Mesh Point Transmission Opportunity Avoiding Beacon Collisions
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Solution Overview
Problem
In contention-based mesh networks, collisions between beacon frames and data frames lead to service delays and degradation of quality of service (QoS), necessitating a method to mitigate these collisions.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that involve a transmitter mesh point receiving beacon timing from neighboring mesh points to determine a transmission opportunity (TXOP) that does not extend across beacon reception timings, ensuring that frames are transmitted within designated TXOPs to avoid collisions, using frames like Request-to-Send (RTS) or data frames with duration fields to reserve the wireless medium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mesh points use contention-based channel access (EDCA) to transmit frames, then channel access flexibility is improved, but collisions between beacon frames and data frames occur causing service delays and QoS degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the channel access mechanism into two parts: beacon frame transmission uses a dedicated contention-free mechanism with scheduled time slots, while data frame transmission uses contention-based EDCA. This segmentation allows beacon frames to have guaranteed transmission opportunities without colliding with data frames, thus maintaining QoS while preserving channel access flexibility for data traffic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a beacon coordination mechanism as an intermediary between beacon frame transmission and data frame transmission. The coordinating mesh point schedules beacon frame transmissions in specific time slots, acting as a mediator that prevents collisions between beacons and data frames while allowing both types of traffic to coexist efficiently.
2Ease of operation
If mesh points transmit frames using contention-based access without coordination, then transmission simplicity is improved, but collisions cause service delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having mesh points exchange beacon timing information and transmission opportunity (TXOP) details in advance. Each mesh point determines its TXOP based on pre-exchanged timing information from neighboring points, allowing it to schedule transmissions before collisions occur, thus reducing service delays while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where mesh points exchange beacon timing information and TXOP status with neighboring points. This feedback allows each mesh point to adjust its transmission schedule based on actual channel conditions and neighboring point activities, reducing collisions and service delays while keeping the system easy to operate through standardized exchange protocols.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus and method of transmission opportunity in a mesh network is disclosed. A beacon timing from a receiver MP is received. The beacon timing includes a beacon reception timing of a received beacon frame that is received by the receiver MP from a neighboring MP of the receiver MP. A transmission opportunity is determined in order not to be extended across the beacon reception timing.