate at desired MCS indexes without getting stuck at the lowest setting.
2Measurement precision
If the BSS is torn down and reconfigured to test different CBWs, then all available CBWs can be tested, but the test time increases significantly due to re-association requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing the BSS once at maximum bandwidth and then using bandwidth adaptation indications to switch between different CBWs during testing. This preliminary setup eliminates the need to tear down and reconfigure the BSS for each bandwidth test, allowing comprehensive testing of all available CBWs without the time penalty of repeated re-associations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic bandwidth adaptation within a single BSS configuration. Instead of static BSS reconfiguration, the system dynamically adjusts the operating bandwidth of the DUT through bandwidth adaptation indications while maintaining the BSS intact. This dynamic approach enables testing of all CBWs without tearing down the BSS, significantly reducing test time while maintaining testing completeness.
3Power
If the DUT operates at highest bandwidth and MCS available, then transmission performance is maximized, but external measures are required to test performance at lower OBWs and MCS's
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the test equipment sends operating mode notifications and bandwidth adaptation indications to the DUT, and receives acknowledgement notifications and capability information in response. This feedback loop enables controlled reduction from maximum transmission power to lower OBWs and MCSs, allowing performance testing at various levels without requiring complex external intervention while maintaining systematic control.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling transmission rate of a device under test (DUT) is provided. The method comprises the steps of establishing a connection to the DUT, transmitting an operating mode notification in order to adjust the operating bandwidth and/or spatial stream capabilities of the DUT, and receiving an acknowledgement notification from the DUT regarding the correct reception of the transmitted operating mode notification.