Frequency Domain Multiplexing for Wireless Network Throughput

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Solution Overview

Problem

In densely populated wireless network environments, existing CSMA mechanisms lead to inefficiencies and reduced throughput due to interference from multiple wireless networks operating in the same spectrum, causing latency and communication disruptions among devices.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a high-efficiency 802.11 protocol that employs frequency domain multiplexing, allowing devices to communicate concurrently by classifying stations based on their ability to interfere and assigning them specific frequency channels, thereby minimizing interference and optimizing network throughput.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If CSMA mechanisms are used in densely populated wireless networks, then devices can communicate using standard protocols, but interference increases and throughput decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork throughputVSAvoidinterference from multiple wireless networks

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless network is segmented into multiple frequency channels, with each channel dedicated to specific stations. The access point divides the available spectrum into separate frequency resources and allocates them to different stations, thereby segmenting the interference problem into manageable frequency-specific segments that can operate concurrently without mutual interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different frequency channels are assigned to different stations based on their specific communication needs and interference characteristics. Each station receives a tailored frequency allocation that optimizes its local communication quality, allowing stations in different spatial locations to operate on different frequencies simultaneously without interfering with each other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Loss of time

If multiple wireless networks operate in the same spectrum, then spectrum utilization is maximized, but latency increases due to communication disruptions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication latencyVSAvoidnetwork throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The network traffic is segmented across multiple frequency channels, allowing simultaneous data transmission on different frequencies. This parallel transmission capability reduces the time devices wait for communication opportunities and eliminates the sequential access delays inherent in traditional CSMA protocols, thereby reducing latency while maintaining high throughput.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Stations are allocated specific frequency channels for continuous communication without needing to repeatedly contend for medium access. This continuous transmission capability on dedicated frequency resources eliminates the start-stop nature of CSMA operations, maintaining steady data flow and reducing communication disruptions that cause latency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If frequency domain multiplexing is implemented, then concurrent communications are enabled and throughput is improved, but device complexity increases due to channel classification and allocation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork throughputVSAvoidchannel classification and allocation mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Stations automatically identify and tune to their assigned frequency channels based on information provided in the preamble of transmitted frames. The system enables stations to self-configure and self-adjust to the correct frequency resources without requiring complex manual configuration or centralized control, thereby reducing the perceived complexity for end devices while maintaining the benefits of frequency domain multiplexing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Object-affected harmful factors

If stations are assigned specific frequency channels, then interference is minimized, but the system requires complex message structures for allocation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterference between stationsVSAvoidmessage structure with multiple MCS values

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple modulation and coding scheme (MCS) values corresponding to different frequency channels are merged into a single physical layer preamble message. This consolidation allows the access point to convey frequency channel allocation information for multiple stations in one transmission, reducing the number of separate messages required and simplifying the overall message structure while still enabling precise frequency-specific interference mitigation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10321451B2Systems and methods for downlink frequency domain multiplexing transmissions

Publication Date: 2019.06.11 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Systems, methods, and devices for transmitting data are described herein. In some aspects, a method comprises generating a first message. The first message may comprise an allocation of a first station to a first frequency channel and a second station to a second frequency channel. The method further comprises transmitting the first message over the first frequency channel and the second frequency channel. The method further comprises transmitting, after transmission of the first message, a second message to the first station using the first frequency channel. The method further comprises transmitting, after transmission of the first message, a third message to the second station using the second frequency channel.