Mesh Network Airtime Fairness Control via Time-Division Medium Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mesh networks, airtime fairness issues arise where STA devices closer to certain nodes receive longer airtime while those farther away receive shorter airtime, leading to unfairness among users, and existing solutions often introduce side effects.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for airtime fairness control in mesh networks, where a wireless communications device receives indications of connected STA devices' airtime and adjusts medium-access operations in a time-division manner to balance airtime across all connected devices, ensuring equal airtime allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If STA devices closer to certain nodes are allowed to transmit/receive data freely, then their airtime is increased, but airtime fairness among all STA devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements differential airtime allocation based on the local conditions of each STA device. The controller determines expected airtimes individually for each STA based on their specific characteristics (distance from AP, data rate, traffic load), allowing closer STAs to have longer airtime while ensuring fairness through localized adjustment rather than uniform treatment
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the airtime parameter for different STA devices based on real-time network conditions. The controller calculates expected airtimes using parameters such as distance, data rate, and traffic load, then adjusts medium access opportunities accordingly to maintain fairness while accommodating variations in STA positions and requirements
2Reliability
If existing solutions are implemented to solve airtime fairness issues, then airtime distribution is improved, but side effects are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller receives information about actual airtime usage and network conditions from various AP devices, compares it with expected airtimes, and adjusts medium access control parameters accordingly. This closed-loop control achieves airtime fairness while allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions without introducing rigid side effects
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables AP devices and STA devices to self-report their status and airtime usage information to the controller. Each device participates in the fairness mechanism by providing necessary data and responding to control decisions, reducing the need for complex centralized management and minimizing intrusive side effects
3Reliability
If time-division manner is used to control medium-access operations, then airtime fairness is achieved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network control function by designating a specific controller (which may be an AP or external device) to handle airtime fairness management, while other AP devices focus on their local transmission and reception tasks. This segmentation distributes complexity rather than concentrating it, making the overall system more manageable despite the sophisticated time-division control required
Data Source
AI summary
A method for performing airtime fairness control of mesh network and associated apparatus (e.g., wireless communications devices) are provided. The method may include: utilizing a first wireless communications device to receive at least one first packet carrying at least one indication related to at least one second station (STA) device from a second wireless communications device; determining a first expected airtime of at least one first STA device connected to the first wireless communications device and a second expected airtime of the at least one second STA device at least according to the at least one indication; and controlling first medium-access operations of the at least one first STA device and second medium-access operations of the at least one second STA device according to the first expected airtime and the second expected airtime in time-division manner, for balancing respective airtime of all currently connected STA devices of the mesh network.