Dynamic TXOP Sharing for Low-Latency Multi-AP Data Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Wi-Fi technologies, such as Enhanced Distributed Channel Access (EDCA) mode, are limited to single base station subsystems and cannot effectively manage and control data transmission in multi-AP systems, leading to inadequate low latency performance in dense home network scenarios.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a Dynamic TXOP (TXOP) sharing mechanism where a central controller allocates TXOP durations to multiple access points (APs) based on uplink and downlink relevant information, enabling efficient low latency data transmission by dividing TXOPs into allocation durations for latency-sensitive traffic.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If EDCA mode is used for data transmission, then simplicity of implementation is maintained, but low latency transmission capability deteriorates in multi-AP systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of implementationVSAvoidlow latency transmission capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the TXOP (Transmission Opportunity) duration into multiple allocation durations, each assigned to different APs (Access Points) in the multi-AP system. This segmentation enables precise control over which AP transmits when, resolving the latency issue while maintaining the simplicity of EDCA's random access mechanism. The segmentation is implemented through the allocation duration field in trigger frames.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic TXOP sharing where the allocation durations are determined based on real-time conditions (buffer status, priority, latency requirements) rather than fixed schedules. This dynamic allocation allows the system to adapt to changing network conditions while maintaining low latency performance, bridging the gap between simplicity and performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If single BSS (base station subsystem) mode is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to multi-AP dense scenarios deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem structure complexityVSAvoidmulti-AP system adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the EDCA mechanism universal by enabling it to function in both single BSS and multi-AP scenarios. The trigger frame structure includes an allocation duration field that can be used for single-AP operation or extended to multiple APs. This multi-functionality allows the same basic mechanism to adapt to different system complexities without requiring fundamentally new protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary component that manages the TXOP sharing between multiple APs. This controller receives buffer status information from APs, determines allocation durations, and sends trigger frames back to APs. This intermediary architecture enables multi-AP coordination while keeping individual APs relatively simple, resolving the complexity-adaptability contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Speed

If TXOP is allocated without division into allocation durations, then transmission speed is maintained, but low latency performance for specific APs deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission speedVSAvoidlow latency performance
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning specific allocation durations to specific APs based on their individual latency requirements and buffer statuses. Each AP receives customized allocation durations rather than uniform treatment, allowing latency-sensitive traffic at each AP to be prioritized locally. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining overall transmission speed while providing targeted low latency performance where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4615097A1Data transmission methods, device, and storage medium
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 ZTE CORP
  • EP4615097A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4615097A1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP4615097A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Provided are a data transmission method, a device, and a storage medium. A data transmission method applied to a first communication node includes for each of at least one second communication node, sending (S310) an allocation duration to the second communication node to enable the second communication node to perform a data transmission within the allocation duration, where the allocation duration is a subset of a pre-received transmission opportunity duration.