Link Adaptation Header for Wireless Throughput

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication systems face challenges in efficiently adapting communication links to changing channel conditions, particularly in wireless local area networks (WLANs), which affects data throughput and reliability.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a link adaptation mechanism that involves transmitting link quality information, such as modulation and coding schemes, signal-to-noise ratio, and received signal strength indicators, between network devices to dynamically adjust communication parameters, including modulation and coding schemes and beamforming vectors, to optimize data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If link adaptation mechanisms are implemented to dynamically adjust communication parameters, then data throughput and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases due to additional information exchange and processing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata throughputVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements link adaptation through feedback mechanisms where network devices exchange link quality information (including modulation and coding schemes, signal-to-noise ratio, and received signal strength indicators) to dynamically adjust communication parameters. This feedback loop enables real-time optimization of data transmission based on actual channel conditions, resolving the contradiction between improving throughput and managing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If real-time link quality information is exchanged between network devices, then communication reliability is improved, but loss of time increases due to additional information exchange overhead

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidtime overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs preliminary action by pre-establishing communication protocols and parameter sets before actual data transmission begins. Network devices prepare link quality information templates and adaptation rules in advance, allowing rapid adjustment of communication parameters during operation without requiring extensive real-time information exchange, thus improving reliability while minimizing time overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If communication parameters are dynamically adjusted to adapt to changing channel conditions, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel adaptation capabilityVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by systematically adjusting communication parameters (modulation and coding schemes, beamforming vectors) based on measured link quality information. The system establishes predefined parameter sets and adaptation rules that automatically change communication characteristics in response to varying channel conditions, enabling high adaptability while controlling complexity through structured parameter management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2612461B1Link adaptation a communication network
Publication Date: 2019.06.26 MARVELL WORLD TRADE LTD
  • EP2612461B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2612461B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP2612461B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

In a method for link adaptation in a network, a link quality metric corresponding to a wireless communications link between a first communication device and a second communication device is determined. A communication frame having a header is generated. The header includes i) a first subfield of a control field to specify a modulation and coding scheme for use via the wireless communications link, and ii) a second subfield of the control field that includes the link quality metric. The communication frame is transmitted.