Link Adaptation via Block Acknowledgment Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing wireless local area network standards, such as IEEE 802.11, face challenges in accurately updating signal-to-noise ratio information during data transmission, leading to inefficiencies in throughput due to delayed feedback and unaccounted signal interference in multi-user scenarios.

Innovation Solution

The method involves carrying link adaptation update information, including signal-to-noise ratio and modulation and coding scheme data, in block acknowledgment frames to enable timely and accurate adaptation by the transmission opportunity holder, thereby improving system throughput.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If signal-to-noise ratio information is obtained before data transmission in TXOP mechanism, then the transmission opportunity holder can perform multi-frame data transmission, but the signal-to-noise ratio information fails to be updated and corrected timely, resulting in inaccurate link adaptation information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of signal-to-noise ratio informationVSAvoidtime delay in obtaining link adaptation information
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the receiving apparatus sends block acknowledgment frames containing link adaptation update information (such as SNR corrections or MCS adjustments) back to the transmission opportunity holder during the TXOP. This allows the transmitter to continuously update its link adaptation decisions based on real-time channel conditions observed by the receiver, resolving the contradiction between obtaining timely information and maintaining accurate link adaptation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If signal-to-noise ratio information is obtained before data transmission without considering signal interference between multiple receiving users, then the transmission process can proceed, but the signal interference between users cannot be completely eliminated, affecting throughput

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem throughputVSAvoidsignal interference between multiple users
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving apparatus measures the actual received signal quality including interference from other users, and feeds back link adaptation update information (such as SNR correction values or MCS adjustment indicators) in block acknowledgment frames. This feedback allows the transmission opportunity holder to compensate for multi-user interference effects and optimize transmission parameters, thereby improving throughput despite the presence of interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Duration of action of moving object

If the time interval between data transmission and obtaining of signal-to-noise ratio information increases, then the transmission opportunity holder can complete multi-frame data transmission, but the actual value of the signal-to-noise ratio changes, making the information outdated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveduration of multi-frame data transmissionVSAvoidaccuracy of signal-to-noise ratio information
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous feedback of link adaptation update information during the TXOP through block acknowledgment frames. The receiving apparatus continuously monitors channel conditions and provides updates (such as SNR correction values) to the transmission opportunity holder, allowing the transmitter to maintain accurate link adaptation information throughout the entire multi-frame transmission duration, thus resolving the contradiction between transmission duration and measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2680478B1Method, device, and system for link adaptation
Publication Date: 2017.07.26 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP2680478B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2680478B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2680478B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention discloses a method, an apparatus, and a system for link adaptation. The method includes: obtaining link adaptation update information according to a link state; and sending a block acknowledgment frame to a transmission opportunity holder, where the link adaptation update information is carried in the block acknowledgment frame so that the transmission opportunity holder performs link adaptation according to the link adaptation update information. The apparatus includes: an obtaining module and a sending module. The system includes a transmission opportunity responder and a transmission opportunity holder according to the embodiments of the present invention. With the method, apparatus, and system provided in the present invention, link adaptation update information is fed back in a block acknowledgment frame so that a transmission opportunity holder is capable of timely and accurately obtaining link adaptation information during data transmission and performing link adaptation accordingly, thereby remarkably improving throughput of the system.