Mesh Network Transmission Control via Station Ranking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication networks face challenges in effectively controlling transmissions in mesh networks, leading to degraded performance and unsatisfied data requirements for some nodes.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves ranking stations in the mesh network based on factors like hops to wired APs, traffic volume, and QoS requirements, with higher-ranked stations setting transmission parameters such as AIFS, contention windows, and TXOP duration for lower-ranked stations to prioritize channel access and data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If transmission control is inadequate or ineffective, then the overall performance of the mesh network may be degraded, but implementing effective transmission control requires complex ranking and parameter setting mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mesh network into ranked stations with different access priorities. Stations are divided into hierarchical levels based on their position and traffic requirements, allowing differentiated transmission control parameters (AIFS, CWmin, CWmax) for each segment. This segmentation enables effective performance control without requiring uniform complex control across all stations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different transmission parameters to different stations based on their rank and specific requirements. Each station receives customized AIFS, minimum contention window, and maximum contention window values tailored to its position in the network hierarchy and traffic characteristics, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all control mechanism.
2Productivity
If higher-ranked stations are given priority access, then throughput for those stations is improved, but fairness among lower-ranked stations may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes transmission parameters dynamically based on station rank and requirements. By adjusting AIFS, minimum contention window, and maximum contention window parameters according to each station's position in the hierarchy and its specific traffic needs, the system achieves both improved throughput for higher-ranked stations and maintained fairness through calibrated parameter assignments.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission control mechanism is dynamic, allowing stations to adjust their access parameters based on real-time conditions and rank. The system adapts contention window sizes and inter-frame spaces dynamically, enabling higher-ranked stations to gain priority when needed while ensuring lower-ranked stations still achieve their data requirements through adjusted parameters.
3Adaptability or versatility
If transmission parameters are adjusted for each station, then individual QoS requirements are met, but the overall system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-determining station ranks and assigning transmission parameters before actual data transmission occurs. Stations are ranked and given their AIFS, minimum contention window, and maximum contention window values in advance, allowing them to operate with optimized parameters without real-time complex calculations, thus meeting QoS requirements while managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where stations report their traffic requirements and positions, allowing the network to adjust transmission parameters accordingly. This feedback loop enables the system to meet individual QoS requirements by calibrating parameters based on actual station needs while maintaining manageable complexity through structured parameter assignment.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for controlling transmissions in wireless communication networks are described. In one aspect, transmission control for a mesh network may be achieved by ranking mesh points or stations in the mesh network. In one design, the rank of a first station in the mesh network may be determined. At least one station of lower rank than the first station in the mesh network may be identified. At least one transmission parameter for the at least one station of lower rank may be set by the first station. At least one transmission parameter value may be selected for each station based on the rank, QoS requirements, amount of traffic, and/or achievable data rate for that station and may be sent (e.g., via a probe response message) to the station.