Multi-AP TWT Information Request for Interference-Aware Wake Scheduling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication networks face challenges in managing interference and optimizing power consumption due to overlapping transmission opportunities and wake times in multi-access point environments, particularly in IEEE 802.11 networks with multiple basic service sets and ad-hoc networks.

Innovation Solution

Implementing target wake time (TWT) mechanisms, including individual and broadcast TWTs, and multi-AP coordination protocols to synchronize and optimize wake times across multiple links, reducing interference and enhancing power efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If multi-AP coordination protocols are implemented to synchronize TWT operations, then inter-BSS interference is reduced and power management is optimized, but device complexity and protocol overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinter-BSS interferenceVSAvoidcoordination protocol complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines TWT synchronization functionality into existing beacon frames and TWT management frames, merging coordination capabilities with existing communication protocols rather than creating separate coordination channels, thereby reducing overall system complexity while achieving interference reduction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces TWT element information as an intermediary data structure that carries synchronization parameters between APs and STAs, enabling coordinated TWT operations without requiring complex direct coordination protocols between all devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Use of energy by moving object

If TWT agreements are synchronized across multiple APs and STAs, then power consumption is reduced and network efficiency is improved, but measurement precision and coordination overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidTWT timing synchronization precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where APs and STAs exchange TWT element information containing timing parameters and synchronization status, allowing devices to adjust their TWT schedules based on received feedback to maintain precise synchronization while optimizing power savings

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary TWT synchronization setup during initial association and reassociation phases, establishing TWT agreements and timing parameters in advance before actual data transmission begins, thereby reducing coordination overhead during active communication while maintaining precise timing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12621766B2Multi-access point target wake time information request

Publication Date: 2026.05.05 OFINNO LLC

AI summary

A first access point (AP) transmits to a second AP a first frame requesting first restricted target wake time (R-TWT) information of the second AP based on not receiving a beacon frame of the second AP within a first period from a target beacon transmission time (TBTT) of the second AP. The first AP receives from the second AP a second frame comprising the first R-TWT information of the second AP in response to the first frame.