Multi-AP Transmission Scheduling With Frame Coordination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing multi-access point (AP) networks, particularly in scenarios involving multiple APs, due to inefficiencies in resource allocation and coordination, leading to suboptimal performance and increased latency.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a mechanism for multi-AP networks that utilizes frame exchanges to coordinate and schedule transmissions across multiple APs, including the use of trigger frames and action frames to allocate resources and manage periods for multi-AP transmissions, ensuring synchronized operation and optimized resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multi-AP networks operate without coordinated scheduling, then network coverage and connectivity are improved, but resource allocation efficiency deteriorates and latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having APs exchange trigger frames and action frames in advance to establish coordinated scheduling before data transmission occurs. The master AP sends trigger frames that preemptively allocate time slots and resources to slave APs, ensuring that all APs are prepared and synchronized before actual communication begins, thus improving resource allocation efficiency while maintaining network coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where slave APs respond to trigger frames with action frames confirming their allocation and status. This feedback loop allows the master AP to verify resource allocation, adjust scheduling parameters, and ensure all APs are ready for coordinated operation, thereby improving resource management efficiency without compromising network coverage.
2Speed
If APs transmit simultaneously to maximize throughput, then data transmission speed is improved, but network congestion and interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the transmission timeline into distinct time slots allocated to different APs. The master AP segments the communication period into separate intervals where each slave AP transmits in its designated slot, preventing simultaneous transmissions and reducing interference while maintaining high throughput through efficient time-division multiplexing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through repeated cycles of trigger frame transmission, resource allocation, and data transmission in structured time periods. Each cycle follows a standardized sequence where the master AP initiates with a trigger frame, allocates resources for a specific period, and then transitions to the next slot, creating periodic patterns that manage congestion while maximizing transmission speed.
3Productivity
If centralized coordination between APs is implemented, then resource utilization is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining the coordination functions of multiple APs into a single master AP that handles all trigger frame transmissions and resource allocation centrally. The slave APs have simplified roles, merely responding with action frames and executing their allocated transmissions. This merging of coordination functions into one central entity improves resource utilization efficiency while limiting the complexity burden to a single AP rather than requiring complex peer-to-peer coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
In an aspect, a first access point (AP) receives from a second AP, a first frame comprising information indicating a period of unavailability for the second AP to participate in a multi-AP transmission. Based on the first frame, the first AP transmits to the second AP a second frame to initiate the multi-AP transmission before or after the period of unavailability. In another aspect, a first access point (AP) receives from a second AP, a first frame comprising information indicating a period for a multi-AP transmission. The first AP transmits to the second AP, a second frame indicating a decision by the second AP to participate in the multi-AP transmission based on the first frame. The first AP receives from the second AP, a third frame to initiate the multi-AP transmission based on the decision.