Infrastructure-Aided NAN Resource Allocation in 802.11ax Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid infrastructure-WLAN and NAN networks are inefficient in data communication and resource management, failing to leverage the technologies provided by 802.11ax and other emerging wireless communication standards.
Innovation Solution
The method involves allocating radio sub-channels for NAN data transmission by an access point (AP) and transmitting beacons to inform NAN devices, enabling efficient resource allocation and communication through the use of Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) and resource units (RUs), which improves data communication and resource management in hybrid networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If NAN devices use infrastructure WLAN architecture with APs for device-to-device communication, then network coverage and connectivity are improved, but network efficiency and resource management deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wireless spectrum into different channels: a first channel for NAN control plane communication and a second channel for NAN data plane communication. This segmentation allows NAN devices to utilize infrastructure APs for data transmission while maintaining NAN control functions, thereby improving data communication efficiency without sacrificing network connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables NAN devices to perform multiple functions: they can communicate with each other directly via the second channel, route data through infrastructure APs via the first channel, and receive resource allocation information from APs. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by allowing NAN devices to leverage both direct peer-to-peer communication and infrastructure support where beneficial.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hybrid infrastructure-WLAN and NAN networks operate without standardized resource allocation, then network flexibility is maintained, but resource management efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where infrastructure APs transmit beacon frames containing resource allocation information to NAN devices. NAN devices use this feedback to efficiently allocate resources for data transmission, improving resource management efficiency while maintaining network flexibility through standardized protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent standardizes resource allocation by defining specific parameters including channel selection, transmission timing, and data rate modulation. These standardized parameter changes enable efficient resource management across hybrid networks while preserving adaptability through configurable resource units and allocation patterns.
3Ease of operation
If NAN devices transmit data without coordinated channel allocation, then communication simplicity is maintained, but channel collisions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having infrastructure APs transmit beacon frames in advance that contain pre-calculated resource allocation information. NAN devices receive these beacons and use the allocated resources for data transmission, which prevents channel collisions before they occur while maintaining simple operation through automated resource assignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces infrastructure APs as intermediaries that coordinate channel allocation between NAN devices. The APs receive resource allocation requests from NAN devices and grant appropriate channels in return for beacon frames, thereby mediating channel access to prevent collisions while keeping the communication process simple through standardized handshakes.
4Reliability
If full channel bandwidth is dedicated to NAN communication, then communication reliability is improved, but available spectrum for other traffic decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the full channel bandwidth into a first channel for NAN control plane and a second channel for NAN data plane. This segmentation allows reliable NAN communication on the control channel while preserving spectrum availability on the data channel for other traffic, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and spectrum quantity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allocating different quality levels to different channels: the first channel uses higher reliability characteristics for control plane communication, while the second channel provides sufficient reliability for data plane communication while being more spectrum-efficient. This localized optimization maintains overall reliability without dedicating full bandwidth to NAN traffic.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for routing data in a wireless communication network including a hybrid of infrastructure wireless local area network (WLAN) and neighbor awareness networking (NAN) are described. An access point (AP) allocates at least one radio sub-channel for NAN data transmission in the wireless communication network. A NAN beacon that identifies the allocated radio sub-channel is transmitted from the AP to a first NAN device. The first NAN device is configured to transmit a NAN network message to a second NAN device using the allocated radio sub-channel based on receiving the NAN beacon.