Multi-Channel Direct Link Connection in Wireless Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless LAN standards, such as IEEE 802.11, inefficiently utilize bandwidth due to reliance on infrastructure mode for all communications, even when direct links between stations have a good quality, and lack seamless integration of infrastructure and ad-hoc modes, leading to suboptimal performance and channel contention.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allow multiple simultaneous 802.11 connections using a single WLAN card, enabling stations to participate in both infrastructure and ad-hoc networks with different physical channels, autonomously selecting channels and scheduling transmission opportunities to reduce contention and maintain compatibility with standard APs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If infrastructure mode is used for all communications, then connectivity is ensured between stations, but bandwidth utilization becomes inefficient due to relayed transmissions
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects between infrastructure mode and direct link mode based on real-time conditions. Stations can switch between relayed transmissions through AP and direct peer-to-peer transmissions, optimizing bandwidth utilization while maintaining connectivity when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the transmission parameter by introducing direct link mode as an alternative to infrastructure mode. This allows the system to adjust the communication path parameter (relayed vs. direct) based on bandwidth requirements and link quality
2Productivity
If direct link mode is implemented, then bandwidth efficiency improves, but compatibility with standard APs and legacy stations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the BSS into two operational modes: infrastructure mode for compatibility with legacy stations and APs, and direct link mode for bandwidth-efficient communications between capable stations. This segmentation allows both modes to coexist without interfering with each other
Solution Approach 2:
The AP acts as an intermediary that manages both infrastructure and direct link modes. It coordinates direct link setups, maintains compatibility for legacy stations, and ensures seamless operation of the hybrid system
3Ease of operation
If multiple stations communicate through a single AP, then network management is simplified, but medium contention increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the medium access by creating separate communication paths: infrastructure mode traffic goes through the AP while direct link mode traffic communicates peer-to-peer. This segmentation reduces medium contention by eliminating unnecessary relayed transmissions
4Device complexity
If a single WLAN card is used for both infrastructure and ad-hoc modes, then device complexity is reduced, but channel switching and transmission scheduling become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The single WLAN card dynamically switches between infrastructure and ad-hoc modes based on transmission requirements. The system implements time-division multiplexing where the card alternates between modes, and frequency-division multiplexing by switching between different physical channels
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communication network includes an access point and a plurality of stations. The access point sends towards the stations periodic information arranged in time frames or beacon intervals. The stations in the network are configured to in a first mode through the access point, and in a second mode directly with each other. The time frames are partitioned into a first time interval wherein the stations communicate in the first mode over a first channel; a second time interval wherein the stations communicate in the second mode over a second channel, and a third time interval wherein the stations communicate in either of the first or the second mode.