Link Adaptation Using Multi-Portion Test Packets
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional link adaptation methods in wireless local area networks (WLANs) are inefficient and iterative, requiring multiple packets and feedback to converge on an optimal transmission rate, which can be slow and wasteful of airtime, and may not adapt quickly to changing channel conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method where a WLAN device sends a link adaptation test packet with multiple portions modulated using different modulation and coding scheme (MCS) options, allowing the receiving device to provide feedback on the quality of each, enabling the transmitting device to select an optimal MCS for subsequent transmissions based on the received feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional iterative link adaptation methods are used, then the system can determine optimal transmission rate, but the process is slow and consumes excessive airtime resources
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitting device segments the single packet into multiple portions, each modulated with different MCS options. This allows the receiving device to evaluate multiple transmission rates simultaneously within one packet, eliminating the need for multiple iterative packets and reducing airtime consumption while maintaining precise optimal rate determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-modulating different portions of the packet with various MCS options before transmission. This allows the receiver to assess multiple transmission rates in advance within a single packet, avoiding the need for multiple iterative exchanges and significantly reducing the time required to determine the optimal transmission rate.
2Reliability
If multiple packets are used for link adaptation convergence, then optimal transmission rate can be found, but the process is inefficient and wasteful of airtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple link adaptation test packets into a single packet by including multiple portions modulated with different MCS options. This consolidation allows the receiver to evaluate all MCS options simultaneously and provide comprehensive feedback in one exchange, improving link adaptation efficiency while maintaining reliable optimal rate selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The single link adaptation packet serves multiple functions by containing portions with different MCS options. Each portion acts as a separate test signal, allowing the receiver to evaluate multiple transmission rates simultaneously. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate packets while ensuring reliable determination of the optimal transmission rate.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional link adaptation is used, then transmission rate can be adjusted, but the system cannot adapt quickly to changing channel conditions
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the packet into portions with different MCS options, the system enables rapid adaptation to changing channel conditions. The receiver can immediately evaluate which MCS performs best under current conditions and provide feedback in a single exchange, significantly increasing adaptation speed while maintaining the ability to adjust transmission rates effectively.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer-readable media, for link adaptation in a wireless local area network (WLAN). A link adaptation test packet from a first WLAN device to a second WLAN may include a plurality of link adaptation test portions that are generated using a corresponding plurality of transmission rate options. For example, the plurality of link adaptation test portions may be modulated using different modulation and coding scheme (MCS) options. Thus, a single test packet may be used to evaluate different transmission rate options. The second WLAN device may provide feedback information regarding the link adaptation test portions. The feedback information may be used to determine a transmission rate for a subsequent transmission from the first WLAN device to the second WLAN device based on wireless channel conditions.