Dynamic Wireless Bandwidth Expansion with Inter-BSS Hidden-Node Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication technologies face limitations in efficiently utilizing available bandwidth and addressing inter-BSS hidden node issues, leading to suboptimal spectrum usage, throughput, and latency.
Innovation Solution
Implementing configuration- or signaling-based mechanisms that allow wireless communication devices to establish links across expanded bandwidths, including both in-BSS and out-of-BSS channels, using energy detection schemes and dynamic service periods to optimize spectrum usage and maintain synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If wireless communication devices communicate only within their BSS bandwidth, then device complexity and synchronization are maintained, but spectrum usage efficiency and throughput are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic bandwidth expansion where devices transition from static BSS bandwidth operation to dynamic expanded bandwidth operation. The system dynamically determines when to use expanded bandwidth based on channel conditions and timing information, allowing throughput optimization without permanently increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the bandwidth into BSS bandwidth (for controlled communication) and expanded bandwidth (for opportunistic communication). This segmentation allows devices to maintain simple BSS operation for reliable communication while using expanded bandwidth for throughput enhancement when conditions permit.
2Productivity
If devices use expanded bandwidth including out-of-BSS channels, then spectrum usage efficiency improves, but hidden node issues and interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses preliminary timing information and channel sensing before expanding bandwidth. Devices determine when expanded bandwidth communication is appropriate by sensing channel conditions and using timing information to coordinate access, preventing hidden node issues before they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where devices monitor channel conditions and adjust their bandwidth usage accordingly. The timing information and channel sensing provide feedback that regulates expanded bandwidth usage to maintain communication reliability while improving spectrum efficiency.
3Productivity
If dynamic bandwidth expansion is implemented, then throughput and spectrum usage improve, but device complexity and synchronization requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses preliminary timing information to coordinate expanded bandwidth communication. By establishing timing relationships in advance and using synchronization signals, the system reduces real-time synchronization complexity while enabling dynamic bandwidth expansion for throughput improvement.
4Productivity
If out-of-BSS channels are utilized, then available bandwidth increases, but channelization benefits and network control are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments bandwidth access into BSS-controlled channels (for network-coordinated communication) and expanded out-of-BSS channels (for opportunistic access). This segmentation preserves network control over critical communications while allowing devices to utilize additional bandwidth when appropriate.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides methods, components, devices and systems for dynamic bandwidth expansion. Some aspects more specifically relate to one or more configuration- or signaling-based mechanisms according to which various wireless communication devices, such as access points (APs) or stations (STAs), may communicate via an expanded bandwidth. For example, a total available bandwidth may be divided into different wireless channels, with each wireless channel being associated with a respective basic service set (BSS) of a respective AP. A wireless communication device may establish a communication link associated with a first wireless channel (the first wireless channel being associated with a BSS bandwidth of the wireless communication device) and, in accordance with one or more criteria, may communicate via a bandwidth that includes the first wireless channel associated with the BSS bandwidth and one or more other wireless channels outside of the BSS bandwidth.