Latency-Based Contention in Wireless Access Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Wi-Fi communication systems face challenges in reducing latency-based contention, particularly in environments requiring low-latency data transmission such as augmented reality and virtual reality applications, where existing standards do not effectively monitor media idle time to optimize contention slots for efficient data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A wireless access point and station equipped with a processing device and transceiver that monitor media idle time using a media idle time counter and determine a back-off counter to push frames for transmission when the back-off counter is less than or equal to the media idle time counter, allowing for the selection of optimal contention slots based on background contention timers to enhance low-latency data communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional Wi-Fi contention mechanisms are used, then device complexity is reduced, but latency increases due to inability to monitor media idle time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the access point continuously monitor media idle time and maintain a media idle time counter before frames need to be transmitted. This advance monitoring and preparation of transmission opportunities allows frames to be pushed for transmission as soon as the back-off counter expires, reducing contention time without requiring complex real-time decision-making mechanisms during transmission attempts.
2Productivity
If media idle time monitoring is implemented, then transmission efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by having the access point automatically monitor media idle time and manage its own transmission scheduling without requiring external intervention or complex control mechanisms. The media idle time counter is updated automatically based on CCA indications, and the access point autonomously determines when frames can be transmitted based on the comparison between back-off counter and media idle time counter, simplifying the overall system architecture while improving transmission efficiency.
3Loss of time
If back-off counter comparison with media idle time is used, then latency is reduced, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring media idle time through CCA indications and using this information to feedback-adjust the transmission scheduling decision. The media idle time counter is updated based on actual CCA status transitions, and this feedback information is used to determine when frames should be transmitted. This feedback mechanism ensures that the system adapts to actual channel conditions, reducing latency while maintaining sufficient measurement precision through continuous updates rather than requiring extremely precise single-point measurements.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless access point for latency-based contention may comprise a processing device and a transceiver. The processing device may be configured to monitor a media idle time using a media idle time counter, wherein the media idle time is measured from a last transition from a clear channel assessment (CCA) busy indication to a CCA idle indication. The processing device may be configured to identify a frame at a contention queue head. The processing device may be configured to determine a back-off counter when the frame arrives at the contention queue head. The processing device may be configured to push the frame for transmission when the back-off counter is less than or equal to the media idle time counter. The transceiver may be configured to transmit the frame.