Multiple Primary Channel Selection for WLAN Bandwidth Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless local area networks (WLANs) that support multiple channels, existing technologies face challenges in efficiently selecting bandwidth configurations for access to a wireless medium, leading to lower throughput and longer latencies due to unutilized bandwidth.
Innovation Solution
The method involves obtaining a frame indicating a configuration of a basic service set (BSS) via a primary channel and communicating with another wireless node in a second BSS based on a configuration that configures operating bandwidths for primary and secondary channels, using specific rules to optimize bandwidth utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single primary channel is used for channel access, then device complexity is reduced, but bandwidth utilization deteriorates leading to lower throughput
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the channel access function by introducing multiple primary channels (first primary channel and second primary channel) instead of using a single channel. This allows different BSSs to access the wireless medium through different channels simultaneously, increasing overall bandwidth utilization and throughput while distributing the complexity across multiple channel management functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic bandwidth configuration where the second BSS can adapt its operating bandwidth (20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, or 160 MHz) based on the configuration obtained from the first BSS and applied rules. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize throughput according to channel conditions while managing complexity through rule-based decision making.
2Productivity
If multiple primary channels are configured for different BSSs, then bandwidth utilization improves, but channel access complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of primary channel frequency assignment by allowing the second BSS to select from multiple primary channels (first or second primary channel) based on configuration parameters obtained from the first BSS. This parameter variation enables flexible bandwidth utilization while managing complexity through standardized parameter exchange mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the second BSS obtains configuration information from the first BSS through frame exchange, then applies rules based on this feedback to determine its operating bandwidth and primary channel selection. This feedback loop enables coordinated multi-channel operation while reducing access complexity through information sharing.
3Loss of time
If carrier sensing is performed on a single channel, then the channel access mechanism is simple, but latency increases due to unutilized bandwidth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the channel sensing function across multiple primary channels, allowing devices to perform carrier sensing simultaneously on different channels rather than sequentially on a single channel. This parallel sensing approach reduces latency by utilizing multiple channels concurrently while distributing the sensing complexity across multiple channel monitoring functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous useful action by allowing multiple BSSs to maintain active transmissions on different primary channels simultaneously, rather than having to wait for channel release on a single channel. This continuous multi-channel operation reduces idle time and latency while managing complexity through coordinated channel assignment.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides methods, components, devices and systems that may help various wireless devices that select multiple primary channels, for a basic service set (BSS), to contend for channel access. An example method, performed at a first wireless node (e.g., an access point), generally includes obtaining, via a first primary channel, a frame indicating a first configuration of a first basic service set (BSS), and communicating, with at least a second wireless node in a second BSS, in accordance with a second configuration, said second configuration being based on the first configuration and one or more rules, wherein the second configuration configures a first operating bandwidth for the first primary channel and at least a second operating bandwidth for at least one second primary channel.