Multi-channel Direct Link Setup for Wireless Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
The IEEE 802.11n MAC/PHY protocol is limited in achieving a data throughput of 1 Gbps or above due to its single STA architecture, leading to increased overhead and limitations in wireless communication network throughput.
Innovation Solution
A direct link setup (DLS) or tunneled DLS (TDLS) procedure is implemented in a multi-channel wireless communication system, allowing for direct communication between mobile stations with multiple network interface cards, and a physical layer convergence procedure (PLCP) protocol data unit (PPDU) is mapped to subchannels, enabling efficient channel allocation and error correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the IEEE 802.11n MAC/PHY protocol is used with single STA architecture, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity (throughput) is limited and cannot achieve 1 Gbps or above
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication interface into multiple independent network interface cards (NICs), each capable of operating on different channels. This allows the system to achieve multi-Gbps throughput by aggregating multiple NICs while maintaining the simplicity of the IEEE 802.11n protocol for each individual NIC, thus resolving the contradiction between throughput and device complexity.
2Productivity
If multiple NICs are used to achieve high throughput, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal direct link setup mechanism that works across multiple NICs and channels. The same DLS/TDLS procedure and frame formats are used regardless of the number of NICs or channels, allowing the system to scale to multiple NICs without increasing protocol complexity. Each NIC maintains independent operation while sharing common setup procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If direct link setup is implemented across multiple channels, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs direct link setup procedures in advance before actual data transmission begins. The DLS/TDLS setup frames are exchanged beforehand to establish direct links across multiple channels, and these pre-established links are then used for data transmission. This preliminary action allows the system to adapt to multiple channels without increasing complexity during active communication.
4Productivity
If channel allocation is optimized across multiple channels, then productivity improves, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the multi-channel communication into independent channel segments, each handled by specific NICs. Channel allocation and PPDU mapping are performed on a per-channel basis, allowing precise measurement and optimization of each channel independently. This segmentation enables accurate channel quality assessment without requiring complex multi-channel measurements simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a direct link setup procedure and a channel allocation mechanism in a multi-channel wireless communication network. The method includes transmitting a direct link setup request message comprising request information for specifying one or more channels, each of which desires to set up a direct link, among multiple channels, and receiving a direct link setup response message comprising response information for setting up the direct link to one or more channels in response to the direct link setup request message.