Multi-Panel Network Device Channel Access via Independent Backoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies face challenges in efficiently accessing a channel using multiple panels in a network device, especially when these panels sense different channel states, leading to difficulties in coordinating channel access.
Innovation Solution
A channel access method is implemented in a network device with multiple panels, where each panel independently performs backoff by generating a backoff count value. If the backoff count value of any panel reaches zero, the device obtains permission to use the channel and sends a frame, thereby successfully accessing the channel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple panels sense different channel states, then spatial diversity gains and coverage areas are improved, but channel access coordination becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the channel access control into separate backoff counters for each panel, allowing independent backoff operations. Each panel maintains its own backoff counter that operates autonomously, resolving the coordination difficulty while preserving spatial diversity benefits. This segmentation enables each panel to independently manage its channel access timing without requiring complex coordination mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic backoff control where panels can suspend their backoff processes based on real-time channel state information. When a panel detects that the channel is busy, it suspends its backoff counter, and when the channel becomes idle, it resumes. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to changing channel conditions while maintaining simple independent control for each panel.
2Device complexity
If one backoff counter is used for multiple panels, then device complexity is reduced, but channel access reliability deteriorates when panels sense different states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns a separate backoff counter to each panel, which increases the number of control elements but enables reliable independent channel access for each panel. This segmentation allows each panel to independently determine when to transmit based on its local channel state, ensuring reliable access even when panels sense different conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple independent backoff processes into a coordinated system where panels share common channel state information and can suspend/resume operations together. This merging approach maintains independence for reliability while enabling collective optimization of channel access across all panels.
3Area of stationary object
If panels are disposed in different geographical locations, then coverage area and spatial diversity are improved, but channel state sensing becomes more diverse and coordination more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements separate backoff counters for each panel located at different geographical positions, allowing each panel to independently manage its channel access based on its local environment. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex coordination across spatially separated panels while preserving the coverage area and spatial diversity benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
Each panel autonomously manages its own backoff process based on its local channel state sensing, without requiring coordination with other panels. The panels self-regulate their transmission timing independently, which simplifies operation while maintaining reliable channel access across distributed geographical locations.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of this application disclose a channel access method and a related product. The method is applied to a network device. The network device includes a plurality of panels. An example method includes: generating a backoff count value of each of the plurality of panels; and if a backoff count value of any one of the plurality of panels backs off to zero, sending a frame.