Dynamic Rate Probing for WiFi Data Rate Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless networks face challenges in dynamically adapting data rates to account for temporary channel conditions and device configuration errors, such as link failures and misconfiguration, which can lead to suboptimal performance and reduced goodput.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic rate probing technique is employed to identify and adjust data rates by transmitting probe packets using both pre-selected and alternative candidate data rates, tracking success or failure to determine if the original data rate table needs reconfiguration, thereby optimizing data rates based on current channel conditions and device capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a linear data rate table with pre-selected data rates is used, then rate selection becomes simpler and faster, but the system cannot adapt to temporary channel conditions or device configuration errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic rate probing that allows the system to transition from static pre-selected rates to dynamic alternative candidate rates when channel conditions or device configuration change. The system maintains a linear rate table for normal operation but can dynamically probe alternative rates when failures occur, enabling adaptation while preserving simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from probe transmission results to determine whether to switch between pre-selected rates and alternative candidate rates. When probe transmissions fail, the system learns from this feedback and switches to probing alternative rates, creating a closed-loop adaptation mechanism.
2Productivity
If all supported data rates are considered during rate selection, then the system can find the optimal rate, but the selection process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data rates into two categories: pre-selected rates in the linear rate table for normal operation, and alternative candidate rates for when problems occur. This segmentation allows the system to use the simpler table-based approach most of the time while having the alternative rates available when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuously evaluating all supported rates, the system performs partial action by only probing alternative rates when probe transmission failures occur. This reduces the average complexity while maintaining the ability to find optimal rates when conditions change.
3Device complexity
If the system uses probe transmissions with pre-selected data rates only, then the rate table remains small and manageable, but the system may miss better rates when channel conditions or device configuration are suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-selecting rates for the linear rate table based on expected normal conditions. However, it also prepares alternative candidate rates in advance that can be probed when failures occur, enabling the system to recover from suboptimal conditions without maintaining a large comprehensive rate table.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter being probed from just the pre-selected rates to include alternative candidate rates when channel conditions or device configuration are detected as suboptimal. This allows the system to explore a broader rate space when needed while keeping the normal operating rate table small.
Data Source
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AI summary
A wireless device is configured to switch data rates to account for temporary channel conditions or device configuration errors. Pre-selected data rates, more likely to achieve maximum goodput, are stored in a data rate table. The data rate table contains candidate data rates for each pre-selected data rate in the data rate table. When probe transmissions using the preselected data rates fail, dynamic rate probing is utilized to determine a possible cause and extent of the problem. The dynamic rate probing scheme transmits probe transmissions using the candidate data rates and tracks success or failure of these probe transmissions. An analysis of the probe transmissions is used to indicate a possible cause and/or extent of the problematic condition and to determine whether there is a need to reconfigure the data rates in the data rate table.