MIMO Access Point Coordination via Common BSSID
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless local area networks (WLANs), achieving optimal multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) performance is challenging due to unpredictable path disruptions and interference, making it difficult to choose the best MIMO state and access point for stable communication, especially with multiple access points in range of a mobile station.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where access points in a WLAN communicate over a common frequency channel and basic service set identification (BSSID), with an access manager that measures and alternates between different MIMO states to select the optimal access point and MIMO configuration for data transmission based on transmission quality, using multiple antennas for beam forming and adjusting modulation types and error correction rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple access points operate independently with unique BSSIDs, then each access point can manage its own clients autonomously, but it becomes difficult to coordinate MIMO transmissions and select optimal access points for mobile stations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent access points into a coordinated MIMO system by introducing a common BSSID that allows mobile stations to identify and communicate with the access point group as a single entity. This enables centralized coordination of MIMO transmissions while maintaining the physical independence of individual access points, resolving the contradiction between autonomous operation and coordination complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The common BSSID acts as an intermediary that facilitates coordination between multiple access points and mobile stations. Instead of requiring complex direct communication protocols between independent access points, the shared BSSID provides a simplified mechanism for identifying the access point group and enabling MIMO operations, reducing coordination overhead.
2Ease of operation
If access points use trial-and-error process for MCS selection, then autonomous decision-making is simple, but transmission stability deteriorates due to unpredictable path disruptions and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where access points monitor transmission quality metrics and channel conditions, then use this information to dynamically adjust MCS selections. This feedback loop enables autonomous access points to make informed decisions rather than random trial-and-error selections, improving transmission stability while maintaining autonomous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts MCS selections based on changing channel conditions and interference levels. Instead of static or purely random MCS selection, access points continuously adjust their transmission parameters in response to measured channel quality, enabling stable transmissions despite unpredictable path disruptions.
3Productivity
If the system searches over multiple access points and MIMO states to find optimal configuration, then data throughput and stability improve, but measurement and selection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the search space for optimal MIMO configuration into manageable components: individual access points are evaluated separately, then MIMO states are tested systematically. This segmentation allows the complex search problem to be broken down into smaller, more tractable sub-problems that can be solved through structured measurement and comparison.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurements of transmission quality across different access points and MIMO states before committing to a configuration. By conducting these measurements in advance and caching results, the system avoids repeated full searches, reducing the complexity of ongoing optimization while maintaining high throughput through informed selection.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for communication includes arranging multiple access points in a wireless local area network (WLAN) to communicate over the air with a station in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) configuration. Transmission quality is measured, in alternation, between two or more of the access points and the station in a plurality of different MIMO states. Each MIMO state is characterized at least by a respective number of spatial streams to be transmitted in the state. Responsively to the measured transmission quality, one of the access points and one of the MIMO states are selected to transmit data to the station.