Full Duplex Wireless Communication via RTS CTS Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Wi-Fi networks using carrier sense multiple access (CSMA) mechanisms suffer from inefficiencies, leading to limited throughput and increased latency due to the inability of multiple devices to transmit concurrently, especially in densely populated areas like apartment buildings and public spaces.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a high-efficiency 802.11 protocol that allows for concurrent communications by differentiating between devices that can transmit simultaneously using frequency domain multiplexing, spatial multiplexing, or modified medium access mechanisms, enabling devices to operate without interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If carrier sense multiple access (CSMA) is used to arbitrate wireless medium access, then device simplicity and ease of operation are maintained, but network throughput is limited and latency increases due to inability of multiple devices to transmit concurrently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wireless communication process into distinct phases: a first phase where a first device transmits to a second device, and a second phase where a third device transmits to a fourth device. These phases can overlap in time, allowing concurrent transmissions. The medium access mechanism is segmented into control message exchange (RTS/CTS) and data transmission phases, enabling coordinated full-duplex operation without requiring complex real-time arbitration during data transfer.
2Productivity
If concurrent transmissions by multiple devices are enabled, then network throughput and bandwidth are improved, but interference between transmissions increases and signal quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses reservation messages (RTS - Request to Send, and CTS - Clear to Send) as intermediary control signals to coordinate concurrent transmissions. These intermediary messages establish transmission rights and create virtual channels that prevent interference. The RTS/CTS exchange acts as a mediator that allows the system to transition from contention-based access to scheduled concurrent access, enabling full-duplex operation without direct signal interference.
3Loss of time
If traditional half-duplex CSMA operation is used, then device complexity is minimized, but latency increases due to sequential access requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action through the RTS (Request to Send) and CTS (Clear to Send) message exchange before actual data transmission. These preliminary control messages reserve the wireless medium for specific time slots and devices, allowing the system to pre-coordinate concurrent transmissions. By performing this reservation action in advance, the system eliminates the need for real-time arbitration during data transfer, reducing latency while managing complexity through structured pre-planning.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatuses for full duplex communication on a wireless network are disclosed. In one aspect, one or more lists of non-effecting nodes are determined for one or more devices on the wireless network. A list of non-effecting nodes for a device identifies other network nodes or devices whose transmissions do not cause substantial interference with the device. When a full duplex communication is scheduled on the wireless network, a downlink message transmitted to the device may be performed concurrently with an uplink transmission from one of the non-effecting devices. This full duplex communication may be possible even if the device does not inherently support full-duplex communication on the wireless network.