Flexible Receiver Configuration for WLAN Power Save
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing WLAN systems face challenges with poor media access control (MAC) efficiency and inflexibility in configuring receivers, leading to increased power consumption and latency.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for flexible receiver configuration in wireless communication systems, where a wireless device transmits configuration information specifying the receiver configuration, including channel width and number of active receive spatial streams, and adjusts the configuration based on acknowledgments and subsequent data frames.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If spatial multiplexing power save feature is used to operate with one active receive chain, then power consumption is reduced, but MAC efficiency deteriorates due to required control frames
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter performs preliminary actions by sending configuration information in advance (in data frames or dedicated control frames) to notify the receiver about upcoming transmission parameters such as channel width and number of spatial streams. This allows the receiver to proactively configure its receive chains before actual data reception, reducing the need for additional control frames and improving MAC efficiency while maintaining power save benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
Configuration information acts as an intermediary mechanism between transmitter and receiver. This information (embedded in data frames or transmitted via dedicated control frames) conveys transmission parameters to the receiver, enabling the receiver to adjust its configuration without requiring separate control frame exchanges, thus improving MAC efficiency while maintaining power save operation.
2Use of energy by moving object
If spatial multiplexing power save feature is used with one active receive chain, then power consumption is reduced, but receiver configuration flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver configuration is made dynamic through the configuration information mechanism. The receiver can adjust its configuration (channel width, number of spatial streams, active receive chains) based on the transmitted configuration information. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize between power consumption and performance based on current transmission requirements, rather than being locked into a fixed configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables parameter changes in receiver configuration by introducing configuration information that specifies transmission parameters (channel width, number of spatial streams). The receiver uses this information to change its operational parameters, allowing flexible adaptation between different configuration states (e.g., switching between 1x1 and 2x2 MIMO modes) while maintaining power save benefits.
3Productivity
If configuration information is included in data frame headers, then MAC efficiency is improved by reducing control frames, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Data frames are given multi-functionality by embedding configuration information in their headers. The same data frame structure serves both as the medium for configuration notification and as the carrier for actual data transmission. This eliminates the need for separate control frames, improving MAC efficiency while the added complexity is confined to the header structure rather than requiring additional frame types or protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein relate to a system and method for providing flexible receiver configuration in wireless communication systems, such as 802.11 WLAN systems. In one embodiment, a wireless device may transmit a first data frame including first configuration information specifying a first configuration of the receiver to notify a remote device that the wireless device intends to configure its receiver according to the first configuration. After receiving an acknowledgement frame confirming the first configuration information, the wireless device may configure the receiver according to the first configuration. In another embodiment, a wireless device may receive a first data frame including first configuration information and further including a request that the wireless device configure its receiver according to the first configuration. In response, the wireless device may configure the receiver according to the first configuration. In either case, the wireless device may receive subsequent communications according to the first configuration.