Access Point Dynamic TXOP Extension for Low-Latency Traffic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless networks face challenges in efficiently handling low-latency traffic due to limitations in TXOP duration, leading to potential dropping or rescheduling of low-latency packets, especially in scenarios where the traffic arrives late or TXOP is too short.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a mechanism for dynamic TXOP extension based on low-latency traffic requirements, allowing for dynamic adjustment of TXOP duration to accommodate and prioritize low-latency traffic by extending the TXOP when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If TXOP duration is fixed and limited, then channel access efficiency is maintained, but low-latency traffic delivery reliability deteriorates when traffic arrives late or TXOP is too short
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic TXOP duration adjustment by allowing the TXOP holder to extend the TXOP duration when low-latency traffic arrives late or requires more transmission time. The system transitions from a fixed TXOP duration to a flexible duration that can be extended based on actual traffic needs, thereby improving low-latency traffic delivery reliability without permanently increasing channel occupation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the TXOP duration parameter dynamically based on traffic conditions. When low-latency traffic arrives, the system modifies the original TXOP duration parameter to an extended duration, allowing sufficient time for critical data transmission. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by adapting the TXOP duration to match actual transmission requirements.
2Reliability
If TXOP duration is extended to accommodate low-latency traffic, then packet dropping probability is reduced, but channel access efficiency for other stations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts TXOP duration only when necessary for low-latency traffic, rather than permanently extending it. This dynamic adjustment ensures that channel access efficiency is maintained during normal operations while packet delivery reliability is improved when low-latency traffic requires extended transmission time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial extension of TXOP duration only to the extent needed for low-latency traffic transmission. Rather than extending TXOP for all traffic types or indefinitely, the system extends it partially and only when low-latency traffic conditions are met, thereby minimizing impact on channel access efficiency while sufficient to deliver critical packets.
3Adaptability or versatility
If TXOP is extended dynamically, then adaptability to low-latency traffic requirements is improved, but system complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the TXOP holder monitors incoming traffic conditions and decides whether to extend TXOP duration based on this feedback. When low-latency traffic is detected, the system triggers an extension; otherwise, the original TXOP duration is maintained. This feedback-based approach provides adaptability without requiring complex predetermined control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The TXOP holder autonomously decides whether to extend the TXOP duration based on its own observation of traffic conditions. The system serves itself by monitoring its own channel status and making extension decisions without requiring complex external coordination or control mechanisms, thereby achieving adaptability with minimal added complexity.
4Reliability
If TXOP duration is increased, then low-latency traffic transmission capability is improved, but loss of time for other channel access opportunities increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically extends TXOP duration only when low-latency traffic requires it, rather than permanently increasing TXOP duration. This ensures that low-latency traffic transmission capability is improved only when needed, while minimizing the loss of channel access opportunities for other stations during normal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies TXOP extension partially and selectively only when low-latency traffic conditions are met. The extension is applied to the minimum necessary duration to deliver critical packets, thereby improving transmission capability for low-latency traffic while minimizing the time lost for other channel access opportunities.
Data Source
AI summary
An access point (AP) for facilitating communication in a wireless network. The AP has a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory. The AP obtains a transmission opportunity (TXOP) on a wireless channel. The AP determines whether a TXOP duration needs to be extended to transmit or receive low-latency traffic. The AP transmits, to a plurality of stations (STAs), a frame announcing an extension of the TXOP duration based on a determination that the TXOP duration needs to be extended, the frame including duration information associated with the extension of the TXOP duration.