Multiuser Block Acknowledgment Request for Wireless Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Contention-based wireless communication protocols face inefficiencies in data transmission due to slow power usage, decreased data rates, and increased latency and network congestion caused by stations waiting to access the channel for block acknowledgments, especially when multiple stations need to send BA frames sequentially.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a Multiuser Block Acknowledgement Request (MU-BAR) frame allows multiple stations to perform simultaneous block acknowledgment in a single uplink transmission by including trigger information for resource allocation and sequence numbers, enabling stations to determine transmission modes and generate BA frames for acknowledgment, thus reducing channel access delays and network congestion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stations send BA frames sequentially in contention-based protocol, then channel access is maintained, but network congestion increases and data transmission rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple BA frame transmissions into a single simultaneous uplink transmission opportunity. Multiple stations receive a MU-BAR frame and transmit their respective BA frames at the same time using orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) resources, merging what were previously sequential transmissions into a parallel operation that eliminates waiting delays and reduces network congestion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension to block acknowledgment by using frequency-domain separation through OFDMA. Instead of stations taking turns in time (one-dimensional sequential access), the system allocates different frequency resources (resource units) to different stations, enabling simultaneous transmissions in the frequency domain while maintaining channel access control
2Ease of operation
If stations wait to access the channel for BA frames, then channel contention is managed, but latency increases and power usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The access point performs preliminary action by sending a MU-BAR frame that schedules and triggers simultaneous BA frame transmissions from multiple stations. This preliminary scheduling eliminates the need for stations to wait and contend for channel access, as the transmission opportunity is pre-coordinated and triggered by the AP's MU-BAR frame, reducing latency while maintaining controlled channel access
Solution Approach 2:
The MU-BAR frame acts as an intermediary that coordinates between the access point and multiple stations. The AP sends the MU-BAR frame containing trigger information and resource allocation details, which then enables stations to transmit BA frames simultaneously without direct contention with each other, mediating the channel access process and eliminating waiting delays
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple stations send BA frames one after another, then channel access is orderly, but airtime is consumed and network congestion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sequential BA frame transmissions into a single simultaneous transmission event. By using OFDMA to allocate different resource units to different stations, the system combines what were previously separate time-consuming transmissions into one coordinated uplink transmission, dramatically reducing airtime consumption while maintaining orderly access through AP-controlled resource allocation
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are system, method, and computer program product embodiments for performing multiuser block acknowledgement in a wireless communication protocol. Embodiments include receiving a control frame from an access point (AP). A transmission mode can be determined based on a trigger information field in the control frame. Further, a data frame to acknowledge can be determined based on a block acknowledgement request (BAR) field in the control frame. A block acknowledgment (BA) frame can be generated based on the data frame to acknowledge. The BA frame can then be transmitted to the AP based on the transmission mode, e.g., at the same time another BA frame is transmitted to the AP by another station.