Non-contiguous Channel Allocation in 802.11ac Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication networks, particularly those adhering to the 802.11ac standard, face limitations in bandwidth utilization due to restrictions on using non-contiguous sub-channels within the operating band, leading to reduced available bandwidth and inefficient channel usage.
Innovation Solution
The method involves transmitting medium access requesting frames with a flag indicating support for transmission over non-contiguous sub-channels, allowing for the reservation and use of non-contiguous sub-channels within the operating band, thereby enhancing channel allocation and bandwidth utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If contiguous sub-channels are used within the operating band, then channel allocation is simplified and compatibility with existing standards is maintained, but available bandwidth is reduced and channel usage efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the operating band into multiple non-contiguous sub-channels that can be independently selected and combined. Instead of requiring contiguous channel allocation, the system divides the available spectrum into discrete sub-channel units that can be aggregated in flexible combinations, enabling both simplicity in management and optimality in bandwidth utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic channel allocation mechanisms that allow the selected sub-channels to change based on real-time network conditions. The system dynamically determines which sub-channels are available and assigns them to different stations, enabling adaptive bandwidth optimization rather than static contiguous channel allocation.
2Productivity
If non-contiguous sub-channels are allowed, then bandwidth utilization and data transmission rates are improved, but medium access control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the channel access control into discrete sub-channel units with individual status tracking, the patent simplifies the management of non-contiguous channels. Each sub-channel can be independently managed for availability and access rights, reducing the complexity compared to managing arbitrary non-contiguous channel combinations as a whole.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary channel status determination where the availability of each sub-channel is assessed before allocation. This preliminary action of determining which sub-channels are free allows the medium access control to proceed with simpler logic, selecting from pre-evaluated options rather than performing complex real-time analysis during the allocation process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a flag is added to medium access requesting frames to indicate non-contiguous channel support, then channel allocation flexibility is enhanced, but frame structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies existing frame parameters by adding a single flag bit to indicate non-contiguous channel support capability. This minimal parameter change enables enhanced functionality without significantly increasing frame structure complexity, as the flag serves as a simple binary indicator rather than a complex data structure.
Data Source
AI summary
802.11ac networks define an operating band made of an ordered series of 20 MHz channels and authorize a restricted number of possible composite channel configurations to be used for data transmission. A method of transmitting data between a source and a receiver in such a wireless network may comprise, at the source: sending, to the receiver, RTS fames to request reservation of a composite channel, the RTS frames including a flag signalling the source supports transmission over un-authorized composite channels, for instance over sub-channels not contiguous within the operating band; receiving, from the receiver in response to the RTS frames, CTS frames acknowledging reservation of un-authorized composite channel configuration, for instance of non-contiguous sub-channels; and then transmitting, to the receiver, data frames on the reserved sub-channels of the un-authorized configuration, for instance on the reserved non-contiguous sub-channels within the operating band.