Optimum Frame Fragmentation for Error-Prone Wireless Links

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication protocols like IEEE 802.11 face challenges in maximizing data throughput over error-prone wireless links due to high probabilities of frame errors, where large frames increase error likelihood and fragmentation reduces effective throughput due to increased protocol overhead.

Innovation Solution

An optimum frame size selection method that calculates the optimal fragment size based on the bit error rate and overhead of the communication link, using the equation 1+OFopt+O=α⁢⁢Fopt⁡(1-ⅇ-α⁢⁢Fopt) to maximize throughput, where α=−ln(1-probability of bit error), allowing for adaptive fragmentation to enhance reliability and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If large frames are transmitted, then data throughput is improved, but the probability of frame errors increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata throughputVSAvoidframe error probability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing large data frames into smaller fragments before transmission. The MAC layer breaks down the original large frame into multiple smaller fragment frames, each with its own header and trailer. This segmentation reduces the probability of errors in each individual fragment while maintaining the ability to reconstruct the original data at the receiver, thus resolving the contradiction between throughput and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If frames are fragmented into smaller units, then error probability is reduced, but protocol overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe error probabilityVSAvoidprotocol overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by making the fragmentation threshold adjustable rather than fixed. The system can dynamically modify the fragmentation threshold based on channel conditions, error rates, and traffic characteristics. When channel conditions are good, larger thresholds reduce overhead; when conditions deteriorate, smaller thresholds reduce error probability. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between reliability and overhead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If fixed fragmentation threshold is used, then implementation is simple, but throughput cannot be maximized under varying channel conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplementation simplicityVSAvoiddata throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by implementing mechanisms that monitor channel conditions, error rates, and transmission performance, then use this information to adjust the fragmentation threshold. The system receives feedback about link quality and dynamically modifies fragmentation parameters to optimize throughput for current conditions, resolving the contradiction between implementation simplicity and throughput maximization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS7400587B2Optimum frame fragmentation method for communication over error prone channels

Publication Date: 2008.07.15 EDGEWATER WIRELESS SYST

AI summary

A frame fragmentation method for digital communications over error prone channels is presented. The technique maximizes data throughput based on the bit error rate and frame overhead. The technique can be used to determine optimum fragmentation thresholds for wireless links that are characterized by significant bit error rates.