Multi-Hop Channel Access With TXOP Sharing for Low-Latency Relay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in achieving ultra-high reliability and low latency in multi-hop frameworks, particularly in mesh-like deployments where end-to-end delays are significant due to the availability of medium access opportunities across multiple hops, which can be detrimental to latency-sensitive applications.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a coordinated medium access scheme with or without TXOP sharing, where wireless communication devices coordinate medium access across multiple time epochs with differentiated priorities based on data traffic, enabling efficient relay of data frames across multiple hops within a shared transmission opportunity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multi-hop relay is used to extend wireless coverage, then network coverage and connectivity are improved, but latency and medium access delays increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by establishing reserved transmission opportunities (TXOPs) in advance for multi-hop relay transmissions. The access point allocates specific time slots and resources beforehand, allowing relay devices to transmit data frames without waiting for standard medium access procedures, thereby reducing latency while maintaining extended network coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the wireless network into distinct transmission opportunities with different access rules. Reserved TXOPs are separated from regular contention-based access, creating dedicated time windows for relay transmissions. This segmentation allows latency-sensitive traffic to use the reserved segments while other traffic uses standard access mechanisms
2Device complexity
If standard medium access control is used in multi-hop networks, then device complexity is kept simple, but system reliability and latency performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing differentiated medium access control policies for different types of traffic and devices. Relay devices participating in reserved TXOPs receive specialized access permissions with guaranteed time slots, while other devices continue using standard MAC protocols. This localized enhancement provides ultra-high reliability for critical relay transmissions without complicating the overall system
Solution Approach 2:
The access point acts as an intermediary that manages reserved TXOP allocations and coordinates relay transmissions. It assigns specific time slots and resources to relay devices, mediating between the need for simple device operation and the requirement for reliable multi-hop transmissions. The intermediary handles the complexity centrally while keeping individual device logic simple
3Productivity
If transmission opportunities are shared among multiple devices, then system capacity and spectral efficiency are improved, but medium access delays and collisions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic TXOP sharing where the access point allocates transmission opportunities based on real-time network conditions and traffic requirements. Reserved TXOPs are dynamically assigned to relay devices that need them, and the duration and timing of these opportunities are adjusted according to traffic patterns. This dynamic allocation increases system capacity while minimizing medium access delays through adaptive resource management
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides methods, components, devices and systems for channel access techniques in a multi-hop framework for ultra-high reliability (UHR). Some aspects more specifically relate to a transmission opportunity (TXOP) sharing mechanism according to which wireless communication devices can relay data frames along multiple hops within a same TXOP, a coordinated medium access scheme associated with relaying data frames between a root access point (AP) and a wireless station (STA) via multiple service periods, and various signaling mechanisms and frame formats according to which wireless communication devices can exchange or negotiate information associated with a coordinated medium access scheme. In some implementations, a coordinated medium access scheme may be associated with multiple time epochs (each associated with a service period) and differentiated channel access across the multiple time epochs may facilitate the relay with or without TXOP sharing within the associated service periods.