EHT Multi-AP Group Formation via Controller Role Assignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for forming Extremely High Throughput (EHT) Multi-AP groups in wireless local area networks (WLANs) face challenges in dynamic Coordinator AP selection and notification, as well as classification of BSS Colors in Multi-AP sequences, leading to inefficiencies and overhead in network coordination and data transmission.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves defining a framework for EHT Multi-AP group formation using IEEE 1905.1 messages, where the Multi-AP Controller determines Coordinator and Coordinated APs based on network topology and capabilities, and introduces a Multi-AP Group Formation message to notify APs of their roles, and utilizes a special BSS Color for Multi-AP UL operation to ensure proper data classification and protection during transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing methods are used for forming EHT Multi-AP groups, then network coordination can be established, but overhead and inefficiency increase due to challenges in dynamic Coordinator AP selection and notification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the Multi-AP Controller pre-determine Coordinator and Coordinated AP roles based on network topology and capabilities before actual data transmission begins. The Multi-AP Group Formation message is prepared in advance with all necessary role assignments and BSS Color classifications, eliminating the need for dynamic negotiations and reducing overhead during operational changes.
2Loss of information
If existing notification methods are used, then APs can be notified of group formation, but network overhead increases due to lack of efficient role designation mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple notification functions into a single Multi-AP Group Formation message that simultaneously conveys group formation status, Coordinator AP designation, Coordinated AP identification, and BSS Color classification. This consolidation reduces the number of separate messages and negotiations required, thereby reducing network overhead while ensuring complete information delivery.
3Productivity
If BSS Colors are not properly classified in Multi-AP sequences, then data transmission can proceed, but data classification and protection accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning specific BSS Color values to different APs within the Multi-AP group based on their roles (Coordinator vs. Coordinated) and positions in the network topology. Each AP is given a distinctive BSS Color that enables receiving stations to accurately classify incoming data packets by their source AP, ensuring proper packet handling and protection while maintaining high transmission efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An access point (AP) station (STA) (AP STA) may be configured to operate as a multi-AP controller in a multi-AP network. A multi-AP group formation message is encoded for transmission to other APs in the multi-AP network. The multi-AP group formation message is encoded to notify the APs of the formation of an extremely-high throughput (EHT) multi-AP group, to designate whether an AP is a member of an EHT multi-AP group, and whether an AP can take the role of a coordinator AP or coordinated AP within the EHT multi-AP group. For multi-AP joint processing, the AP STA is further configured to encode an AP trigger frame for transmission to the APs in the multi-AP network. The AP trigger frame is to trigger physical layer (PHY) and medium-access control layer (MAC) parameter synchronization. The AP trigger frame is to trigger transmission of aggregated MAC protocol data units (A-MPDUs) by the APs that include MAC parameters and PHY parameters.