Multi-AP Channel Reservation for Low-Latency WLAN Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless LAN technologies face challenges in providing ultra-high reliability (UHR) for new multimedia applications, particularly in managing channel occupancy to support low-latency data transmission and overcome reliability issues in high-density environments.

Innovation Solution

A wireless communication terminal that utilizes multi-access point (AP) coordination to ensure a specific channel is available for low-latency data transmission by transmitting request and response frames, managing transmission opportunities (TXOP) through network allocation vectors (NAV), and releasing channel use via release requests, ensuring the channel is not occupied during a restricted-target wake time (R-TWT) period.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a terminal occupies a channel for TXOP to ensure reliable data transmission, then transmission reliability is improved, but channel access flexibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission reliabilityVSAvoidchannel access flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic channel access by allowing terminals to switch between traditional TXOP-based channel occupation and punctured channel access based on traffic requirements. The system dynamically adjusts channel usage patterns, enabling high-reliability transmission when needed while maintaining flexibility for other terminals to access punctured channels, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If traditional TXOP mechanism is used to manage channel access, then channel occupancy is guaranteed, but low-latency transmission for high-priority data deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel occupancy stabilityVSAvoidtransmission latency
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the channel into traditional TXOP-protected portions and punctured channel portions. High-priority low-latency data can be transmitted through punctured channels that bypass traditional TXOP waiting mechanisms, while other data continues to use the stable TXOP mechanism. This segmentation allows simultaneous achievement of channel stability and low-latency transmission paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Speed

If channel puncturing is implemented to enable low-latency access, then transmission speed is improved, but channel access control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission speedVSAvoidchannel access control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary signaling mechanism where terminals negotiate punctured channel usage through exchange of control frames before data transmission. This intermediary step establishes clear rules and permissions for punctured channel access, simplifying the control complexity by providing a structured protocol rather than ad-hoc channel sharing, thus enabling fast access while maintaining manageable system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4709018A1Method for transmitting and receiving data in wireless communication system, and wireless communication terminal using same
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 WILUS INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS & TECHNOLOGY INC
  • EP4709018A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4709018A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4709018A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed are a method and device for operating a wireless communication terminal. Specifically, a wireless communication terminal, according to the present invention, transmits a request frame for multi-access point (AP) coordination to a first terminal, the frame including channel information indicating a specific channel to be used for transmission and reception of low-latency data during a specific period. The terminal may receive a response frame in response to the frame, and perform transmission and reception of the low-latency data within the specific period with a second terminal. Here, the transmission and reception of the low-latency data through the specific channel within the specific period is guaranteed by the frame, and the specific channel is not occupied by the first terminal during the specific period and is used for transmission and reception of the low-latency data with the second terminal.