Multi-AP Sounding Control for CSI Feedback Overhead
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sounding procedures in multi-AP coordination configurations for IEEE 802.11 series standards are inefficient due to unclear cooperation methods among APs, leading to inaccurate medium usage and reduced throughput, especially when CSI information is minimized to reduce load on STAs.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus that operates as a master-AP in a multi-AP coordination configuration, selecting a sounding method based on the CSI calculation capability of connected terminal apparatuses, using explicit or implicit methods to optimize CSI reporting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the amount of CSI information transmitted by the STA is reduced to reduce time-related overhead and load on the STA, then the time-related overhead is reduced and load on STA is decreased, but the estimation of wireless medium becomes inaccurate, causing inefficiency in medium usage and slowdown in speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of CSI reporting by introducing a two-part structure: a first CSI report containing essential channel state information and a second CSI report containing additional information. This allows the system to adapt the amount and type of information transmitted based on the sounding procedure requirements, reducing overhead while maintaining sufficient accuracy for medium estimation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the CSI feedback into multiple parts: a first CSI report transmitted during the sounding procedure and a second CSI report transmitted subsequently. This segmentation allows the system to collect essential information efficiently during sounding while obtaining additional details later, reducing immediate time-related overhead while maintaining estimation accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If conventional sounding procedure is used in multi-AP coordination configuration, then the procedure can be performed, but the cooperation method among APs is unclear and medium usage is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the sounding procedure by implementing a feedback mechanism where the STA transmits CSI information back to the APs. This feedback loop enables the APs to accurately estimate the wireless medium conditions and coordinate their transmissions effectively, improving medium usage efficiency while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary sounding procedures to gather channel state information before actual data transmission. This preliminary action allows the APs to pre-calculate optimal transmission parameters and coordinate their schedules, improving medium usage efficiency during subsequent operations while keeping the procedure easy to execute.
3Ease of operation
If the amount of CSI information is reduced to minimize load on STA, then the load on STA is decreased, but the estimation accuracy deteriorates, causing slowdown in speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments CSI information collection into two stages: during the sounding procedure and after. The first CSI report captures essential information needed for immediate operations, while the second CSI report provides additional details. This segmentation reduces the immediate load on the STA during critical sounding operations while maintaining sufficient accuracy for maintaining communication speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of information transmission by using different reporting mechanisms for different phases. During sounding, the system uses a streamlined first CSI report format that minimizes STA load, while subsequently using a more comprehensive second CSI report format that maintains high estimation accuracy for speed optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication apparatus operable to act as a master-AP in a multi-AP (access point) coordination configuration that supports an IEEE802.11 series standard, selects a sounding method which is a method for transmitting a sounding packet for receiving a CSI report as feedback from a terminal apparatus in accordance with a CSI (channel state information) calculation capability in the terminal apparatus that is connected to the communication apparatus.