Dynamic UL/DL QoS Scheduling for Latency-Sensitive Wi-Fi Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication technologies struggle to dynamically allocate resources for latency-sensitive peer-to-peer (P2P) communications, leading to unpredictable outcomes that may violate latency, throughput, and timing requirements in applications like real-time gaming.
Innovation Solution
Wireless communication devices can independently adjust uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) resource allocations to meet the specific latency, throughput, and timing requirements of latency-sensitive applications or P2P communications, allowing for dynamic adjustment of bandwidth, spatial streams, and periodicity, even for limited-capability STAs that do not support UL MU transmissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If random channel access mechanisms (CSMA/CA) are used for wireless communication, then devices can access the shared medium flexibly, but latency-sensitive applications cannot guarantee predictable latency and throughput requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between random channel access (CSMA/CA) and scheduled resource allocation based on application requirements. Latency-sensitive applications receive guaranteed time slots and bandwidth through scheduled resources, while other applications continue using random access, thus providing both flexibility and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless medium is segmented into different resource pools: scheduled resources allocated to specific applications/devices with guaranteed QoS, and unscheduled resources available for random access. This segmentation allows simultaneous support for both reliability-critical and flexibility-critical traffic patterns
2Reliability
If scheduled resources are allocated to meet latency requirements, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases due to resource management overhead
Solution Approach 1:
Applications or devices self-announce their latency and throughput requirements to the network. The network then automatically allocates appropriate scheduled resources based on these declarations, reducing the need for complex centralized resource management and negotiation protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The system adjusts scheduling parameters (time slot duration, bandwidth allocation, periodicity) dynamically based on the declared requirements of different applications. This parameter-based configuration simplifies resource management by providing a flexible framework that adapts to different QoS needs without requiring complex custom protocols
3Manufacturing precision
If uplink and downlink resources are allocated separately, then QoS requirements can be met more precisely, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
A unified resource allocation framework is implemented that handles both uplink and downlink resources through a common scheduling mechanism. This universal approach allows precise QoS control for both directions while simplifying device implementation compared to separate independent allocation systems
Data Source
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AI summary
This disclosure provides methods and devices for managing the allocation of resources for uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) transmissions associated with a scheduled time period. In some implementations, a wireless station (STA) transmits, to an access point (AP), a request frame indicating a bandwidth or a quantity of spatial streams (or both) for the UL transmissions, and indicating a bandwidth or a quantity of spatial streams (or both) for the DL transmissions. In some instances, the request frame also may indicate the STA's intention to transmit UL data as duplicates carried on different communication links. The STA receives a trigger frame indicating that the STA is scheduled to transmit or receive data during the time period. The STA transmits data to, or receives data from, one or more other devices during the time period.