Managed MU-MIMO Selection for Throughput and Latency Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems struggle to optimize transmission modes for traffic flows based on feedback from wireless networks, failing to consider network parameters and traffic patterns over longer periods, leading to suboptimal network throughput and latency.
Innovation Solution
A resource manager in a wireless local area network subsystem determines transmission modes for traffic flows as SU-MIMO, MU-MIMO, or OFDMA based on service-level agreement parameters, network parameters, and traffic flow attributes, using a hierarchical control loop with different timing scales to enhance decision accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If transmission mode decisions are made based on short-term feedback only, then response time is fast, but decision accuracy deteriorates due to lack of long-term network condition consideration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hierarchical control loop structure with multiple timing dimensions - a slow control loop that collects and analyzes long-term network parameters and traffic patterns, and a fast control loop that makes immediate transmission mode decisions. This multi-dimensional approach allows the system to simultaneously consider both long-term trends and short-term conditions, resolving the contradiction between decision accuracy and response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The slow control loop performs preliminary analysis of network conditions, traffic patterns, and performance metrics over extended periods before the fast control loop makes transmission mode decisions. This preliminary action prepares optimized transmission mode recommendations in advance, so when the fast control loop needs to make a decision, it can quickly select from pre-analyzed options rather than performing complex analysis in real-time.
2Productivity
If MU-MIMO is enabled for all traffic flows, then network throughput is maximized, but system complexity increases and performance deteriorates for latency-sensitive traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different transmission modes to different traffic flows based on their specific characteristics. Latency-sensitive traffic flows receive SU-MIMO or OFDMA treatment with dedicated resources and prioritized scheduling, while non-latency-sensitive flows can utilize MU-MIMO for higher throughput. This localized optimization ensures each traffic flow receives the most appropriate transmission mode for its requirements, maximizing overall network performance without unnecessarily complicating the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts transmission mode allocation based on real-time network conditions, traffic flow characteristics, and performance requirements. The control loops continuously monitor traffic patterns and reconfigure transmission modes as needed, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions rather than using a static configuration. This dynamic approach optimizes throughput while managing complexity through intelligent, condition-based decision-making.
3Productivity
If transmission modes are selected without considering traffic flow characteristics, then system operation is simplified, but network performance deteriorates due to suboptimal mode selection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated control loops that independently analyze network parameters, traffic flow attributes, and performance metrics to make transmission mode decisions. The system self-configures and optimizes transmission modes without requiring manual intervention or complex configuration by operators. This self-service approach maintains ease of operation while achieving high network throughput through intelligent, data-driven transmission mode selection that adapts to changing conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides systems and methods for selectively enabling multi-user (MU) communications. In some implementations, an access point (AP) obtains one or more packets associated with a traffic flow, and obtains at least one of service-level agreement (SLA) parameters associated with the traffic flow, attributes of the traffic flow, or network parameters associated with a basic service set (BSS) that includes the AP. The AP provides an indication of whether the traffic flow is suitable for transmission as a single-user (SU) multiple-input multiple output (MIMO) (SU-MIMO) communication, as a multi-user (MU) MIMO (MU-MIMO) communication, as an orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) communication, or as a partial bandwidth (BW) MU-MIMO communication to a WLAN subsystem of the AP, the indication being based on one or more of the SLA parameters, the traffic flow attributes, or the network parameters.