Multi-Beam Polling for WLAN Directional Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing WLAN technologies face poor network performance and low transmission efficiency when used for outdoor long-distance transmission due to the 'hidden terminal' issue and the contention transmission mechanism, which leads to decreased air interface utilization and increased collisions.
Innovation Solution
A multi-beam polling based transmission method where an access point broadcasts a beacon message indicating a beacon period, and sends data packets with channel use duration to stations, allowing them to communicate at specific target slots, thereby directing antennas for directional communication and reducing collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If omnidirectional listening is used, then the AP can listen to every STA, but antenna gain is reduced, system gain is lost, and transmission distance is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the omnidirectional listening function into multiple directional listening beams. Instead of using one omnidirectional antenna, the AP uses multiple directional antennas that sequentially scan different spatial sectors. Each antenna listens in a specific direction, and by combining results from all directions, the system achieves full coverage while maintaining high gain in each direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic scanning of directional beams across different spatial sectors. The AP sequentially switches between multiple directional listening beams in a periodic manner, covering all directions over time. This periodic action allows the system to maintain high directional gain during each listening interval while achieving comprehensive coverage across the entire period.
2Length of stationary object
If directional listening is used, then antenna gain is improved, but the AP cannot synchronize with STAs, resulting in decreased capacity and low transmission efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where STAs report their received signal quality and timing information back to the AP. Based on this feedback, the AP adjusts its directional beam timing and orientation to achieve synchronization with each STA. The feedback loop enables the system to maintain high directional gain while adapting to different STA positions and transmission schedules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a preliminary synchronization phase where the AP performs directional listening and STA identification before actual data transmission. During this preliminary phase, the AP scans directional beams to locate STAs, establishes timing relationships, and configures transmission schedules. This preliminary action enables subsequent high-efficiency directional communication by pre-establishing synchronization parameters.
3Ease of operation
If contention transmission mechanism is used, then STAs can access the channel freely, but hidden terminal problems increase, leading to more collisions and decreased air interface utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the channel access mechanism into dedicated transmission slots assigned to different STAs based on their spatial locations and communication requirements. Instead of allowing all STAs to contend for the channel simultaneously, the system divides channel access into time-sliced, direction-specific opportunities. This segmentation eliminates hidden terminal collisions by ensuring that STAs in different directions transmit at different times.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic slot allocation where the AP adjusts transmission slot assignments based on current network conditions, STA activity patterns, and spatial distribution. The channel access structure is not static but adapts dynamically to changing requirements, optimizing both ease of access and collision avoidance. The system can reconfigure slot assignments in response to new STAs joining or leaving the network.
Data Source
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AI summary
This application discloses a multi-beam polling based transmission method and apparatus, and a communications device and an electronic device readable storage medium based on the method. An access point AP broadcasts a beacon message, where the beacon message is used to indicate duration of a beacon period; and sends a data packet that includes channel use duration to a station STA, where the channel use duration is used to indicate a target slot at which the AP communicates with the STA within a duration range of the beacon period, so that the AP can communicate with the STA at the target slot. In this way, the AP polls the STA based on multiple beams. By allocating the target slot to the STA, directional communication can be used to replace omnidirectional communication, and this helps to improve a system gain while ensuring long-distance transmission. Moreover, orderly communication between each STA and the AP can be implemented, thereby improving interaction efficiency, and greatly alleviating a problem of communication collisions between STAs.