Multi-AP Restricted TWT Coordination for Overlapping BSSs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless networks lack frameworks for coordinated restricted target wake time (TWT) operation across multiple Basic Service Sets (BSSs, leading to interference and throughput degradation due to overlapping BSSs, especially for latency-sensitive applications.
Innovation Solution
Implement mechanisms and procedures for enhanced coordinated restricted TWT (C-R-TWT) operation, including AP identification, MAP coordination request and response frames, and negotiation phases to synchronize TWT schedules across multiple BSSs, utilizing Type-I and Type-II architectures for centralized or direct AP coordination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple BSSs operate independently without coordination, then each BSS can manage its own TWT schedules autonomously, but interference occurs between overlapping BSSs leading to throughput degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coordination mechanism where APs exchange MAP coordination request and response frames to negotiate TWT schedules. This intermediary communication protocol allows independent BSSs to coordinate their TWT operations, reducing interference while maintaining operational autonomy. The coordination frames enable APs to share TWT schedule information and negotiate non-conflicting wake times across BSS boundaries.
2Reliability
If TWT schedules are coordinated across multiple BSSs, then interference is reduced and latency is improved, but negotiation complexity and device overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coordination process is segmented into distinct phases: discovery phase where APs identify potential coordination opportunities, negotiation phase where TWT parameters are exchanged and agreed upon, and execution phase where coordinated schedules are implemented. This segmentation reduces complexity by breaking down the overall coordination task into manageable, standardized steps that can be processed systematically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter negotiation within coordination frames to achieve coordinated TWT schedules. APs exchange and adjust TWT parameters (wake times, service periods, durations) through structured negotiation, allowing flexible optimization of latency performance while maintaining manageable complexity through parameter-based control rather than rigid schedule imposition.
3Stability of the object's composition
If coordinated TWT negotiation frames are exchanged between APs, then TWT schedule synchronization is achieved, but channel overhead and negotiation time are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The coordination mechanism performs preliminary actions by establishing TWT schedules in advance through negotiation frames. APs exchange coordination requests and responses before the actual TWT service periods begin, allowing schedules to be pre-synchronized. This preliminary coordination prevents conflicts before they occur, ensuring stable schedule composition without requiring continuous renegotiation during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A first access point (AP) includes a processor. The processor is configured to cause the first AP to perform a negotiation for Multi-AP (MAP) target wake time (TWT) coordination. The first AP also includes a transceiver operably coupled to the processor. The transceiver is configured to, during the negotiation for MAP TWT coordination, (i) transmit a MAP coordination request frame, and (ii) receive, from a second AP, a MAP coordination response frame. The second AP is an overlapping basic service set (OBSS) AP for the first AP.