Dynamic Sub-channel Pre-allocation for Wireless Bandwidth Utilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently utilizing the full bandwidth of access points (APs) due to limitations in subchannel allocation, leading to wasted bandwidth when associated stations (STAs) only support narrow bandwidths.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of dynamic subchannel pre-allocation, where an access point (AP) allocates subchannels outside the operating channel width of stations (STAs) during a transmission opportunity (TXOP) or service period (SP), allowing STAs to switch to allocated subchannels for efficient data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If subchannel allocation is limited to the operating channel width of stations (STAs), then STAs can operate within their supported bandwidth, but the full bandwidth of access points (APs) cannot be utilized efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic subchannel pre-allocation where the AP allocates subchannels outside the STA's operating channel width in advance during a TXOP or SP. This preliminary allocation allows STAs to switch to allocated subchannels efficiently without real-time negotiation, resolving the contradiction by enabling full AP bandwidth utilization while maintaining manageable allocation complexity through advance planning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic subchannel allocation where STAs can switch between their primary operating channel and allocated subchannels outside the operating channel width. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt bandwidth utilization to STA capabilities while enabling full AP bandwidth usage, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity
2Speed
If STAs operate only on their primary operating channel, then transmission reliability is maintained, but latency increases due to bandwidth limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-allocates subchannels during a TXOP or SP before actual data transmission begins. This advance allocation reduces latency by eliminating real-time channel negotiation and switching delays, while enabling STAs to transmit data at higher rates on allocated subchannels outside their primary operating channel
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the frequency dimension by allocating subchannels outside the STA's primary operating channel width. This dimensional expansion allows simultaneous transmissions on multiple frequency dimensions, increasing data transmission rates while reducing latency through parallel communication paths
3Productivity
If the AP uses the full bandwidth, then throughput increases, but the complexity of managing subchannel allocations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs subchannel allocation in advance during a TXOP or SP rather than dynamically during transmission. This preliminary action simplifies management complexity by consolidating allocation decisions into a single phase, while enabling full AP bandwidth utilization for increased network throughput during the transmission phase
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the available bandwidth into multiple subchannels that can be independently allocated to different STAs. This segmentation allows the AP to manage full bandwidth utilization through organized subchannel assignments, reducing management complexity through structured allocation while maximizing throughput through efficient bandwidth utilization
Data Source
AI summary
An access point (AP) in a wireless network, the AP comprising a memory and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor is configured obtain a transmission opportunity (TXOP) or service period (SP), transmit, to a first station (STA) during the TXOP or the SP, an indication allocating a first subchannel to the first STA at a first transmission start time, wherein the first subchannel is out of an operating channel width of the first STA, transmit, to the second STA, an indication allocating a second subchannel to the second STA at a second transmission start time, transmit, to the first STA during the TXOP or the SP on the first subchannel, a first frame at the first transmission start time, and transmit, to the second STA during the TXOP or the SP on the second subchannel, a second frame at the second transmission start time.