6 GHz Client-to-Client FTM Channel Assignment via Role Inversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for enabling 6GHz client-to-client (C2C) wireless communication in indoor environments face limitations due to restrictive Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) requirements, variable signal propagation, and lack of market penetration of IEEE 802.11az FTM protocol, which hinders efficient channel assignment and STA location determination.

Innovation Solution

Implementing the REVmc FTM protocol with a role change where the Client STA takes the Responding STA role and the AP takes the Initiating STA role, allowing unilateral range measurement results for channel assignment, and using a Channel Usage Request to initiate an FTM session with indefinite burst duration for improved power efficiency and QoS.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If REVmc FTM protocol with role change is implemented, then channel assignment efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel assignment efficiencyVSAvoidprotocol implementation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional FTM protocol roles by making the non-AP STA the initiator and the AP the responder, rather than the conventional approach where the AP initiates and non-AP STA responds. This role reversal enables more efficient channel assignment in the 6GHz band by allowing non-AP STAs to actively request and receive channel assignments based on their specific needs, improving overall network productivity while managing device complexity through standardized protocol modifications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Use of energy by moving object

If FTM session with indefinite burst duration is used, then power efficiency is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower efficiencyVSAvoidFTM measurement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic FTM measurements within an indefinite burst session, where measurements are conducted at regular intervals rather than continuously. This periodic approach allows the system to maintain accurate location and channel assignment information while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous monitoring, as devices can enter low-power states between measurement periods while still meeting precision requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service FTM operations where non-AP STAs autonomously initiate measurements and manage their own channel assignments based on pre-configured parameters and received FTM responses. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for continuous AP intervention and complex centralized coordination, thereby improving power efficiency while maintaining measurement precision through distributed intelligence

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If trust relationship requirement is eliminated, then ease of operation is improved, but security considerations increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection establishment easeVSAvoidconnection security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the trust relationship requirement from the FTM protocol operation, allowing channel assignments and measurements to proceed without pre-established trust relationships between devices. This extraction simplifies connection establishment and improves ease of operation by enabling ad-hoc FTM sessions between any compliant devices. Security considerations are managed through protocol-level authentication and authorization mechanisms that operate independently of traditional trust relationships

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Speed

If 6GHz band is used for C2C communication, then transmission speed is improved, but signal propagation stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission speedVSAvoidsignal propagation stability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic channel selection and adjustment mechanisms that adapt to real-time signal propagation conditions in the 6GHz band. The system continuously monitors channel quality, interference levels, and propagation stability, then dynamically adjusts channel assignments, transmission parameters, and FTM measurement timing to optimize both speed and stability. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to exploit the high transmission speeds of 6GHz while compensating for propagation instability through real-time parameter optimization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4290947A16 GHZ client to client using fine timing measurement

Publication Date: 2023.12.13 INTEL CORP

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AI summary

This disclosure describes systems, methods, and devices related to FTM for client to client (C2C). A device may cause to send a frame comprising a request for assignment using fine timing measurement (FTM). The device may identify an FTM request received from an access point (AP). The device may cause to send an FTM response frame to the AP.