Dynamic Sub-Band Operation with Multi-AP Coordination for OBSSs

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In dense wireless network environments with multiple overlapping Basic Service Sets (OBSSs), Dynamic Sub-Band Operation (DSO) can lead to collisions and interference among clients communicating on overlapping channels, as existing single-AP DSO solutions are inadequate for coordinating multiple APs.

Innovation Solution

Implement Multi-Access Point Coordination (MAPC) to establish inter-BSS DSO agreements between APs, determining sub-band access rules and sharing schedules to avoid channel conflicts, either through distributed or centralized coordination by the WLAN controller.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If Dynamic Sub-Band Operation is implemented in dense wireless network environments with multiple overlapping Basic Service Sets, then network capacity and throughput are improved, but channel collisions and interference among clients increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork capacityVSAvoidchannel collisions

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a coordination mechanism where access points act as intermediaries to negotiate and establish inter-BSS DSO agreements. These agreements coordinate sub-band usage across overlapping Basic Service Sets, preventing clients from colliding on the same sub-channels while enabling dynamic sub-band operation to proceed. The coordination protocol mediates between conflicting APs to allocate sub-bands without interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If multiple Access Points operate independently with single-AP DSO solutions, then device complexity is reduced, but coordination capability among multiple APs is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAP operation simplicityVSAvoidmulti-AP coordination capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the coordination problem into manageable units by establishing individual inter-BSS DSO agreements between pairs of overlapping Basic Service Sets. Rather than requiring all APs to coordinate simultaneously in a complex multi-way negotiation, the system divides coordination into bilateral agreements that can be negotiated and enforced independently, reducing overall system complexity while achieving multi-AP coordination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If clients communicate on overlapping channels to utilize available bandwidth, then sub-band utilization is improved, but interference among OBSSs increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesub-band utilizationVSAvoidinterference

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by allowing different sub-bands to be allocated to different Basic Service Sets based on local conditions. Each inter-BSS DSO agreement establishes specific sub-band assignments tailored to the particular overlapping pairs, enabling some sub-bands to be shared while others remain dedicated. This localized allocation optimizes sub-band utilization in each area while preventing interference where overlapping occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20250219801A1Dynamic sub-band operation using multi-access point coordination

Publication Date: 2025.07.03 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

Coordinating Dynamic Sub-Band Operation (DSO) using Multi-Access Point (AP) Coordination (MAPC) may be provided. Coordinating DSO can include determining a proposed inter-Basic Service Set (BSS) DSO agreement for an Overlapping BSS (OBSS) and sending an inter-BSS DSO request to the OBSS based on the proposed inter-BSS DSO agreement. An inter-BSS DSO response is received from the OBSS. When the inter-BSS DSO response accepts the proposed inter-BSS DSO agreement, the proposed inter-BSS DSO agreement is established.