Multiple-AP Coordinated Transmissions for WLAN Interference Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless local area network (WLAN) systems operating in unlicensed bands face challenges in coordinating transmissions among overlapping access points (APs) due to interference, necessitating improved methods for configuring and managing a group of APs with coordinated transmission parameters.
Innovation Solution
Adapting IEEE 802.11 mesh networking procedures to establish a Multiple Access Points (M-AP) Coordinated Transmission (CT) Basic Service Set (BSS) by enabling APs to communicate and coordinate transmission parameters wirelessly, using modified Beacon and Probe Response frames to advertise M-AP CT BSS capabilities and facilitate secure peering between APs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If APs operate in unlicensed bands with overlapping coverage, then wireless connectivity is provided, but interference between APs increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple APs are merged into an M-AP CT BSS (Coordinated Transmission Basic Service Set) where they agree to coordinate their transmissions. The APs share common transmission parameters and cooperate to reduce interference while maintaining wireless connectivity in unlicensed bands.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where APs exchange information about their transmission status and receive acknowledgments. This allows APs to adjust their transmissions dynamically based on the network state, reducing interference while maintaining connectivity.
2Reliability
If APs communicate over wired links for configuration, then coordination is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/wired communication infrastructure with a wireless communication system. APs use wireless frames (Beacon frames, Probe Response frames) to exchange configuration information and establish coordination, eliminating the need for physical wired connections between APs while maintaining reliable coordination.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing IEEE 802.11 mesh mechanisms are reused for M-AP CT BSS, then ease of implementation improves, but functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing IEEE 802.11 mesh mechanisms universal by enabling them to serve dual purposes: traditional mesh networking and M-AP coordinated transmissions. The same Beacon frames and Probe Response frames used for mesh discovery also advertise M-AP CT BSS capabilities, allowing existing mechanisms to provide both basic mesh functionality and advanced coordinated transmission capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of configuring a multiple Access Points (M-AP) set includes transmitting, by an access point (AP) initiating a new M-AP set, an information element including a plurality of octets. One of the plurality of octets indicates the presence of an extended capabilities octet of the plurality of octets. A bit of the extended capabilities octet indicates if an M-AP Coordinated Transmissions (CT) Basic Service Set (BSS) is enabled for this AP. A method of establishing a multiple Access Points (M-AP) set between APs includes transmitting, by a first AP, a first message advertising an M-AP Coordinated Transmission (CT) Basic Service Set (BSS), receiving, by the first AP, from a second AP, a second message advertising a second M-AP CT BSS, and initiate peering, in response to receiving the first message or the second message, used by an M-AP set including the first AP and the second AP.