Fast Trigger Request Indication for Latency-Sensitive Uplink Traffic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current IEEE 802.11 wireless communication protocols lack the capability for a station (STA) to immediately request and allocate resources for latency-sensitive traffic in the uplink (UL) or peer-to-peer (P2P) transmissions, as existing methods are not dynamic and do not account for the immediacy of UL traffic flow.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a method where a STA encodes a trigger request message with information about the UL or P2P traffic, such as traffic identifier, queue size, and delay bounds, and sends it to an access point (AP) for resource allocation, using an A-Control subfield in a QoS Null frame or a dedicated fast trigger request indication message, enabling the AP to allocate resources efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional IEEE 802.11 resource allocation methods are used, then network stability is maintained, but latency-sensitive traffic cannot be handled immediately
Solution Approach 1:
The STA performs preliminary action by sending a trigger request message before the actual UL data transmission, indicating its intention to send latency-sensitive traffic. This allows the AP to prepare resource allocation in advance, reducing the latency when the actual data needs to be transmitted while maintaining network stability through proper scheduling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic resource allocation mechanisms where the AP can adjust resource allocation based on real-time traffic conditions. The trigger request message and response enable dynamic scheduling decisions, allowing the system to adapt quickly to latency-sensitive traffic while maintaining overall network stability through controlled resource distribution.
2Speed
If immediate resource allocation for UL traffic is implemented, then latency is reduced, but protocol complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resource allocation process is segmented into distinct phases: (1) STA sends trigger request message with traffic information, (2) AP processes the request and determines resource allocation, (3) AP sends trigger frame with resource allocation details, (4) STA transmits UL data using allocated resources. This segmentation allows for faster response times while managing protocol complexity through structured, modular interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger request message and trigger frame act as intermediaries between the STA and AP, carrying essential traffic information and resource allocation details. These intermediary messages enable fast resource allocation by providing a standardized, efficient communication mechanism that reduces the need for complex direct negotiation while maintaining protocol manageability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing QoS mechanisms are used, then network manageability is maintained, but they do not account for immediacy of UL traffic flow
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger request message mechanism serves multiple functions: it requests resource allocation, conveys traffic information (queue size, delay sensitivity), and enables the AP to make informed scheduling decisions. This multi-functional approach enhances traffic handling adaptability while maintaining ease of operation through a unified, standardized message format that integrates with existing IEEE 802.11 protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the STA provides traffic information (queue size, delay bounds, traffic identifier) in the trigger request message, and the AP responds with resource allocation decisions in the trigger frame. This feedback loop enables adaptive resource allocation that responds to actual traffic conditions while maintaining network manageability through structured information exchange.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are methods, systems, and computer-readable media configured to perform operations including: determining that an electronic device has at least one item to send to an access point (AP) or to another electronic device; encoding a trigger request message with information associated with the at least one item to be sent; and sending the trigger request message to the AP to request an uplink (UL) resource allocation or a peer-to-peer (P2P) resource allocation.