Multi-AP Channel Allocation for Low-Latency Wireless Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in achieving low latency due to inefficient resource allocation and lack of coordination among multiple access points, leading to suboptimal performance in latency-sensitive applications.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a collaborative multi-AP (CoMAP) architecture that coordinates channel resource allocation across multiple access points, providing latency guidance and feedback to improve resource allocation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional wireless communication resource allocation is used, then device complexity is reduced, but latency increases and resource utilization is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple access points into a coordinated system where they share channel resource allocation decisions. The CoMAP architecture combines the resource allocation functions of multiple APs into a unified approach, allowing them to operate as a single coordinated entity rather than independently, thereby reducing overall system latency without requiring each individual AP to manage resources separately
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where access points exchange information about channel conditions, buffer status, and allocation decisions. This feedback loop allows the system to learn from previous allocations and adjust future resource distribution to minimize latency, with latency guidance information being explicitly transmitted between APs and clients to optimize performance
2Productivity
If independent access point operation is used, then device complexity is reduced, but resource utilization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes access points multi-functional by enabling them to perform both independent client service and collaborative resource allocation. Each AP maintains its basic function of serving connected clients while simultaneously participating in coordinated channel resource management, allowing a single AP to handle multiple roles without requiring separate dedicated components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary communication protocols and control messages that facilitate coordination between access points. These intermediaries include channel resource allocation frames, buffer status reports, and latency guidance information that mediate the interactions between multiple APs, enabling efficient resource sharing without requiring direct complex coordination between each AP pair
3Productivity
If latency guidance is implemented, then resource allocation efficiency improves, but communication overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by transmitting only the essential latency guidance information needed for resource allocation decisions rather than all possible communication data. The system sends selective updates about buffer status and latency requirements only when necessary for allocation optimization, avoiding unnecessary communication overhead while maintaining allocation efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
The subject disclosure provides systems and methods for improved medium access for wireless communication. A wireless access point, on contending for and gaining medium access, may share a time and/or bandwidth channel resource with one or more other wireless access points and/or one or more client devices. The wireless access point can efficiently share the channel resource using buffer status information computed by the wireless access point and/or additional buffer status information computed by the one or more other wireless access points. In one or more implementations, latency information for buffered data can be provided from a client device to a wireless access point and/or from a satellite wireless access point to a control wireless access point.