Multi-AP Beamforming for Wireless Network Interference Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-access point collaboration in wireless communication networks faces interference issues due to multiple Basic Service Sets (BSSs), which degrade network performance and throughput.
Innovation Solution
Implementing multi-AP beamforming and spatial reuse techniques to mitigate interference by establishing an interference map based on measurements from wireless Stations (STAs) and coordinating beamforming between access points (APs) to avoid signal obstructions and interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple wireless access points collaborate in a MAP wireless network to improve network performance and coverage, then the overall efficiency and reliability of the wireless network is improved, but interference between multiple BSSs occurs which degrades transmission quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wireless transmission space by implementing beamforming techniques that direct signals along specific spatial paths. By dividing the transmission into targeted beams rather than omnidirectional signals, multiple BSSs can operate simultaneously with reduced mutual interference, thus maintaining network reliability while mitigating the harmful interference effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating spatially selective transmission characteristics through beamforming. Each access point transmits with directionally focused energy toward specific recipients rather than uniformly in all directions. This localized signal concentration allows collaborative MAP operation while reducing interference in other spatial regions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If beamforming is implemented to mitigate interference between multiple BSSs, then interference is reduced and transmission quality improves, but the complexity of coordinating multiple access points increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the beamforming coordination function into a standardized multi-AP beamforming framework where multiple access points operate under unified coordination protocols. By combining individual beamforming capabilities into a coordinated multi-AP system with shared spatial information, the patent reduces overall coordination complexity while effectively mitigating interference between BSSs.
3Productivity
If multi-AP beamforming is implemented to improve network throughput and performance, then interference is mitigated and transmission quality improves, but overhead for maintaining channel state information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing channel state information through preliminary sounding procedures before actual data transmission. By pre-acquiring spatial channel characteristics and storing them for later use in beamforming operations, the system enables high-throughput multi-AP beamforming while reducing real-time overhead, as the spatial information is reused across multiple transmissions.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and device for multi-AP beamforming (e.g., nulling) and spatial reuse to mitigate interference and improve the performance of MAP wireless networks. According to one embodiment, multiple APs agree to collaborate in multi-AP beamforming (1105), transmissions of received PDDUs are measured to determine interference information (1110), the APS generate interference maps (1120), and the APs perform joint and Multi-AP beamforming in a first and second BSS to avoid/mitigate interference of the MAP wireless network (1125). An RTS and CTS frame exchange sequence can be performed prior to Multi-AP beamforming between BSSs using a flag/indicator in the RTS frame to indicate coordinated transmission, or an UL trigger frame can be used to indicate a coordinated UL transmission.